Page 81 of Learn Your Lesson

“Stop,” I told her, hating how she was already moving to stand and hide away in that fucking pool house. I wanted to burn it down so she had no choice but to stay here. “This is your home, too.”

She swallowed. “I don’t want you to think I’m trying to… I was just…”

“Chloe, it’s fine. I—” I stopped myself before I could finish that sentence, which wasI miss you being here.

Or maybe it wasI don’t want you to feel like you have to hide.

I didn’t mean I never want to talk to you ever.

I didn’t mean any of it at all.

I… don’t know what I mean.

Instead, I cleared my throat just in time for Chef to join us again, handing me the glass of milk before she took a seat with her wine.

She patted the chair next to her, arching a brow at me and casting a curious look between me and Chloe.

I was thankful she didn’t ask whatever questions I knew she wanted to in that moment.

“Actually, I’m glad you’re both still here,” I said, nerves firing to life as I decided to go through with the harebrained idea I’d had on the way down the stairs. “I need your help.”

Arushi paused where she was lifting her glass to her lips, her wide eyes such a dark brown they nearly blended in with her pupils as she blinked at me.

“Did you just ask forhelp?” She sat her glass down and dug her phone out of her pocket. “Sorry, I need to record the date and time.”

I leveled her with a look.

“Ava just asked about Jenny.”

That made both her and Chloe pause, the two of them exchanging a glance before Chloe asked, “What did she say?”

“She wanted to know if Jenny liked to read.”

Chef’s eyes got a little misty when she smiled, covering her heart with one hand. “Oh, that sweet, sweet child.”

“After you and I talked, I told Ava about how much Jenny loved donuts,” I said to Chloe. I didn’t miss how Arushi narrowed her eyes when I referenced Chloe and me talking. “And I think now she’s curious. She’s thinking about all the things I’ve been too much of a coward to say.”

“You’re not a coward,” Chef staid instantly. “You were a grieving husband and a new father trying to figure it out.”

Those words hung heavy on my shoulders for a long moment. All I could do was nod.

“Well, I’ve been thinking more about what you said,” I finally croaked, clearing my throat before I found Chloe’s gaze. “About introducing Ava to Jenny one thing at a time.”

“Oh?” Chef tapped the table between us. “What’s this plan? I want in.”

“I mentioned that maybe we could slowly tell her more about Jenny,” Chloe said. “You know, share her favorite song or watch her favorite movie. Do the things she loved to do.”

“This is awonderfulplan,” Chef said gleefully, her eyes bright and wide when she flashed them back to me. “What do you have in mind?”

“Well, that’s why I wanted to talk to you both. Chloe, is there any chance in hell you could get off work next Monday?”

Chloe made a face like she wasn’t sure. “I mean, I haven’t taken vacation since I started working at this school. So,technically, yes. I have the time. My only concern is that it’s only a little over a week away. But I can certainly make the necessary calls. As long as there is a sub available, I don’t see why not.”

“You haven’t taken a vacation?” Chef repeated, brows inching together. “Like… ever?”

“I love my job,” Chloe said with a shrug. “And I get the summer off. Besides, where am I going to go? What am I going to do?” She waved a hand toward the pool house. “Play games with my cats? Answer the many male suitors who come to call?”

Arushi smirked. “I bet therewouldbe many male suitors, if you ever went out to meet them.That’swhat we need,” she added with a snap of her fingers. “A girls’ night out. I’ll bet Maven and Livia would jump at the chance. Maybe next time Grace is in town—”