Page 34 of Dreaming Without Heartache

“The girls won’t be staying the night with you, Judy. However, I will allow you to take them to dinner, or out shopping.”

Judy scoffs. “You won’t allow them to stay overnight? I have as much right to them as you do, Allie. Maybe you need reminding of that little fact.”

“No,” I say evenly. “You don’t. I’m their legal guardian.”

“You better watch your step. I’ll play nice as long as you do.”

I laugh sarcastically. “You, nice? Now that’s a good one. I’ll tell the girls to call you so you can plan a day out together.”

“How dare you—” Judy starts, but I cut her off with the click of a button. And it feels pretty damn good.

I sit a little straighter in my seat now. I needed to get that off my chest. I didn’t get to say everything I wanted to, but I think I handled it appropriately for my girls. I love the sound of that. My girls. Plus, I don’t like to be threatened. Especially by entitled people like Judy.

* * *

Danny has called me on and off for the last couple of hours to go over what is needed at the Pearson house. It’s been a total headache. I’d like to go home, pour myself a whiskey, and forget this day. But that’ll have to wait until I get the girls from school.

Steven didn’t come back to the office. I waited, but he never showed up. All I got was a text saying he’d drop by the house later. Clearly, he’s in lust at the moment and that takes precedence to business. Luke’s playing hard to get, and it’s driving Steven crazy. He’s never had to work so hard for a guy. His looks and charm usually win over everyone. He’s met his match with Luke.

The pickup line is becoming easier to navigate. The key is to get here early. I park in front of the school, being one of the first cars to arrive. I’m starting to finally get the hang of this parenting thing. Well, for school pickup, at least.

Pulling out my phone, I cycle through my emails. One less thing to do later. I disregard anything that doesn’t need immediate attention. As I’m reading through the home inspection report for Lorrie’s house, I hear the bell ring.

Maisie’s one of the first kids out. Her face lights up when she sees me. She waves bye to one of her friends before hopping into the front seat. She tosses her backpack under her feet and buckles up.

“How was your day?” I ask, pulling out from the school.

“It was good. We got to watch a movie before we left. Guess which one?”

“Umm…” I look over at her. “Frozen?”

“No!” She giggles, knowing we’ve seen that movie so many times that I could actually quote parts of it. “Because of Winn-Dixie!”

“Oh!” I say, not expecting that. “Did you like it?”

“I loved it!” she says, excitedly.

“I’m so glad, honey.” I turn into the high school line.

Maisie’s enthusiasm fades a bit. “I just wish Mom and Dad were here to watch it with me.”

I reach over and take her little hand in mine. “Me too, baby. Me, too.”

Maisie looks at me, a smile starting to form again. “Sometimes I feel them,” she says. “Maybe they did watch it with me. Think they could have?”

“Oh, absolutely,” I say, feeling a lump in my throat. I swallow it down. “I know they’re both watching over you and Kara every minute of every day. They love you so much, baby girl.” Maisie leans her face against my arm as a smile touches her lips.

The high school line is never busy. Most of the kids drive at this point. Just shy of fifteen, Kara is close to getting her permit. I begin looking for her before parking next to the lawn where all the kids hang out after school. She isn’t anywhere to be seen.

“Do you see your sister?” I ask Maisie. She sits up, scanning the area for Kara.

“Maybe she’s still inside or forgot something.” Maisie’s hopefulness is sweet, but I have a bad feeling.

“Maybe.” I dial Kara’s cell phone before remembering I took it from her. “Shit,” I say, drawing Maisie’s attention. “Let’s hang out here for a couple of minutes, see if she comes out.”

“I’ll help watch for her.” Maisie pulls her feet up in the seat and turns to face the side window.

It’s odd that Kara isn’t waiting for us like normal. The high school gets out about five minutes before the elementary school, but Annie would pick up Maisie first to give Kara time to socialize with her friends. That’s why I’ve been doing it this way. Both the girls told me to do it this way as well.