Page 2 of Coach Me (Boston Blues #2)

Lucie

“Okay, everyone, line up!” I announce loudly to my class as I hit the small chimes by the door. I watch as each student scrambles from their desk to grab their backpack and races to the front.

Their sweet little minds are so ready to be out of this place and start their summer break. I get it, I do, but it hits me as each kid makes their way in line—I did it. My first year as a teacher, I crafted each of these little beautiful minds.

The squeals of excitement grow louder as each child files into the line. I see little hands start to high-five and hug, but they’re kids, so the joy can get out of hand quickly. I hit my chime again.

“Eyes and ears…”

All the kids turn their heads to face me and say, “Looking and listening.”

“You all did so amazing this year, each and every one of you should be proud of yourselves.” A small tug pulls at my heart. Okay, Lucie, don’t cry, these children will judge you.

Taking a deep breath, I start again. “Let’s do our end-of- day affirmations for the last time, but we have a new one this time, okay?”

Cheers erupt in the sweetest voices, and I can’t bring myself to care about the volume.

“I am smart,” I say.

“I am smart,” they repeat.

“I am kind to others and myself.”

“I am kind to others and myself.”

“I am important.”

“I am important.”

I smile, as it normally ends there, but now I get to add, “I am going into second grade.”

“I am going into second grade!” they yell.

Happy tears prick my eyes as I grip the door handle of my classroom.

After walking my kids out for the last time this school year, I hold strong every time each student asks for one last hug.

I can’t even begin to explain this high as I collapse into my desk chair. I did it. I taught. All that money my brother poured into my degrees is paying off. My dream job, and if I dare say, I killed it.

At that, I feel my phone buzz on my desk.

Will Cannot Leave This Group Chat

Reagan

Excuse me, Miss Anderson, it’s summer break! Get your ass out of that building.

Quit checking my location, it’s creepy!

Will

We’ll be at Mom’s for dinner at 6.

Reagan

Creepy…Loving…such a thin line. Just ask Callie, I’m sure she knows the feeling with Will.

Will

Don’t push it. I’ll leave this fucking chat…again.

Callie

Don’t let him fool you, he totally laughed at his phone a second ago.

Reagan

We all know he secretly loves the family chat. Lucie, why has your little sim not moved? You’re supposed to be leaving that hellhole!

Okay someone’s being dramatic.

Will

You’re surprised?

Reagan

I’m not dramatic… I just think she should leave school already. It’s her summer break!

Can’t I just enjoy the fact that I finished my first year as a teacher for 2 seconds?

Reagan

No, get your ass to Mom’s and celebrate like a normal person. I’m making celebratory cocktails all with funny names for YOU! And Julie’s about to slave in Mom’s kitchen.

Callie

Will and I have to head to the stadium for a bit, but I’ve got the nonalcoholic mixers ready, Rea. Congrats on being a badass teacher, Luce! See you guys later!

I smile at my phone, rereading Callie’s message for a moment before my sister’s face pops up on my screen.

“Hello,” I answer with a sigh.

“Why aren’t you moving?” she huffs. “Your little Sim should be chugging along on the highway right now, but it’s still sitting in the building.”

“Jeez, Rea, you have got to chill with the location checking. I’m about to get my stuff and head out.” I turn in my chair to click on my computer screen for one last quick look at my school email. “You’re still good to come back with me Monday to get the turtle tank for the summer, right?”

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll come help get those two assholes,” my sister grumbles. She’s never been much of an animal person, especially reptiles. “What time again?”

When my email finally pulls up, I see I have a message from my principal. The subject reads: Monday Meeting.

I frown and put my phone between my ear and shoulder. “Um, hold on.”

Opening the email, I see that it’s sent only to me, which feels odd. My eyes quickly scan over the message and my frown only deepens. “Mrs. Riggets sent me an email requesting a meeting Monday morning.” A pit forms in my stomach. “That’s weird, isn't it?”

“She's your boss, right?” Reagan asks.

Scanning the email again, I try to find any hint of wording that could bring my stress meter from skyrocketing. “Technically. She’s one of them, at least. ”

“I’m sure it’s nothing, probably just an end-of-first-year check-in. I’m staying at Julie’s place on Sunday, but I’ll meet you there and wait in your classroom until it’s over.”

