Page 77 of Summer Kisses

I wanted them to focus on completing their homework. The program was supposed to make things easier for parents. We'd offer a snack, help them with their homework, and then give them leisure activities before their parents picked them up.

The kids were excited to be here. A few talked about how it was so much better than the daycare program at school where no one assisted them with their work.

I didn't know what would happen if we had to shut it down.

I'd have to have the difficult discussion with the board over finding new funding for the program. But today, I needed to ensure that it ran smoothly.

When my stomach started to rumble, a text came through from Brady.

Brady: I heard from the video-streaming platform. They granted my family designation.

Hazel: Congrats! That's what you wanted.

My stomach dropped because there was no longer a reason to pretend to be engaged. The channel thought we were engaged and would be married. No one needed to know it wasn't true. If the truth ever came out, it would be too late to change anything. We'd done a ton of shows while I lived with him, and he could replay them for however long was necessary.

This is what he wanted. There was no longer a need for me to be involved, and I didn't want Brady's parents to be upset with me. We'd break up, and things would go back to normal.

I'd move back into my lonely apartment and focus on work. My life would be so much emptier without Brady. But this was always the plan, and losing him was the risk I took. I hadn't wanted to think about it. I had needed to get lost in the fantasy of him being my future. But that was a mistake.

I couldn't regret my choices because I'd enjoyed the last few weeks. It had been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I'd always remember Brady fondly. But I didn't fit into his life. Even if it felt good while I was there.

Our time was coming to an end, and I'd have to get used to the feeling of loss. It wouldn't go away for a long time.

I went from station to station, helping kids with homework, suggesting a game to play, and navigating a dispute over apuzzle. I felt good about the program by the time parents arrived for pickup.

The parents seemed pleased and thanked me for everything I was doing. It felt good to be part of something like this.

When the last child was gone, I cleaned up the children's section and, when I couldn't delay any further, headed home.

When I walked into the kitchen, there was a note on the counter from Brady about going to see a house to buy with Cooper and Dalton. I tried to ignore the disappointment, heated up leftovers, and ate in front of the TV. When Brady still hadn't arrived, I took Max for a walk by myself. I'd have to get used to this.

Long days at work, lonely evenings, and me and Max. Everything would go back to the way it was before.

When Brady wasn't home before bedtime, I crawled into the guest bed and pulled the covers over my head. I'd need to talk to Brady about moving home. Soon Dalton might need this bed, and it didn't make sense for me to stay here when Brady wasn't even home.

Maybe I should pack some things and move home tomorrow. That felt better than staying here when Brady couldn't bear to come home. He was avoiding me. He was giving me the space to leave. He just couldn't have that conversation. It was too hard.

I should make it easier for him by leaving. Our goals for our arrangement were met, and it was time for us to move on. The quicker the better.

I forced myself to get out of bed and pack my clothes in the suitcase.

The next morning, I got up early, noticing that the master bedroom door was closed. Brady had come home at some point last night.

I lugged my things to the front door, grabbed a breakfast to go, and left as quietly as I could. I felt badly, not talking toBrady about the situation, but he hadn't been home. And it was awkward living here when I wasn't wanted.

I hadn't talked to Brady since his conversation with his father. I didn't know where his head was at, but I had to protect myself.

I wasn't sure I could handle him telling me to move out. It was better that I did it on my own.

I dropped my things off at my apartment. Max whined when I opened the door. It was musty because no one had been living there for weeks. But I didn't have time to open windows or air anything out before work.

At the library, the pages stopped by to congratulate me on the success of the aftercare program. A few of the librarians took advantage of the program so that they could have their kids close while they worked. The program was good for everyone.

I worried that more kids would want to come than we had room for. It was a good problem to have, but funding was an issue.

Sandy stopped by late morning. "I heard the program was a success."

I looked up from my computer. "It seemed to be."

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