Page 46 of The Love Syllabus

So much for ending my night on a high note, a sweet come down into a peaceful sleep. Oh well, there will be plenty more wine-filled nights ahead. And maybe, just maybe, one day soon, I’ll find out exactly what Vic meant bytaking care of me.

Chapter 12

Googly Eyes – Vic

I’m sitting in my office, casually dressed in an open-collar shirt and jeans, a much different vibe than most know me to give, but I find myself uncharacteristically at ease. Lately, I’ve felt lighter, and my actions have seemed to reflect that as well. Even now, I should be tackling the mound of paperwork on my desk, but instead, I’m doing what I’ve done every morning at 7:00 a.m. for the past two months—starting my day off by listening to the sweet sounds that steady my tense mood and calm my clouded mind.

“Good morning, Mr. Grimes,” Kerry cheerfully greets me through my kitchen camera.

Every morning. Every afternoon. Every evening. I find myself the happiest I’ve been in years because of three people—Ari, Syd, and Kerry Kind.

“Morning, Ms. Kind. Are the girls up yet?” I ask playfully, fully aware of the answer.

“You know good and well they’re not!” Kerry laughs back. “You left work early yesterday, then came home and got them all jacked up on cotton candy! You’ve been breaking all the rules lately. What’s happened to you, Mr. Grimes?”

Shehappened. Kerry’s unexpected emergence in my life gentled the hardened parts of my soul.

“Your recklessness is rubbing off on me.” I playfully remark.

“Oh really? Is it my recklessness or my infectious joy? Because I bet you’re smiling right now.” She laughs.

And she’s right. Smiling is all I’ve been doing lately, much to my own surprise.

“So…” Switching gears, she tones down the cheerfulness. “Today’s the big day. Are you ready?”

“For you to officially be my woman in public? No, of course, I’m not ready.” I admit, as grim as ever.

Kerry laughs softly, “Oh my gosh, I wish I could see your face right now. Everything’s gonna be okay. This will be great for your image, but most importantly, the girls will be so happy to get out and have some fun. So, please don’t be late.”

“I won’t be,” I assure her. “Just make sure Syd takes it easy on her arm this morning. No more dance-offs for a while.”

She beams through the camera with a smile as bright as the morning sun. “Syd’s just as competitive as you, so tell that to yourself! She has to wear her arm compression sleeve all day because y’all arebothso dang on stubborn. But don’t worry, I’m turning that sleeve into a fashion statement with some glitter and butterfly patches to match her braids. We had a blast last night, though.”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “You gotta send me pics.”

“Of course,” She replies with a playful grin. “Need anything from me?”

She asks like there’s more I could possibly want beyond her being here, which makes me hesitate for a second.

“Well,” I start, clearing my throat, “are we still on for our evening drink? Your glass of wine?”

“And your shot of whiskey?” she adds with a soft laugh, her voice dipping into that flirtatious charm that always sneaks up on me. “I look forward to our talks.”

“Me too,” I admit, my tone quieter than I intended, but I shake it off quickly. “Now, stop distracting me. I need to at least pretend I’m working. Call me when the girls wake up?”

“Always.” She chuckles as she turns away from the camera with her perfectly curved figure momentarily catching my eye before I forcibly drag my gaze away to refocus.

Just as I’m about to dive into the work I’ve been neglecting, Hudson’s voice slices through the quiet of my office. “Lusting over the hot nanny, I see.”

I roll my eyes, leaning back in my chair. “Kerry and I agreed to amend her title. She’s not my nanny. She’s the girls’ homeschool teacher.” I clarify, trying not to sound defensive but utterly failing.

Mom’s here too, joining in on Hudson’s foolishness with an amused smirk playing on her lips. “Kerry sure doesa lotfor a teacher. She’s even got you dressing down now, huh? Who are you, and what hasshedone with my son?”

Their teasing grates on my nerves, but I can’t help but laugh. “Ha, ha, ha, very funny. I was up late last night playingDance Dance Revolutionwith Syd then Ari kicked my butt in a midnight game of soccer.”

I learned a few things about myself hanging out with my girls last night. First, I can’t see in the dark. Secondly, my nine year old may be a future soccer champion. And third, despite my perfect body, I’m completely out of shape. I couldn’t move this morning. I literally rolled out of bed!

Hudson and Mom exchange knowing looks, both of them smiling like they’re in on some joke I missed.

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