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I feel my cheeks flush, caught off guard by his playful remark. Before I can stammer out a response, Penelope and Zola dash past us, giggling as they head for the living room.
"Girls, be careful!" I call after them, grateful for the momentary distraction.
As their laughter fades into the background, Rendal leans in closer, his eyes softening. "Hey," he says gently. "Everything okay?"
I take a deep breath, feeling suddenly vulnerable. "Yeah, I just... I wanted to thank you for this. For coming over, cooking dinner. It means a lot."
Rendal's expression turns serious. "Chloe, I meant what I said before. I'm not giving up on us. What we have... it's special. I'm willing to fight for it."
His words send a flutter through my chest, but I can't help noticing the red splotches decorating his work shirt. A smile tugs at my lips. "It's hard to take you seriously when you're covered in pasta sauce, you know."
Rendal glances down at his shirt, then back at me with a mock-offended look. "Excuse me, but I'll have you know this is the latest fashion trend. Pasta chic, they call it."
I burst out laughing, the tension from earlier melting away. "Oh really? And who exactly is 'they'?"
"You know, the fashion gurus. The pasta-razzo," he says with a wink.
"That was terrible," I say, shaking my head, but I'm still grinning.
"You love it," he teases, taking a step closer. "Admit it, my dad jokes are top-tier."
I roll my eyes playfully. "Keep dreaming, sauce boy."
"I don't have to," he replies. "This is reality, honey."
Indeed, it is. A reality I don't want to lose. I'm not sure I can imagine a life without Rendal and Zola anymore.
CHAPTER 11
Chloe
"Mommy, when are we going to go home?" Penelope asks, clutching onto her lunch pail and backpack. Her big hazel eyes look up at me imploringly, and I feel a pang of guilt.
I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose. The day has been long, and I can feel a headache coming on. "In a second, honey. I'm just finishing up tomorrow's lesson plan. Is that alright?" I try to keep my voice gentle, even though I'm exhausted.
"I guess so, Mommy," she replies, her little voice tinged with disappointment.
Penelope sits on the ground, shoulders slumped, while I sit at my desk. I watch her out of the corner of my eye as she fidgets with the zipper on her backpack. The clock on the wall ticks loudly, reminding me of how late it's getting. I know I should wrap things up, but there's still so much to do. Being a single mom and a teacher is a constant juggling act, and sometimes I feel like I'm dropping all the balls.
I rub my temples, trying to focus on the lesson plan in front of me. The words swim on the page, and I can feel a headachecoming on. Penelope's been so patient, but I know she's getting antsy.
"Just a few more minutes, sweetie," I promise, though I'm not sure I believe it myself.
The sound of footsteps in the hallway catches my attention. I look up to see Rendal's towering figure in the doorway, Zola peeking out from behind his legs.
"Knock knock," he says with a warm smile. "Thought you could use a pick-me-up."
He steps into the classroom, holding out a steaming cup of coffee and a paper bag that smells heavenly. My stomach growls, reminding me I skipped lunch.
"Oh, Rendal, you're a lifesaver," I say, gratefully accepting the offerings. I take a sip of the coffee and sigh contentedly. "How did you know?"
He shrugs, his blue eyes twinkling. "Just had a feeling. Rough day?"
I nod, gesturing to the papers strewn across my desk. "Lesson planning is kicking my butt. I promised Penny we'd leave soon, but..."
Rendal's gaze sweeps over the mess on my desk, then to Penelope sitting dejectedly on the floor. His expression softens.
"Hey, why don't I take the girls out for lunch?" he suggests. "Give you some time to finish up here without worrying about them."
