Page 30 of Defending A Promise
“Do you want one to carry with you?”
“Are you kidding? Four. Year. Old.” She sounds out like I’m an idiot and she’s right. I’m an idiot.
“Sorry. Good point. Speaking of which, let’s go get him. I’ll drive. I’ve missed my truck.”
She tosses me the keys. “I’m starting to like driving it. People get out of your way.”
I laugh as we climb in, “I’m taking it back when this is all over, but we can get you one if you want.”
What the hell am I doing? I’m in deep here.
Chapter 13
Riley
As Declan goes to talk to the police officer that is sitting in the parking lot of Little Tykes School, I go inside to get my son.
“Hi Miss Rachel. Is Nicholas ready to go?” I say to the director of the school as I walk in.
“He sure is. He’s such a delight, Riley. We really enjoy having him here. Well rounded.”
That’s got my interest. “What do you mean?”
She smiles warmly at me, “We had a new student start today, very shy, but Nicholas walked right up to him and made sure to include him in their play and then sat next to him at snack time. He’s a special little boy.”
My heart almost explodes hearing about my son being a good human being. “Thank you. I think so, too.”
“I’ll go get him.”
“Wait. Before you go. I’d like to add someone to the approved list to pick up Nicholas. Declan Hayes.”
“Okay. Let me get your file so we can add him.” Miss Rachel turns to a file cabinet and shuffles through it until she finds the one she’s looking for. “Here we go. Just fill out the last page.”
I take it and open it to the last page when I think about this morning’s incident with the receptionist. “One more thing. There was a blonde receptionist here this morning.”
“Yes. Crystal.”
I nod, “Yes, well, she seemed… how do I put this?” Miss Rachel waits for me to finish. “Jumpy? Maybe that’s the word. Jumpy or twitchy. Is everything okay with her?”
Miss Rachel smirks. “Today was her first day and I don’t think she was prepared for the amount of noise forty-five kids can make. She said as much just before she left for the day. She mentioned that her nerves were shot.” She laughs. “I was the same way my first week. It takes some getting used to. She’s fine but thank you for asking. It’s great to have alert parents. You’d be surprised how many just don’t notice those types of things. I’m sure she’ll be fine in a few days once she gets the hang of it all.”
I sigh in relief, “That’s probably it. I’m not too sure I could handle that many kids screaming and playing either. Thanks. I’ll just finish filling this out.”
“Great and I’ll go get Nicholas. I’ll be right back.”
“Hi, Mommy.” He runs up to me and hugs my leg as I finish adding Declan to the approved list of people that can pick up Nicholas from daycare.
“Hi, buddy. Did you have a good day at school?”
“Yep.” He turns to Miss Rachel and waves at her. “Bye.”
“Bye, Nickels. See you tomorrow.” She waves back at him as we walk out the door and meet Declan at his truck.
I get Nicholas all settled in his car seat and then climb into the passenger side of the monster truck. “What do you want for dinner, Nickels?”
“Hot dogs.”
“Hot dogs sound great. How about tater tots with them?” Declan asks as he maneuvers us through the evening traffic on our way back home.
