Page 68 of 3 Daddies to Go

I wipe my sweaty palms against my jeans and follow Margot towards the main office. Sandra, an older, petite woman with bright pink hair, springs from her seat when she sees us.

“Kendall! Is that really you?”

She pulls me in for a hug.

“It’s really me! How are you? It’s been way too long.”

“I’ve been excellent, dear. Finally nailed down a deal with a similar day camp on the West Coast. Sunshine is going nationwide, believe it or not!”

My jaw drops.

“That’s incredible!”

“Let me know if you’re looking for a transfer,” Sandra says with a wink. We both laugh, knowing I’d never take her up on it.

“I’m happy here,” I say. “But I did want to talk with you about something.”

“Anything for you, dear! Shall we step into Margot’s office?”

I nod, and the three of us pile into the old principal’s office. I know I’m not in trouble, but a twinge of anxiety leaves my stomach queasy.

Margot takes her seat, leaving Sandra and me across from her. “What did you want to talk about?” she asks.

They both give me their full attention so I explain my idea for a non-profit. They nod along as I explain the potential good I could do, and they’re sympathetic when I tell them why I haven’t been able to get it off the ground.

“I think, for all these years, I’ve been hoping a solution would just fall on my lap,” I say, the words spilling out. “I just assumed that someday the cards would fall into place. But that hasn’t happened, and I’m realizing it’s a lazy way of looking at things. It’s time that I stop waiting for my problems to be solved and start solving them myself.”

Sandra wipes away a tear.

“My dear, sweet, Kendall, I am so proud of you. I always knew you’d do great things.”

I blush. “I haven’t done anything great, yet.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. I’ve seen you with these kids. They look up to you. You’ve done a world of good for them.”

“That means the world to me to hear,” I say honestly. “Sometimes it feels like I’ve done nothing.”

Both Sandra and Margot nod in agreement.

“We all feel that way most of the time. It’s hard to see the good when the bad keeps coming in. Kids get out of the program, their families land back on their feet, and it’s a happy moment But those kids are replaced with new kids, and we have to do it all over again.”

“I know I can never stop it. The cycle will always go on and on. But I want to help more than I have. I want to try and slow it down at least.”

“It’s an admirable goal, Kendall,” Sandra says. “I believe you can do it. What do you need from me?”

“I was hoping you’d help me with a business plan,” I tell her. “Both of you. I have no idea how to write one. I have some friends who I think can help me get investors, but I need to have a solid plan first.”

“We’re happy to help!” Margot says. She shuffles around on her desk to find some paper. “Let’s get started now.”

We manage to bang out what my mentors consider to be a full business plan. A huge weight is lifted from my chest. I feel like this is actually a possibility for the first time since the idea started to brew in my mind.

Now I need to find investors. Trace, Tag, and Tanner helped with Mama’s Home. Maybe they could help me too? They’re billionaires, so they should have the money to spare. My stomach flutters. Is it possible the three guys could be the solution to all my problems?

You’re sleeping with them, my brain reminds me. If I asked them for money, would they think I’m expecting a payment for sex? I can’t risk that.

I bite my lip. I won’t ask them for the money then because it’ll be too weird, but I think they’ll help me find donors. They have contacts, and now that I have a solid business plan, the guys can help me set up meetings with their investor friends. Everyone wants to be philanthropic these days. Businesses look great when they contribute to non-profits.

I take a deep breath. Talking to them about this won’t be easy. I hate asking for help. That’s why it has taken me so long to put my plan into motion. I’m done being afraid, though. These kids need my help. And I need to help them, even if it means stepping outside of my comfort zone.