Page 38 of Second Chance At Love
“No picking him up,” warned Cora. “I don’t want you to strain yourself.”
“Or drop Adam,” agreed Henry readily. “Scouts honor, he stays in the bassinet.”
“Were you even in the scouts?” questioned Cora as she settled Adam.
“Nope, but I figure it still applies,” replied Henry as he made his way over to the sofa. “Stop worrying about us. It’s only for ten minutes and I’m a good babysitter.”
“Okay, okay. Just this once,” Cora pretended to grumble as she grabbed her purse. “Ten minutes. If anything goes wrong, you call me.”
“Absolutely,” agreed Henry, rearranging the cushions so he was more comfortable. “But nothing is going to happen so you won’t be getting a call.”
Cora rolled her eyes. “I mean it. Call me for anything.”
Getting her keys and coat, Cora locked up the house before going to her van. She drove the five minutes to Livingston Academy, parking in her usual spot. While the parents of students didn’t have designated spots, it always seemed like they parked by habit in the same places. Heading into the school, Cora checked her phone just to be sure Henry hadn’t called.
There were no texts or phone calls, she noted in relief.
“Hey, where is the baby?” asked Kelly as she came forward to greet Cora. She had Jackson in a baby sling.
“I left Adam with Henry,” responded Cora. She tried to downplay her anxiety of leaving the baby and Henry together. Really, she was only five minutes away. Nothing should gowrong in that little amount of time. “Henry volunteered so I decided to take advantage of the offer.”
Kelly laughed as she and Cora joined numerous other parents in the foyer, waiting for their children. “Probably a good idea. Sometimes new moms need a little alone time. This is the first time I’m picking up the kids since I had Jackson. I’m happy to get out of the house.”
Cora had a smile as the bell rang, signaling the end of classes.
“Cora! What a delight to see you,” enthused Susan Hythe as she approached. She deliberately ignored Kelly. “I hope to count on you for helping with the year end activities. The PTA meeting is at the end of the month and since you haven’t done any other activities this year, your presence is mandatory. It’s fun how LivingstonAcademy makes certain the parents volunteer, isn’t it? Plus, your Nick is having a birthday soon. I trust Phillip will be invited?”
“I haven’t spoken to Nick about what he would like to do. I will have to ask him and get back to you,” Cora politely evaded Susan’s questions. Somehow, the woman always set her teeth on edge. However, Susan was right. Cora hadn’t been to any of the parent functions and the year was getting shorter. Parents had a mandatory amount of hours they needed to volunteer at the school, otherwise their children could face possible disenrollment the next year. Cora decided to change the subject before Susan could pry as to why Cora hadn’t volunteered yet. “Have you met Kelly? She’s married to Nate’s cousin Dillon.”
“Oh, Kelly! I didn’t see you standing there,” honey dripped from Susan’s voice even as her smile became a little fixed. She turned her attention back to Cora. “I hear your brother-in-law Henry is living with you. Isn’t that a little awkward?”
“Not at all,” slowly responded Cora, uncertain of why Susan was broaching the subject. “We are old friends and are helping each other out.”
“Susan, isn’t that really none of your business?” questioned Kelly pertly as she patted Jackson on the back.
“It was just a simple question Kelly. Why, you make it seem like I’m adding to the gossip about Cora and Henry,” mused Susan as she blinked in fake innocence. “I’m not the type to spread rumors around about Cora moving on withher brother-in-law when her husband is barely cold in theground.”
Cora stared at Susan, shocked at what she had just said.
“Susan!” hissed Kelly. “That is entirely inappropriate.”
Susan shrugged unrepentantly. “It’s just a rumor. Besides, they’re ‘old friends’. Maybe Cora was moving on before Nate was even dead.”
Kelly took a step forward between Cora and Susan. “Go away.”
“Oh look! There’s Phillip. If you will excuse me, ladies,” said Susan as she ignored Kelly, waving and moving forward to greet her own son.
“Mom?”
Cora looked in horror to see Nick and Oliver standing beside her. Oliver’s nose wrinkled as he thought over what he had heard. “What did Mrs. Hayes mean when she said you were moving on before dad was even dead?”
Cora found she couldn’t speak. She wanted to, but she really didn’t have any words. Her lips moved but no sound came out.
“Mrs. Hayes is a mean and spiteful woman who doesn’t tell the truth. Don’t pay her any attention,” firmly stated Kelly. “She once almost got Bentley in trouble for things he didn’t do. He could have gotten kicked out of school or even worse because she lied.”
“It’s true,” confirmed Bentley as he and Avery joined the group. “Mrs. Hayes can’t be trusted at all.”
Cora swallowed painfully. Even though it was a lie, Susan was no doubt spreading the rumor all over the school. The other parents would be talking. Plus, what would the kids say to Nick and Oliver?
