by Kimi Flores
“I’m going to head back to the house and see if there is anything I can help with. It was nice chatting with you, Caleb.” Abby couldn’t get away fast enough now. She knew her face was crimson and was well aware of how funny her quick walking probably looked.
“You too Abby.” She heard from behind her but didn’t dare look.
I wonder if he knows how hot he is Abby thought to herself. She couldn’t believe her reaction to him. A guy like this hadn’t affected her for, well actually never before.
As they sat at the large picnic tables eating and enjoying each other’s conversation, Grace interrupted. “Oh Abby, I just remembered that I can’t chaperone the field trip to the zoo this week. I completely forgot that I have a doctor’s appointment, and can’t reschedule it. I am so sorry.”
Abby was visually bothered but said, “It’s okay. I’ll see if I can get another parent to help.”
Grace took a glance at her son-in-law and asked, “Hey Caleb, can you step in for me? They are going to the zoo on Thursday.” She couldn’t hide her smirk.
“Funny, Robert just asked me last night if I would go golfing with him even though he knows I don’t like to golf.” Turning to Robert, Caleb asked, “You wouldn’t mind if I cancel would you?”
Robert looked away from Grace’s scowling face. “I have a feeling I’m supposed to say that I don’t mind.”
“Great, it’s settled then. Abby, do you mind giving Caleb all of the information he needs?”
Abby had a very strange feeling that she missed something but shrugged it off. “Sure. I’ll send the info home with Madison on Monday. Oh and don’t forget about Back to School night on Tuesday.”
“Wow you’ve got an extremely busy week ahead of you. When will you have time to relax?” Abby’s mom sighed while asking her question.
“When I get home from work every night, just like everyone else mom, and Saturday mornings, of course.” Abby knew her mom worried about her. She threw herself whole-heartedly into everything she did and didn’t always take time for herself. Abby didn’t appreciate her mom bringing this up in front of other people though.
Grace steered the conversation into a different direction. “So Abby, what do you have planned for the rest of this gorgeous weekend?”
“I promised my best friend that we would hit the movies tonight then the farmers market and a couple of antique shops tomorrow. Which reminds me, I should head out.” She got up, picked up plates, and then headed to the kitchen.
After saying her goodbyes, Grace followed her to the front door. “I would love to go antiquing with you sometime if you are up to it.” She wasn’t exactly inviting herself, but Abby extended an invitation for the next day anyway.
“Would you like to join us tomorrow? My mom never wants to go, and I’m sure Leah would love to meet you.”
“I don’t want to intrude, but that would be lovely, Darling.” Grace turned and called Caleb over then asked with another smirk, “Would you walk Abby out to her car? It’s already getting dark, plus I’d love for you to bring those boxes in from your car.”
“Sure.” Abby finally caught on to the match making the older woman was attempting to do, but Caleb, on the other hand, was just as clueless as could be.
They walked outside, and she pointed to her car. “That’s me. You don’t have to walk me to my car. I’m quite capable of doing it on my own.”
“Are you kidding? You don’t know Grace. I’ll walk you all the way, or I’ll never hear the end of it.” She was incredibly attracted to him, but he was her student’s dad, and she most certainly was not looking for anyone anytime soon. The fact that he was only doing this to appease his mother-in-law was somewhat humiliating.
She clicked her remote to unlock the car. Opening the door, Caleb motioned for her to get in. Looking up through her lashes, she thanked him before he closed the door. Abby turned the ignition. Of course, he walked over toward the Range Rover she had been drooling over earlier. He gave her another wave as she pulled away.
“So what are we going to see?” Leah asked while slumped on Abby’s forest green velvety comfy couch.
“I don’t know. I’m actually kind of tired and would rather stay in.” She eyed her friend from the other side of the couch as she tucked her feet under her behind.
“Weren’t you the one that was complaining last night about us becoming old ladies? Wait a minute; did you stay awake all night reading again?” Leah sat up a little bit and squinted her eyes suspiciously.