I snort a small laugh. “You could work on getting the turtles loaded while I have the meeting.”

I can see the horror on my sister’s face. “Fat chance. You’re lucky I’m letting those slimy things stay in our apartment to begin with.”

“Mmm, that’s not how I recall that conversation going. I believe you said, ‘over my dead body will those turtles stay here,’ and Will overruled you.”

“Semantics,” Reagan huffs.

“What do you have against Pip and Pop, huh? They’re just turtles.” I put my phone on speaker so I can type a reply to my principal letting her know I’ll be there.

“I’m your sister, you know the answer to this. I am a plant person—my entire being is my floral shop. Give me flowers, ferns, vines, anything. Don’t give me animals. And honestly, don’t give me a lot of people either.”

Hitting send on my reply, I snort. “And yet, you’re going to be living with two turtles for the whole summer. Can I feed them some of your clover?”

“Not in this lifetime.” Reagan pauses for a second. “Your Sim still hasn’t moved. Lucie Jo Anderson, come on!”

Sighing, I click off my computer and reach for my bag. “Okay, okay. Goodness, does Julie let you boss her around like this? I just wanted one moment to take this classroom in.”

“One, of course she does, she loves me. And two, you’ve had all year to do that. Not to mention, you’ll be back in two months. Your sister, however, will take your Teacher’s Aid shot if you don’t hurry up. ”

“Teacher’s Aid?” Goodness, I can only imagine what sort of concoction Reagan’s mixed up.

“Yeah, it’s got Fireball and?—”

“Okay,” I cut her off as I stand from my chair. “I can already see the hangover tomorrow. Tell me any more, and I might bail on you.”

Reagan’s chuckle holds a hint of an evil tone. “My sweet angel baby sister would never. Now hurry up. If I don’t see your Sim on the highway in five minutes, I’ll come get you myself.”

“ Hmph ” is all I manage back. I know my sister doesn’t mean her sweet talk in a condescending way, but the whole Everyone Loves Lucie bit my siblings do isn’t my favorite.

“I’m walking out now, so you can relax. Go boss your girlfriend around in the kitchen, I’ll be there by the time she kicks you out for being annoying. ”

“That means you’ve got a solid fifteen minutes at best. Drive safe. Love you.”

“Love you too,” I sing softly before hanging up.

I grab my bag and head to the door. Reaching for the light switch, I turn around to take one more look and let out a deep breath.

I did it.

“Oh my goodness. Julie, that meal was amazing.” I slide down my chair and place my hands on my belly. “Best teacher appreciation meal ever.”

Our celebratory dinners at our mom’s house have only gotten better over the years, especially since Reagan started seeing Julie. With her officially finished with culinary school in Boston, she’s back in Rowley, and we are definitely benefiting from it.

Reagan had several teacher-themed cocktails, and her chef girlfriend cooked a meal that was perfectly on theme. Teacher’s Pet Pot Pie with apple tarts for dessert.

“Yeah, I think it’s soaked up all the Teacher’s Aid shots Rea gave us as we walked in the door.” Callie pushes her empty plate forward and follows my movement of sliding down in her chair.

“Oh don’t be such a lightweight, Cals. I have one more specialty.” Reagan shoots up from her seat, and we all groan. “Oh, come on!”

Julie reaches for my sister’s hand. “How about you make me one of the cocktails, but give everyone else the option. We still have plenty of non-alcoholic mixers.”

I can practically see the softness wash over Reagan. I might have a special connection with my sister, but no one has ever gotten through to her like Julie.

“Fine, I’ll allow it. Other than Lucie, of course, hers has to be alcohol.”

“Hey, why me?” I hiccup, but she ignores me as she gets everyone else’s preferences.

“Callie? Mom?” Reagan asks, leaving Will out because he doesn’t drink at all.

“I’ll do the cocktail, Rea, but light pour.” Our mom sends Reagan a pointed look for emphasis, but I highly doubt Reagan cares.

“Mocktail me.” Callie rests her head on my brother’s shoulder, and he smiles down at her.

Then, as Reagan pulls Julie to her with a silent request for help, this ill feeling takes over me .

Huh, maybe I do need the alcoholic drink with seeing my siblings so happy with their significant others—it doesn’t normally come with this pang of jealousy, though. Maybe it’s just all the feelings of finishing my first year of teaching, heightening everything around me…

Maybe I don’t need the alcohol.

