Total pages in book: 122
Estimated words: 115288 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 576(@200wpm)___ 461(@250wpm)___ 384(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 115288 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 576(@200wpm)___ 461(@250wpm)___ 384(@300wpm)
“I’m sure we’ll be able to figure something out. He wouldn’t want to miss this. Let me check his schedule.” I pull up my calendar and scroll through his meetings and mine. “I’ll just block it off for him, so he doesn’t add anything to the calendar. Do you need my help organizing?”
“Really? Are you sure you have time?”
“Absolutely. You know I’m more than happy to help. Do you need me to come in for setup or anything?”
“Usually we set up on Thursday after school, but even if you’re here around noon on Friday to help get the kids organized, that would be great.”
“I can do both. Just send me a message or an email if you need me to pick stuff up. I know how busy these things can be.”
She tells me she’ll email me the details of the assembly, and I take Peyton to the park before we meet Gavin at home. Almost the second we’re through the door, his in-laws call and Peyton gets on the phone to tell her granny about the assembly and that she’s supposed to get a special award, but she doesn’t know what it’s for exactly, so it’s sort of a surprise, sort of not.
And of course, that means all of a sudden they’re coming for a weekend visit. Based on Gavin’s expression, he’s not particularly excited about that. And it makes me wonder what he’s said to his in-laws about me and how they’re going to respond to my being there.
* * *
On Friday I arrive at the school about an hour before the assembly to help set up. Yesterday afternoon I brought balloons, and the kids blew them up and stuck them to the walls and the podium, so today it’s just about getting the students organized based on the award they’re receiving.
Not only are Gavin’s in-laws here, but so are his parents. As much as I’m not super excited to see Karen again, considering the frosty reception I received last time, I can appreciate the lengths they’ll go to be present for Peyton and to support Gavin.
The assembly is an amazing celebration of community and good deeds, and Peyton receives an award for being empathetic and helpful. I love that this school celebrates not only academic achievement, but also kindness and compassion.
Once the assembly is over, I meet up with Gavin in the foyer, where they have refreshments and baked goods which were donated by one of the local businesses that Spark House also works with. I might have pulled a few strings to make that happen.
I find Gavin in the crowd, standing with his parents, his in-laws, and Lynn and Ian. Claire received an award for being an excellent team player.
My stomach flips as I head in their direction. Gavin said he’s told Karen we’re dating and that Peyton knows, but I’m unsure what her reaction to that information was.
Lynn is the first person to notice me. She waves and steps away from the group to pull me in for a hug. “It’s so great to see you again! We really need to get together for dinner one of these nights.”
“I would love that.”
“I keep mentioning it to Ian, but organizing dinner dates aren’t his strong suit. Let’s exchange numbers and see if we can’t make something work. Claire just started hockey and the early-morning weekend practice schedule is killing me, but she loves it, so it’s worth the five thirty A.M. ice time.”
“Ouch, that’s early.”
“I don’t even get up that early on weekdays.” We promise to arrange something soon, and when Lynn gets a call, she excuses herself and steps outside for a moment.
I move to join the rest of the group. Judith, Gavin’s mother, gives me a warm smile and lifts her hand in greeting. I steel myself as Karen turns to see who she’s waving at and her smile falters.
“Harley, how nice of you to offer your time to help out with the assembly. One of these times I should do that too.” Judith pulls me in for a warm hug, just like Lynn did.
“That would be great! I usually come in to help with assembly prep when I don’t have a Spark House event. You’re always welcome to join me.” I turn to Karen, wanting to make sure she feels included. “And if you’re ever visiting, you’re obviously more than welcome to join anytime.”
“That’s kind of you, but I think my time is better spent with my granddaughter since I get so little of it these days.” Talk about passive-aggressive guilt tripping.
I try to make small talk with Gavin’s parents and his in-laws, but Karen seems determined to ignore me as much as possible. Thankfully, Peyton’s teacher stops by to say hi. Of course, Karen hijacks that conversation, asking about the academics and what level of math they’re teaching. Judith and Gareth, Gavin’s father, excuse themselves to use the bathroom while I stand off to the side, feeling awkward since Kyle is talking Gavin’s and Ian’s ears off about golf and I’m left on the sidelines.