Page 52 of Best of Me

They’re so excited over the potential of having the inside scoop on my love life that it takes me clapping out numbers four times to get their attention. “Children. If you can hear me, clap three times.”

They clap back, but Tatum speaks out. “Please just tell us who they’re from? Please?”

This kid is relentlessly cute; it’s a wonder her parents can ever tell her no with her big, puppy dog eyes. “They’re from my friend. He’s a police officer.”

Tatum smirks and turns to the girl next to her. “Told you. Mr. Duke’s a cop with my uncle Nate.”

I field a few more questions from my more persistent children, resigned to finishing our story after lunch.

The rest of the school day runs smoothly with no hiccups and when I get home, I’m ready to stuff my face and veg out on the couch. Only before I can do that, I need to thank Duke for my lovely succulents. They look right at home on my coffee table.

Me: Thank you.

Duke: You’re welcome. What are you up to?

I’m not sure I’m ready to casually chat with him, but his question seems harmless enough.

Me: Trying to figure out dinner. You?

Duke: Same. I’m thinking Chinese.

Me: Omg. I could get down on some lo mein.

Duke goes silent again after that, but I’m too absorbed in my show to really notice. He’s got me on a huge true crime kick andMurder Mountainis freaking fascinating. I’m binging happily when a knock sounds at my door. I pause my show and pad over to the door, checking the peephole.

There on the other side of the door is a gangly kid sporting a hat with the logo of a local food-delivery company.What the…?I open the door and say, “I didn’t place an order.”

“I’ve got an order of chicken lo mein and two eggrolls for a Mallory Parsons. Is that you?”

That sneaking sneak. He sent dinner over—innocent conversation, my ass.

“Oh, um, yes, that’s me. Thanks.” The kid passes me my food. “Oh! Let me grab some cash to tip you.”

He holds his hands up in front of him. “It’s already been taken care of. You have a nice night.”

Here I am for the second time in one day texting Duke to say thanks.

Me: You trickster. Thank you though. I was going to settle for a T.V. dinner.

Duke: That would have succed. Heh.

Me: Yeah, yeah. You’re cute and clever.

Duke: Oh, so you think I’m cute? Tell me more…

Me: Goodnight, Duke.

Duke: Goodnight? It’s not even six.

Me: Goodnight.

I could easily keep texting him, but with every gesture and every message, I can feel my heart thawing toward him. And while I meant it when I said I forgave him, I’m not quite sure I’m ready for anything more…yet.

chapter thirty-one

Mallory

On Tuesday, my morning starts with a breakfast delivery—eggs, bacon, and toast; the Duke special. During naptime, he has a coffee sent to my classroom from Oh, Sugar. And for dinner, he has the most amazing steak ever delivered from Bayside Café. I’m two bites in when my phone rings with his name popping up on the screen.

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