“So, Lucie, what are your summer plans?” Callie asks.

“I’m not quite sure, the gym in town posted something about needing some extra hands for their summer programs. I thought about heading over after my meeting on Monday to see if they still need volunteers.”

“There’s no harm in taking a break for the summer, Luce,” Will says, sounding like his typical dad-like self.

Will might try to stick to being an older brother primarily, but after our dad walked out Will took on both roles—whether he meant to or not. To Reagan and me, he’s both—he has the respect of both.

“Okay, okay,” Reagan announces as she and Julie walk back in with a tray full of drinks. “This one is a little different. It’s a martini with vodka and triple sec—lemonade and orange juice for the mocktails—then cranberry juice, lime, and red sugar for the rim. Oh, and cranberries on a toothpick.”

“Ooo, fancy.” Our mom laughs. “Did you give this one a funny name too?”

“I did.” Reagan blushes for a moment and tucks her head down as she passes the drinks out.

Will and I notice the shift in her demeanor immediately. No matter how I define the relationship with my siblings or the age difference between us, I always joke that we have some sort of…spidey-sense—eh, triplet-sense. We can read each other like a book, pretty much .

Will lifts an eyebrow in silent question toward me, but I have no clue why Reagan seems nervous all of a sudden. I give him a small shrug and take my drink from Julie.

When the drinks are all passed out, Reagan takes a deep breath and raises her glass. “This one is called ‘Reagan and Julie are moving to Boston’!”

Mom and Callie process the name first while I’m frozen on my first sip.

“What? That’s so exciting!” Callie beams. “We’ll be living in the same city!”

Mom chips in next. “Reagan, this is wonderful news! Did Julie get the job at that restaurant?”

I can hear the happiness around me, but my thoughts are stilled.

Restaurant? Moving to Boston…an hour away…

not living with me in our apartment? Reagan never even hinted at the idea of moving to me.

I can feel Will’s eyes on me—studying. The concern he had for Reagan’s mood shift is now directed at me.

You know that ‘we can read each other like a book’ thing? Yeah, Will’s the best at it, and if I don’t snap out of it, I know he’ll try to fix it.

Not that there’s anything to fix. I’m just…surprised? Shocked? I don’t know what I’m feeling.

I take a deep breath and plaster a huge smile on my face. “This is so exciting, I’m so happy for you two!” My voice turns squeaky at the last part—okay, dial it back. “When…where?” I choke out. I’m failing so bad at acting normal right now.

“What’s the plan for Boston?” Will asks. “Trying to decide how excited I am…Julie’s cooking is a plus, but Reagan’s a different story.” Reagan gives Will a po inted look, but he doesn’t falter. “Mine and Callie’s place is scheduled visits only by the way.”

Callie smacks his arm. “It is not. You are always welcome.”

Reagan crinkles her nose. “I think we’ll send a text first. But we won’t be there for a couple of months. Julie starts as a chef at Zenith at the beginning of August.”

Reagan looks at me with this gleam in her eyes as she clears her throat.

The room goes dead silent…or, well, to me it feels like it’s silent. Deep down, I’m so happy for my sister, but I'm feeling a little blindsided. My siblings are my best friends, and while I know Reagan and I weren’t going to be roommates forever, I did not see this coming.

I know the love her and Julie have for each other, and I don’t have a right to be upset about that. It’s more the idea of ending this era with my sister. I’m like 10 percent sad right now…okay, 20 percent…I’m mostly shocked. Okay—25 percent upset, max .

“Rea, this is so great. Really, I’m so happy for the both of you.”

Reagan exhales and her shoulders fall to their normal level. “I’ll have to keep Stigma’s storefront until the end of this year with my lease agreement, but this way I have plenty of time to transition the business over while still holding my clientele here.”

Reagan’s shoulders tense again. “And our apartment won’t be ready until mid-July. There's still time for me to slowly move out, and we still have a few weeks of being roommates, Luce.”

“That’s perfect,” I breathe out as I force a smile to my lips .

At least when she moves out in the next couple of months, I can throw myself back into the school year. It might seem silly now, but I already miss my sister.

I look to Will next because I know I have to say something so I won’t get a pep talk from him before the night ends. “I think I might take that break then.”