Page 35 of Child of Mine

“Please call me Carol,” she says gently.

“Carol,” they say with a little bit less enthusiasm.

When all three pairs of eyes track to me, I make myself smile and say, “Yes, ma’am, Carol.”

It’s gonna be a long week.

* * *

BELLA

After we unload the bus—which apparently involved some sort of kerfuffle that I missed because I’d taken two girls as desperate as I was after the long journey to the restroom—we get a tour of the retreat center. I do my best to pay attention, but half my brain is still back in Boston with my baby. This week will be the longest chunk of time I’ve ever been away from Lilah. I know she’ll be fine with my mom, but I feel like I’m missing a vital organ. On top of that, I feel guilty. I’m technically working, but this place looks like heaven and the list of activities promises fun, making it feel like a vacation.

At the end of the tour, we get our cabin assignments. I get one all to myself because Carol’s husband will be joining her over the weekend and Laura and Keeley both want to stay with theBoomgirls. Tim will do the same with the boys and James and Henry will take the other double cabin, which leaves me with the tiny little cabin closest to the bathrooms. Not wanting to isolate myself completely, I toss my bag on my bed and then join the younger girls to see if they need anything.

What I find in the cabin is the kind of drama we definitely don’t want on the show: a roomful of girls in tears.

“Hey, hey,” I murmur after closing the door behind me. “What’s going on?”

“I’m scared,” whimpers the tiniest one. I think her name is Tara.

“Me too,” another chimes in.

When I catch Laura’s eye, she whispers, “Henry yelled at some boys.”

Blowing out a frustrated breath, I dig for patience.

I guess he wasn’t kidding when he said he wasn’t good with kids,Quinn says.Good thing you’re keeping Lilah away from him.

That’s not the plan,Izzy hisses.She’s just waiting for the right moment.

Crouching next to Tara, I ask, “Are you upset because the boys got yelled at?”

“Uh-huh,” she sniffles.

“Okay. Come on.” I park my butt on the floor and wave my hands to get them to join me. “Let’s talk it out.”

It takes twenty minutes of hearing everyone’s version of the story, but we eventually get them calmed down. I’m guessing their feelings are exacerbated by being away from home, by being with strangers, and by the anticipation of having to perform for the camera, but I don’t get into all that. “Listen, I’ve been where you are. Did you know I was on the very first season ofBoom?”

Jaws drop and emotions shift quickly.

“You were?”

“How long ago was that?”

“Was it fun?”

After fielding all their questions, including how very old I am, I think I’ve successfully redirected. However, I do want to make one last point before we head out to get to know the rest of the crew and get used to the cameras.

“We’re all nervous because we all want the show to be a success—grown-ups and kids. But when it comes down to it, the most important thing is that we work together. Because then whatever we create will be a success. Does that make sense?”

Keeley adds, “Don’t be afraid to ask questions or add your own ideas.”

Most of the girls look dubious, so I try another tactic. “You know what? Sometimes the best way to get through your own fear is to help someone else get through theirs. Even if that person is physically bigger than you, they might be just as afraid as you—of failing, of looking silly, of getting their feelings hurt. If we keep that in mind, we’ll build the best team ever.”

Laura jumps up and puts a hand in the center of the circle, chanting, “Boom, boom, boom…”

Seconds later, we’re all on our feet shouting, “Boom! Boom! Boom!”

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