Page 27 of Antagonist

“Funky headbands?” Fletcher asks.

“My patients love them. I have one with two little apples hanging from it and it never fails to get them talking. What do you do?”

Fletcher is entranced by Stella, and it looks like the feeling is mutual. Seeing them together puts a funny taste in my mouth that has no place being there.

So what? If they become friends, then Stella can arrange playdates for the kids, leaving me out of it. I pick a chair nearby and sit, pretending I’m not listening to every word they exchange.

When does this meeting start anyway?

“I’m an artist,” Fletcher says, “I paint. Mostly commissioned word. I like being home for George.”

“Understandable. Working shifts at the hospital is a bummer sometimes, but there’s an after-school club one of the doctors started a few years ago. Kids can learn about medicine and nursing while they wait for their parents to finish their shift.”

I force myself to drown out their conversation, which is easier said than done.

“You don’t have to worry about him. He’s an incorrigible flirt but a great friend.”

I turn to the petite woman sitting next to me.

“It’s none of my business. Stella and I are divorced. He can flirt with whomever he likes.”

She bites her lip as though she's trying not to smile. Weird.

“I’m sorry, we haven’t met, have we?” I ask.

She tucks her short hair behind her ear in a gesture that could be seen as flirty, but I see a wedding ring. Why are people in this town so confusing?

“I’m Melodie. Our kids are in the same class.”

“Oh, right. Nice to meet you,” I say.

Ellis comes in holding a stack of papers, which he drops on his desk before going to the back of the room.

It seems everyone is getting their coffee fix but me. I glance at the back of the room again, where Stella and Fletcher are engrossed in conversation, including Ellis in their little group.

“So, how are you settling in? I hope Stillwater is meeting your expectations so far,” Melodie says.

If by that she means was I expecting to meet exasperating men or people that already know my personal life before they’ve met me, then yes, Stillwater is meetingallmy expectations.

“Yes, it’s a nice town. Megan loves her new school and Stella seems happy too.”

“How about you?”

I stare ahead to the whiteboard at the front of the class. “Jury’s still out on me.”

She bumps my shoulder. “We’ll grow on you before you know it.” She stands and joins a group of women.

I ignore their stares as Stella joins me on the chair Melodie vacated.

“I like him,” she says, crossing her legs and resting the coffee-holding hand on her knee.

“Fletcher?”

“No, Father Christmas.” She rolls her eyes.

Ellis clears his throat, and the chatter around the room quietens.

“Good evening, everyone. Thank you all for coming and for your contributions to the booming business that is babysitting in Stillwater.”