Page 9

"Okay, Mom." She grins, a cracker halfway to her mouth, and in that instant, I feel like I've scored a goal myself.
I glance back at my phone, my thumbs hovering over the screen. The moms are buzzing in our group chat, a flurry of texts that's hard to keep up with. I take a deep breath and dive in.
Emily
What if we had the meetings during practice? Kill two birds with one stone?
…no pun intended
Jessica
Could work
Samantha
Practices are at the rink, right?
Lots of space, lots of parents.
Good visibility for our cause.
I bite my lip, considering. It's not just about location; it's about sending a message. Victor Stone thinks he can charm the town with his money, but maybe this way we can show him we're not so easily bought.
Avery
Brilliant idea, Em.
It's perfect. We stay involved with our kids and keep the community aware.
Victor's cash won't blindside anyone on my watch.
Emily
Ha! Love it!
Let's do this.
Jessica
United front, ladies
Samantha
Stronger together
“Stronger together," I echo silently, locking my phone. The girls are right—as long as we stick together, we've got a fighting chance.
I plop myself back on the couch, still thumbing my phone as the thread of messages continues to buzz with the news of Olivia's latest interest. The screen lights up with a new tease from Samantha. I knew it was only a matter of time until someone started to tease me directly. My dating life, or lack of it rather, is always a topic us moms keep returning to.
Samantha
Careful, Avery. Rubbing elbows at the rink, you might just catch Victor Stone's eye
Avery
Ugh, don't even joke
The thought alone enough to churn my stomach—or so I tell myself.