Page 26 of Hearts of Wealth

We made the quick dinner together, calling Paisley down when it was finished. When she reached for a bowl and dished up some salad, I gave Timothy a smile. He winked in response.

After dinner, we settled into the living room. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment. Paisley and Timothy were talking about her first day of first grade and how nervous she had been. It was Timothy that had taken her to school and was there to pick her up. It was clear they shared a special bond. I felt grateful to be a part of their lives. And to have played a small part in bringing them together.

“Do you know what you want to study?” I asked her.

She shrugged. “I’m not sure. I know it’s a small school, so I’m guessing it’s going to be limited.”

“Actually, it is a small school, but they have some really great programs,” I said. “They focus a lot on technical stuff because the fact is, not a lot of people around here can afford to go to college.”

“What kind of programs?” Timothy asked.

“When I was in school, there was a great arts program. I loved it. I’m not artistic, but it was important to help me hone my creativity skills for my work.”

“I love art.” Paisley nodded.

“I think you’ll love it,” I said, my voice filled with enthusiasm. “There are so many opportunities to explore your passions, and with it being a smaller school, it’s pretty easy to make friends.”

“I can’t wait!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with anticipation. “I can’t believe I’m actually excited to go to school.”

She turned to Timothy. “Dad, what did you study in school?”

I loved that she was calling him Dad again and not Timothy. It was a good sign things were going in the right direction.

“I studied business and management. Not the most exciting thing, but it’s suited me well.”

“I think I’d like to study art and business both,” Paisley said softly, worry creasing her forehead. “Is that possible?”

Timothy looked at me, his eyes filled with surprise and parental pride. “Anything is possible.”

“Absolutely.” I nodded in agreement, catching Paisley’s unsure gaze. “There’s no reason you can’t pursue both.

We talked a bit more with Paisley asking me questions about the school and teachers. Unfortunately, I hadn’t been in school for a while, but I knew some of the teachers were still there.

“I’m going to call Sarah,” Paisley said. “We were talking about going to the movies or something. Is that going to be okay?”

“We’ll figure it out when you tell me who’s going and what time,” Timothy said with an authoritative voice.

“Fine,” Paisley said and hopped up.

Timothy wrapped his arm around me. “You know, Regina might have been right.”

“About?” I asked.

“I’m not sure I’m ready to raise a teenage girl,” he said. “Am I fooling myself?”

“My dad raised a teenage girl,” I reminded him. “And Paisley is a good kid. I don’t think she’s going to give you a lot of trouble. You might have to deal with some of the typical drama, but that’s another great thing about living here...it’s pretty laid back. A lot of the people here have lived here for decades. People look out for one another.”

“I’m going to be leaning on you a lot,” he said.

“And I’m happy to be leaned on. I have to tread lightly, though. I don’t want Regina to get pissed I’m getting too close and yank her back.”

“Paisley is going to need you,” he said. “I need you. Regina can fuck off.”

I burst into laughter. “That’s so eloquent.”