Page 97 of Pretty Relentless

“Make sure you have all of your things,” I holler over the excitement of leaving school for the summer. “Enjoy your summer,” I add as they all start filing out of the classroom on their way to freedom.

I step out into the hallway and make sure everyone is where they need to be. The atmosphere is one of excitement and anticipation. Not that I blame them. I’m pretty excited myself. Not only to get a couple of months to enjoy my own summer.

And this year will be a little different, because I’ll have a visitor every day.

Speaking of visitors, I head back into my classroom to find Annabelle. “Do you have everything gathered up?” I ask, finding the now sixth grader waiting for me by my desk.

“Yep! But not yet.”

“No?” I ask with a chuckle, going to start gathering my own things. I won’t take too much with me, just my coffee mug and a few personal belongings. Everything else will be locked in the room until I start cleaning and organizing in August for the new school year.

“Nope. But I’ll be ready soon,” she informs me with a big grin on her face.

Well, I suppose I’ll wait a few more minutes until she’s ready to go. “Are you excited for junior high?”

“Yes and no. I’m eager to get a locker and switch classes, but I’m going to miss you.”

I flash her a quick grin. “You see me all the time,” I remind, considering I’m dating her dad.

“Yeah, but not during the school day. We won’t be in the same school anymore,” she replies, the sadness evident.

“I know, but you’re going to love junior high, I promise. Plus, we get weekends together.”

A wide grin spreads across her face. “That’s true. By the way, I was thinking, maybe we can do aGhostbustersmarathon on Saturday.”

“I think that’s a great idea,” I reply, pulling out my keys and preparing to lock my room. “Are you ready now?” I ask when there’s nothing left but to shut off the lights.

“We’re ready.”

Startled, I glance toward the familiar voice and find Gavin standing in the doorway, holding a bouquet of red roses and lilies. My heart starts to pound as a smile takes over my entire face. “What are you doing here?” I ask, heading his way.

“Brought flowers to my favorite ladies on their last day of school.” I notice he’s holding two bouquets, one a smaller version of the larger. “These are for you,” he states, handing over the large vase and placing a chaste kiss on my lips. “Hi.”

“Hi,” I reply, taking the flowers. “These are beautiful and a wonderful surprise.”

“You’re welcome,” he says. “Give me one minute.”

Then, he turns his attention to his daughter and starts to hand her the small bouquet. “To my most favorite girl in the world,” he informs her as he hands them over.

Annabelle giggles.

“Do you remember what flowers represent?” he asks, crouching down and gazing up at her.

She nods. “They mean you care.”

“That’s right.”

Annabelle leans forward and whispers, “But I thought you were just bringing them for Miss Rutledge.”

He winks and gives her a smile. “Well, I care about two ladies, and they both deserved flowers on their last day of school.”

Annabelle giggles. “Can I ask her now?”

What is she talking about?

“You sure can.”

And when they both turn to face me, I can tell by the matching determined looks in their eyes, things are about to change.

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