Abby reluctantly nodded her head up and down while getting more comfortable in the corner of her cozy couch. She grabbed a throw from the arm so she could wrap it around herself. “Then I went to the Westbrook’s house for a barbecue today.”
“Who?” Leah scrunched her face questioning her friend.
“My mom’s friends, Grace and Robert. You know the ones that have their granddaughter, Madison in my class.”
“Oh yeah, I remember you mentioning that.” Leah sat up even further to get a closer look at her best friend. “Hey, why are you all red?”
“What do you mean?” She snapped back, knowing there was a guilty look on her face. She couldn’t get rid of it before Leah noticed.
“As soon as you said Madison’s name, you started to blush. What’s that about?”
“I don’t know what you are talking about. Maybe I’m having a hot flash.”
“Abby you are twenty-five. You are not having a hot flash.”
“Anywaaayy...I invited Grace to go with us tomorrow. I hope you don’t mind; she’s a lot of fun.”
“I have a brilliant idea. Why don’t you have her go with you to the antique shops, and I’ll meet you at the farmers market later?” Leah asked with hope in her eyes.
“No, I want you to go with us. You always find something you like, so stop pretending that you hate going antiquing with me.” She whined and pouted.
“I don’t have to pretend. Those stores smell like mold, and I don’t care if it’s antique, vintage, or whatever. It doesn’t change the fact that it’s someone else’s old crap. I don’t get why you love it so much.”
“It’s a great way to recycle and reuse. Plus there are some fantastic finds in those stores.”
“Abby, I think you have repurposed enough of other people’s heirlooms.” She motioned around the room with her hands then specifically pointed to all of antique keys framed on the walls. “You don’t need to be the keeper of all ancient things.”
“Everything I own has a story.” She put her hands in front of her shaking them back and forth. “Okay back to tonight’s plan; I seriously just want to hang out here. I’ll cook.”
“You know I can’t resist when you say you are cooking, so it looks like an evening in for these aging women amongst the ancient crap.” She laughed when Abby threw a pillow from the couch directly at her head.
“Brat.”
“Look at this; isn’t it darling?” Grace picked up her third vase. Abby caught onto what she was doing. She’d obviously noticed this was not Leah’s favorite place to be. She was working on Leah’s love of flowers. Abby smiled to herself wondering why she’d never thought about it before. The older woman caught Abby’s eye and winked. Brilliant Grace. Absolutely brilliant.
She turned a corner and there sat the most beautiful ceramic jug she’d ever seen. It was pink with green and white trim, had a bronze spout toward the bottom of the container and the word ‘lemonade’ inscribed in green. Abby fell in love immediately. She sprinted to the shelf, ran her hands down the cool container, turned it up, down, and around. Yes, she sincerely loved this item. “That is a beautiful lemonade jar, Abby. You have excellent taste.” Grace said from behind her.
“I love this. It’s my favorite colors and everything.” She flipped it over one last time and saw the price tag. “Wow, that’s a hefty price.” She put it down, stepped back, and looked at it again from afar, pondering. How much did she genuinely love this jar? A lot. Could she spend that much on one item?
She didn’t think so. It was a ridiculous price.
“Why don’t you grab it?” Grace looked at her with curiosity.
“I think I’m going to pass.” She frowned. “I have a strict rule on sticking to a budget when I shop, and this jar costs more than I have budgeted for the entire day. It’s not a wise way to spend my money. I love it, but not enough to drop that kind of cash.” She turned to find Leah holding two more clay vases. “Are you ready to pay and leave? I’m hungry.”
“Sounds good to me. I can’t believe I’m walking out of an antique shop with four vases.” Leah scrunched up her face.
“They are pretty though. I’m glad you found something you like in here.” Abby smiled at her best friend. They paid and headed to the farmers market.
“What are you guys talking about?” Abby joined the ladies already sitting at the white plastic tables next to the food tents. It always amazed Abby that it took longer to prepare her meatless food than it did to prepare everyone else’s that contained some form of meat.
