AllFreeNovel
Share Us
One
Natalie
“You’re not fooling anyone, you know.”
Jess’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts as she set a steaming mug of coffee in front of me. I blinked, then raised an eyebrow at her, feigning ignorance.
“Excuse me?” I asked, wrapping my hands around the mug, letting the warmth seep into my cold fingers.
“You’re doing that thing again,” she said, sliding into the seat across from me. Her kitchen was cozy, the kind of place that made you feel instantly at home. The scent of fresh coffee and oddly familiar—oatmeal and cinnamon, maybe—filled the air. “You know, where you pretend everything’s just fine, but really you’re overthinking your entire life.”
“I am not,” I protested, but the weak defense made Jess snort into her own mug.
“Right. And I’m the Queen of England.”
I couldn’t help but smile. “Your Majesty, you really shouldn’t talk to your subjects that way.”
She grinned, but her eyes reflected concern. Jess had always been the kind of friend who could see right through me. With her shoulder-length hair, bright blue eyes, and a warmth that radiated from her like sunshine, she was the picture of effortless beauty. Even now, in a simple T-shirt and jeans, she looked like she’d stepped out of a magazine. But it wasn’t just her looks; it was her heart. She cared deeply about everyone in her life, and I was no exception.
“Seriously, Nat, you need to loosen up a bit. When’s the last time you went on a date?”
I took a long sip of coffee, hoping it would buy me some time. Unfortunately, Jess had the patience of a saint when it came to my evasions. “I’m busy,” I finally said, which wasn’t even a good excuse, but it was true.
Jess sighed, shaking her head. “Busy avoiding anything that remotely looks like a relationship, maybe.”
“It’s not like that,” I muttered, though it was exactly like that. After my relationship with Jason imploded spectacularly, I’d thrown myself into my work at the preschool. It was easier to focus on other people’s kids than to think about the mess I’d made of my own love life.
Jess, being Jess, wasn’t about to let it go. “You deserve to be happy, Natalie. You’re amazing. Anyone would be lucky to have you.”
I gave her a rueful smile. “I know. But right now, I’m happy focusing on my students. They’re a lot less complicated than men.”
Jess rolled her eyes but didn’t push further. She knew when to pick her battles. “Well, speaking of the kiddos, are you ready for today’s field trip?”
“More than ready,” I said, grateful for the change of topic. “The kids are so excited. I just pray they don’t get too wild at the ice cream shop.”
“Please,” Jess said, dismissively waving a hand. “You’ve got this down to a science. Besides, I’ll be there to help corral the little monsters.”
I laughed. “Your son included?”
“Especially Jude,” Jess said with a mock-serious nod. “He’s been bouncing off the walls since you mentioned the field trip as a reward for good behavior.”
As if on cue, Jude came barreling into the kitchen, his eyes wide with excitement. He was a mini version of Jess, with the same bright blue eyes and unruly curls that refused to be tamed. “Mom, are we going yet?”
Jess ruffled his hair, her smile softening. “We’re almost ready, bud. Just finish getting your things, and we’ll head out soon.”
Jude let out a dramatic sigh, clearly not satisfied with the timeline but willing to comply. He darted back out of the kitchen, leaving a trail of energy in his wake.
We chatted more about the day ahead, the easy rhythm of our conversation like second nature. Jess knew me better than anyone, and even when she pushed, it was out of love. I couldn’t imagine starting my day any other way.
“Jude’s already asked me twice when we are leaving,” Jess said, shaking her head with an amused smile. “I swear, the boy’s more excited about this field trip than Christmas morning.”
I grinned, imagining the kids’ eager faces. “I’m glad. They have been talking about this trip for weeks. I think the idea of endless ice cream is just too good to resist.”
Jess leaned back in her chair, her expression softening. “You know, Nat, you’re really amazing with those children. They absolutely adore you.”
I felt a warm flush of pride. “They make it easy. I love seeing how excited they get over the little things. It’s one of the best parts of my job.”
“It shows,” Jess said, her tone serious now. “You put so much into Bright Horizons. The children and their parents are lucky to have you.”
