at her and not kiss her, even though we’d done it for six months. Now, it felt so odd to greet her with a simple look like she was a friend…when she was the woman I fucked almost every night.
She gave me a gentle smile, as if she understood the struggle.
Derek looked down at his plate and sighed. “I’d rather stay with you than Mom, but…I hate your food.”
I chuckled and patted him on the shoulder. “I want you to be big and strong someday.”
Cleo came to my side. “Hey.”
I turned to her. “Hey.” Deacon couldn’t see us because he was poking his food with his fork, like his chunks of broccoli were alive.
Her hand discreetly went to mine, and she gave it a gentle squeeze.
I squeezed hers back.
She moved to the other chair, directly across from me, and folded her napkin into her lap. “Wow, this looks good.”
Derek raised his head and looked at her like she was crazy.
His shocked expression made me chuckle. “You’ll like it more as you get older.”
“Yuck.” He put the vegetable into his mouth and cringed the entire time he chewed.
I ignored his silent protest. “Are you excited, Derek?”
He shrugged, his mood abruptly different.
I exchanged a look with Cleo before I looked at him again. “What’s on your mind, little man?”
He shrugged again. “I don’t have any siblings…not sure how to get along with people.”
“Well, the other kids in your class will be smart like you,” I said. “So, you’ll have lots of stuff in common.”
“You think?” he asked hopefully.
“Absolutely. I know you’re nervous, which is normal, but it’ll pass.” I didn’t eat as quickly as I usually did because I was too busy watching and conversing with my son.
“What if I’m not as smart as the other kids?” he whispered.
I almost laughed. “You will be, Derek. You may not be the smartest, and that’s okay. It’s not a competition, but you’ll definitely be at a competitive level with your peers.”
“Will they like to build rockets?”
“I’m sure,” I said. “I’m sure they’ll be as fascinated by the things that fascinate you.”
He turned back to his food, eating a little quicker.
Derek was definitely gifted, but he didn’t possess arrogance, which was a blessing. He didn’t walk into a room and think he was the best at everything. He wasn’t interested in holding the highest spot in any category. All he cared about was fitting in, being normal.
Cleo watched our interaction, her eyes mostly on Derek, affection in her gaze.
She was so good with Derek that I knew she would be a great mother herself…whenever that day came. She was warm and loving, full of affection and kindness. She wasn’t a scientist or a mathematician, but she had great qualities most people didn’t have. Those skills were just as important as empirical intelligence. I knew that from experience, because if I had her gifts, I would get through life much easier.
We entered the school and the building where the meeting would take place. I was in a charcoal gray suit, wanting to represent my son in the most professional way possible. He was nervous to start school, and I was nervous for this meeting, because I was so bad at dealing with people, especially strangers.
We sat on the bench in the hallway, Derek between us, his legs dangling over the edge. He looked up and down the hallway, examining the grounds where he would be every single day starting this fall.
Cleo looked at me as if she knew I was nervous, but she didn’t say that in front of Derek.
I turned to her, giving her a faint smile to tell her I was fine.
Then the door opened. “Hello, Dr. Hamilton.” In black jeans and a blouse with heels, the school counselor stepped into the hallway. “It’s so nice to meet you.”
I rose to my feet and shook her hand. “The pleasure is mine, Dr. Cunningham.”
She smiled then kneeled. “And this must be Derek.”
Derek hopped off the bench and extended his hand. “Nice to meet you.”
She smiled and returned the gesture. “Wow, what impressive manners. Are you excited to start school?”
He shrugged. “I guess I’m kinda scared…”
“Aww.” She moved her hand to his shoulder and gave him a squeeze. “No reason to be scared. This is a great learning environment with sweet kids just like you. You’re going to love it, Derek.” She rose to her full height then dressed Cleo next. “Your son is so adorable.”
Cleo paused for a moment, her eyes full of affection, like