“Grace was just sharing some things about her son-in-law and granddaughter.” Leah looked at Grace as though they shared a secret. Abby wondered what that had been about but didn’t actually care because she was pleased they got along from the get go. Abby wished her mom was into this sort of stuff too, but she was too busy enjoying her husband and retired life. Abby wasn’t bitter; she just didn’t understand it. Her mom had married him right after Abby left for college, and seeing as he was only sixteen years older than she was, she couldn’t look at him as a father figure. That role strictly belonged to her real dad. Then again, he’d left the family for another woman when she was only nine years old.
“Well I for one love your granddaughter. She brightens my day every time I get to see her. You are truly a blessed woman.”
“That I am Abby. Caleb’s not so bad himself. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“Um, yes.” She hesitated. “He’s very nice. I’ve actually read a couple of his books too. He’s extremely talented.” She felt her skin flush again, and Leah gave her a knowing look, darn it.
“My friend here is a fanatical reader. She would rather read than sit here with you and me. Believe me.” Leah pointed to her from across the table. Good, that’s why she thought Abby was blushing. She’d take that.
Once they were done eating and threw their trash away, Grace asked, “Okay girls, so what are we on the hunt for today?”
“I want to make my tomato and green bean salad, spicy cucumber slaw and chocolate-filled raspberries, but I always get avocados, broccoli, spinach, and cauliflower too.” Abby shared her list before returning the question. “How about you guys?”
“I think I’ll be coming to your house to eat. That all sounds great. I assume you fill the raspberries with chocolate and refrigerate them?” Grace kept the conversation light.
“Yes and I use Ghirardelli, the best chocolate known to man.”
“That sounds divine, Abby.”
“It is, but she doesn’t always share.” Leah bumped her on the shoulder and winked.
“I share, but when you show up two days after I make them, and expect me to have some left, that’s your loss.”
“Well, I just went to Sprouts the other day and got a lot, so I think I only need stuff for salsa. The peaches should still be fresh so I may make one with them.” Leah shared her shopping list as she picked up a piece of fruit and sniffed. “Oh man this smells good.” She handed it over to Abby who also took a whiff.
“I will also get a couple of those.” Grace grabbed the fruit and placed a handful in a bag before paying for all of their produce.
“Wait, why are you paying?” Abby questioned.
“I want to thank you for letting me tag along with you girls.” She looked down. “I love spending time with Caleb. He’s like my son, but I miss spending this kind of time with young ladies like you two. Rene and I used to come here together when she was alive.” Abby’s heart fell, and her eyes filled with tears when she looked at Leah’s somber face. Grace’s daughter had died at such an early age. Abby couldn’t even imagine the pain Grace had endured.
“You are welcome, anytime you would like to join us. You can be our shopping den mom.” The look on Grace’s face made Abby’s eyes gloss over even more. She couldn’t bring herself to look at Leah now.
“You girls are so delightful. Thank you for welcoming me.” She sniffed. “Now before I start blubbering like a baby, let’s go find some of those raspberries.”
Abby didn’t particularly enjoy Back to School night and was extremely nervous. After working all day, she didn’t want to stand in front of a bunch of judgmental parents who wondered how she was going to help their ‘gifted’ kindergartener get into Harvard one day. It was a requirement, so she would have to push through the evening. Leah walked into her class holding up an all too familiar cup of coffee, “Thank Heaven for 7 Eleven.” She winked while handing the liquid gold to Abby.
“Have I told you that you are my best friend, and I’ll love you forever?” Abby offered up her cheesiest smile.
“Yes, but I wish you would say it even when I’m not handing you a cup of coffee.” Leah had her hands on her hips pretending to be bothered. “So what do you want me to do?”
“Just be here for moral support. You know how I get.” Yes, her best friend did know how anxious she got speaking to a large group of adults.
