Page 96 of The Perfect Distraction

“You’re welcome anytime,” Joe said congenially.

“Don’t forget to take your cake home,” Judy said.

“Wait. Can I have a slice to go?” Mason asked.

“Sure. I’ll tell Brooke how much you liked it,” Beth said as she cut him another slice and placed it on a paper plate.

“Bye, Grandma. Bye, Grandpa,” Joey said, giving them each a hug.

“Hey. What about Uncle Mason?”

“Bye, Uncle Mason,” Joey said, giving him an enthusiastic high five.

Clutching her cake pan in one hand, Beth gave them a final wave before she followed Colton and Joey to the car. They were all quiet on the drive home. Joey was deeply engaged with his tablet, Colton was concentrating on driving, and Beth was gazing out the window at the passing scenery. If she and Colton had been alone, she’d have asked him how he thought it’d gone, but with Joey there, it would have to wait.

If the day hadn’t already been stressful enough, when Colton’s house came into sight, there was Gretchen leaning against her car and looking impatient.

Just great! She figured she’d have to meet Gretchen eventually, but why today? Why now?

“She’s early,” Colton said.

Gretchen watched closely as he pulled into Beth’s driveway and all three of them got out.

“We should introduce Mom to Miss Beth,” Joey said.

“It’s just Beth, sweetie.” She’d been reminding him for the past few weeks, but it hadn’t stuck. For some reason, she didn’t want him calling her Miss Beth in front of Gretchen. She didn’t want to be thought of as just his tutor anymore.

But seeing the look of pure innocence and openness on his sweet face, she decided it was all worth it. She’d endure another uncomfortable dinner with Judy and meeting Gretchen all in the same day for this kid, and for Colton too.

“Sorry about this,” Colton muttered as they walked across the driveway.

But this time he didn’t grab her hand, and she really could have used it. Coming face to face with his ex was harder than she’d thought it would be. Up close, Gretchen was even prettier than in her picture even though she wasn’t smiling. At least she wasn’t scowling either.

“Mom, this is Beth, the lady I told you about.”

“Hi. I’m Gretchen,” she said, giving Beth a slight nod instead of extending her hand.

“Hi,” Beth replied with a forced smile.

“I didn’t think you’d be here for another twenty minutes,” Colton said.

“I should have called. I thought you’d be home.”

“We were at Grandma and Grandpa’s for a picnic. Beth and I made a flag cake. Do you want a piece?”

Gretchen shook her head. “No thanks. We should get going.”

“Run inside and grab your duffel bag,” Colton said, handing Joey his house key.

“Okay. Be right back.” Joey raced off as usual, leaving behind the three adults to make awkward conversation.

Without missing a beat, Gretchen said, “I hear you’ve been helping Joey with his reading.”

Beth nodded. “He’s made great strides these past few weeks.”

“I’m glad to hear that. I used to read to him all the time, but I’ve gotten away from it.”

Now this, she could handle. It was no different than talking to one of her student’s parents. But with Gretchen’s next comment, she was proven wrong.