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“Daddy! What are you doing with Ms. Winter?” Zoey asked, running to me and giving me a big hug.
“I’m helping with the Winter Festival.”
“That’s so cool. Can I help?” She looked up at me with pleading eyes.
“I’m sure we can find something for you to do,” I responded.
Wren tapped her phone and gasped. “I didn’t realize the Gemstone Club ended a half hour ago. I’m so sorry, Ana. I mean Ms. Arendal.”
The curvy woman smiled shyly. “It wasn’t any trouble, Ms. Winter. The kids were wonderful as always.”
Zoey pulled out a handful of rocks and held them out to Wren. “I brought in rocks today and could identify most of them.”
Wren drew closer. “Oh wow. These are beautiful. We’ll have to pick a few of your favorites to display.”
“Can I decide tomorrow?” Zoey popped her lips into her mouth as she silently contemplated the stones in her hand.
“Of course. Why don’t you take until next week when we meet again to decide.”
“Cool.” Zoey turned to me. “You almost ready to go home, Daddy?”
I put my arm around my daughter. “We should set up another time to meet this week to finalize details.”
Wren tapped on her phone and pulled up a calendar. “Would tomorrow work? Maybe you and Zoey could come to my apartment after she’s done baking with Ruby.”
I shook my head. “We’re taking my mother out for a birthday dinner.”
She chewed at her lip as she looked at her schedule again. “The only other night I’m free this week is Friday.”
A shot of jealousy speared me. I wondered if she had a date planned for those nights, and that was why she wasn’t free. Not that it was any of my business. I wasn’t looking for a relationship right now or any time soon.
“I’m not sure—”
Zoey tugged on my arm. “That night would be perfect. I’m having my sleepover, and if the two of you need more ideas, we can help.”
“That’s right. I did hear about the epic sleepover event you were planning.”
“It’s going to be the most fun night ever,” Zoey chanted and did a little wiggle dance.
“Are you truly ready to have ten little girls take over your house?” Wren asked and looked at me with a smirk.
“Sure we are. It’ll be fine. I’ve got everything under control.” I wondered if I was saying this for my benefit or hers. With each passing day, I doubted how easy this sleepover would be. My mom had even offered to come by and help. I told her I’d keep her on standby just in case.
“You know it might be a good night for me to hang out in case you need any help,” she snickered.
I’d show her that I had everything under control. “Friday night it is. Why don’t you stop by and have pizza with us around 5:30.”
“See you then.” Wren grabbed her folder, phone, and waved goodbye when she left the room with Ms. Arendal.
Zoey hummed happily as we left the school and headed home.
“What’s got you so cheerful, princess?”
“Nothing. Just excited about Friday night.” The smug smile she sent me made me wonder what was happening inside her head.
* * *
Ear-piercing shrieks sliced through my skull, making me admit, even if it was just to myself, I’d made a mistake. I’d forgotten the kids had the day off from school due to Veteran’s Day, and Zoey had convinced me to let her friends come by at 1:00 p.m. instead of the 5:00 p.m. we’d already discussed.