Page 7 of Fall Fake-Out

“Good.” My eyes shift to Gina Stevenson. “I didn’t know Wade was the principal at the high school now.”

“This is his first year. Marty retired over the summer.” She tugs the fabric at Landrie’s waist tighter and pins it. “A few people made a fuss that Wade was too young to be principal. It was a whole ordeal, but in the end, it’s better to have someone local than a newcomer taking the job.”

“It was an ordeal.” My mom nods in solidarity then shifts her gaze to me. “So, did you get the teaching position? I don’t see how you couldn’t. You’re so good at your job.”

“Thanks.” I smile at my mom’s compliment, even though she has no proof that I’m a good teacher other than her mother’s pride in me. “And yes, I did get the job, but I’m not really sure how. Wade didn’t even interview me.”

“You didn’t need to interview.” Gina smiles, reminding me of all the times we hung out at their house in junior high and high school. “As soon as Wade saw that you applied, the position was yours.”

“Not much interest in the job, huh?”

“No, there was a lot, but Wade wanted you.”

Wade wanted you.

I’m part thrilled and part terrified by how thrilled I am to hear that.

I throw my car keys and phone onto my pile of laundry then walk over to the couch, but I stop when my mom gasps.

“Talk about an inappropriate slit! Oh, Ari, what happened to your skirt?”

“Um.” I swing my backside away from everyone, forgetting that I flashed several teenagers waiting in the front office. “It ripped.”

“No wonder Wade gave you the job.” Landrie’s brows waggle up and down.

“His mom is right there.” I gesture to Gina as if Landrie needs a reminder.

Gina waves me away. “Oh, it’s fine. I know who my son is. He’s the reason I have so many gray hairs.” She doesn’t. Her signature red hair is still fully intact. “I’ve given up hope that Wade will ever settle down, get married, and give me grandchildren. That boy is cute, but he doesn’t know how to commit to someone.”

Sounds like Wade is the same as he was back in high school.

“Don’t give up hope,” Landrie says. “All Wade needs is the right woman. Look at Jaxon and me. Nobody ever thought Jaxon Walker would settle down.”

Gina laughs. “Yes, those two boys have been breaking hearts since they were in kindergarten.”

“Wade’s a good boy. He’ll end up being just fine,” my mom offers. “And at least you have Ryan to give you grandchildren.”

“I didn’t know Ryan and Lily had kids,” I say as I drop to the couch.

“Mia. She’s almost four.” I can tell by Gina’s smile that Mia is her pride and joy. “And Lily’s pregnant with a baby boy due this spring.”

“I’m jealous.” My mom sighs as she sits down beside me. “I’d give anything to be a grandma.” I recognize the disappointed tone in her voice. I swear Barb Langford has been ready to be a grandma since the day I turned twenty-one. She looks at my sister, and that ridiculous smile appears again. “Now I actually have a chance with Landrie.”

Her words aren’t meant to be hurtful, but still, there’s a sting. I mean, my little sister is getting fitted for her wedding dress. I thought by now that would be me. And even though I know Andy wasn’t a good fit for me, the pang of wanting what Landrie has fills my entire chest.

I want the relationship. The engagement. The dress. The marriage. The house. The weekly menu planning. The folding laundry. The Friday night staying in. I wanted all of that so much that I almost ignored every red flag and married Andy. If he hadn’t called off our long engagement, I’d probably still be with him today, despite knowing he wasn’t right for me.

It’s not like being a wife and mother is my only dream. But at this point in my life, I’ve done a lot, and now I’m ready for a new dream. I just don’t have the relationship to match the dream.

My mom looks back at me with a mischievous gleam. “But just because Landrie is getting married, don’t think you’re off the hook. Finding you a husband is my top priority.”

“I thought this wedding was your top priority,” I say dryly.

“I can do both. I’ve been on a romance kick lately.”

My brows lift. “Really?”

“Oh, yes, she has,” Landrie answers for her, shaking her head at me as if we have a problem on our hands.