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Standing in the grass with the other parents, she tried to control her breathing, which was coming way too fast. She stuck her trembling hands in her jacket pockets and tried to practice mindful breathing. It wasn’t working, and when the bell rang, she jumped and looked around to see if anyone had noticed.

Milo came through the gate with his students, and Caleb was a few steps back from the front, walking with Emma. When he saw Wilda, he broke from the line and ran to her.

“Mama.”

“Hi, sweetheart.” She took his hand. She wanted to run, but Milo was heading straight for her. He glanced at her and gave her a slight nod, and her heart sank. She shook her head. What did you expect? She headed for the car, still holding Caleb’s hand.

She put Caleb in the backseat, then got in behind the wheel. She looked back at him. “I thought maybe we could go to the park for a little while. Would you like that?”

He leaned forward. “Mr. Milo?”

“He still has some work to do. We’ll see him later at home.”

Caleb dropped back against the seat and sighed.

“Did you have a good day?” Caleb nodded.

Her behavior was affecting her son. She needed to address the situation. As soon as Milo got home, she’d talk to him.

Chapter twenty-two

“I don’t really want to talk about it.”

Milo stayed in the classroom as late as he could, but he finally ran out of things to do. He looked down at Frenchie, who was napping in his bed next to the desk.

“Are you ready to go home?”

Frenchie looked up and whined.

“Hmm. Yeah, me neither.” He straightened the already neat stacks of papers on his desk. How about some pizza?

Milo put some things into his messenger bag, then picked up Frenchie. He checked the food in the animal cages, then adjusted a couple of drawings hanging on the wall. He looked at the door. “Just leave already.”

When he walked into Rocco’s with Frenchie, Maggie walked over to him. Frenchie whined and tried to wiggle out of Milo’s arms. Maggie took the dog and hugged it.

“You are so darn cute.” She kissed his nose. “A little wet and slimy, but still cute. Donovan is going to be so jealous when he smells you on me.” She handed Frenchie back to Milo. “Are you two here to eat?”

“I am. Frenchie’s not really feeling pizza today.”

“Maybe some hamburger, or bacon?”

“Not too much.” Milo followed her to a table in the back where the dog wouldn’t be too noticeable to anyone who might have a problem with him being there. Most of the customers were regulars, though, so they knew Frenchie was a semi-regular customer.

“Are we having the usual?”

“Let’s mix it up today. How about a chicken barbecue?”

“Breadsticks?”

“No, just pizza.”

“Iced tea?”

“Beer.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Long day?”

“Yeah, it started yesterday and is still going.”