“Oh Honey, I will be here for you. I may have to get all ghetto and beat any of the snotty moms who look at you the wrong way though. I’ll hand you my earrings if it goes that far.” This was a joke they said quite often, so they both started laughing.
“I love you for protecting me too, not just for your coffee delivery service.” Abby pulled Leah into a hug.
The evening went on without Leah having to show her kickboxing skills. The number of parents that showed up pleasantly surprised Abby, and they seemed friendly for the most part. However, she did have what she called a “helicopter mom” that hovered over her, trying to make sure Abby was paying enough attention to her perfect child. Abby hoped this parent wouldn’t feel the need to volunteer too much in the classroom.
“Oh my gosh! Who is that?” Leah’s eyes bulged out of her head.
Abby didn’t even have to look up to know whom she was referring to. “Um, that’s Madison’s father, Caleb.”
Her friend turned to look at her and saw it again. “Abby, you are turning red. Grace mentioned something at the farmers market the other day, and wait a minute; he was at the barbecue too, wasn’t he? Oh my goodness, my friend. You are totally crushing on your student’s dad and didn’t even tell me.” Leah pulled Abby by both forearms until she was standing face to face with her.
“I am not.” Half-heartedly, she slapped Leah’s shoulder then pulled away.
“You so are! I can’t say that I blame you. It looks like the DNA of David Boreanaz and Dean Cane was somehow combined, and Caleb was the end result.”
“Yes! I got the David Boreanaz right away, but obviously a little Dean Cane too with maybe a sprinkle of Michael Schoeffling, but only the ‘16 Candles’ years.” They loved playing the DNA combination game.
He chose that moment to head over to them, grinning from ear to ear. “Look at that smile. Give me something to fan myself with because I’m gonna pass out.” Leah mumbled, grabbing a piece of paper and waving it back and forth in front of her face.
“Leah, you’re being too obvious.” Abby grunted.
“Hi Abby, how is your evening going?” Dang did he ever not look stunning? Her heart skipped, and her hands got sweaty, along with all the other things she’d read that happened to girls when super gorgeous guys approached them. Wait, was that actually perspiration starting to drip down the back of her neck?
“Pretty good. How is your evening so far?” She managed to get out. Leah cleared her throat. “Oh sorry, Caleb this is my best friend, Leah. Leah this is Robert and Grace’s son-in-law Caleb.”
“Oh, Madison’s dadd
y. Very nice to meet you, Caleb.” Abby gave a look that said, ‘I can’t believe you just let him know that I was talking about him’. Leah smiled cunningly.
“It’s nice to meet you too. Well, I’m going to let you get back to greeting other parents. Have a great evening and I’ll see you on Thursday.” He waved while turning to walk back to his party.
“See you then.” She was actually batting her eyelashes at him as he walked away. What the heck? You are making a fool of yourself again she thought while noticing how well he wore his jeans.
“Thursday huh?” Breaking Abby’s focus on Caleb’s jean clad behind, Leah moved in front of her with her arms crossed, lips pursed, hip popped, and leg cocked.
“It’s nothing like that. He is chaperoning the zoo field trip. Besides, you know I have a strict no dating my student’s father policy.” Abby walked away, straightening papers.
“Abby, you have a strict no dating anybody policy.”
After giving her friend a dirty look, she said, “I have parents to talk to.”
“Well, hello Dr. Gorgeous.” Leah looked over Abby’s shoulder. Abby turned around and saw Blaine Zuckerman in scrubs with his family.
“Oh no you don’t. That is Peter’s brother.” Abby held her index finger up waving it back and forth.
“I didn’t say I was going to do anything. I’m just enjoying the view. Wow, he is extremely good looking too.”
“I know, but he’s also a part of my painful past. It’s been hard having his nephew in my class. Did I tell you that one of them is going on the field trip on Thursday? Are they trying to torture me?” Leah looked at her with wide eyes as if she were trying to speak through them.
“Who is trying to torture you, Abs?” Crap! Peter and his brother were the only ones that had ever called her that.
