Page 10 of Baby One More Time
“This is going to be a really long day,” I sigh. But I grab my folders and head back inside to start working on some ads. There’s a new company in town and they want the full package which is gonna take some doing. But I’m also going to be very comfortable after this.
And I’ve got some ideas where to use that cash.
The phone rings right as I sit down and I growl, picking it up. “Hi! This is Missy from the dance committee. Your name was given to us by Allie and she said that you’d be happy to chaperone this Friday.”
I close my eyes and sigh, face-palming myself. “Sure. When and where. Do I need to bring anything?”
“Just you.”
“Great. Thanks. I’ll mark my calendar.”
“Terrific! Good-bye!”
She hangs up and I’m left staring at the phone. Somehow I think this has my daughter’s fingerprints on it too.
But I don’t have time to figure any of that out. There’s too much to do if I want to make sure that I have time if I ever do actually get a date with Rena. And also, I need that money.
So I fire up my computer and start to work, my fingers flying over the keys as I build the program up and perfect what’s needed for them to be happy.
By the time that Connie gets home, I’ve got a good start on it and I take a break to whip up spaghetti for dinner.
I’m not an exciting cook but I can make food for us. I can take care of myself and my daughter.
I just wish that Rena would let me take care of her too. Hopefully, soon.
CHAPTER 9
Serena
“Idon’t know how I got talked into this, Allie!” I’m pouting out my lips to slick on my favorite red lipgloss with the cherry aftertaste. My hair has been flat-ironed and slicked back in a high ponytail. My eyes are lined with black eyeliner and I’m wearing my very favorite long-sleeved dress in a classy black. It’s low cut but not really as bad as some.
It just looks that way because I’ve got enough boobs for two women at least.
I slip on my high-heeled pumps and stand. “Why exactly am I chaperoning this again? And why am I dressed like this?”
I glare down Allie but she just giggles. “You’ll see. But really you should dress like this more often. You’d have men eating out of the palm of your hand.”
“I’m not looking for something like that.”
“Like what?”
“So serious and unhappy.”
She sighs. “Love doesn’t make you unhappy, Serena. If it’s the right person.”
I huff. “Well, I don’t know how to tell the difference so I’d rather just leave it at that. I don’t need the hassle.”
“It’s not a hassle. Look at me and Ray.” Ray’s dark head pops up and he stares at Allie.
“What’s up, babe? How are you feeling?”
She rubs her tiny baby bump. “We’re doing good, Ray. Relax. Your little seed is growing quite well.”
I choke on a snort. “Wow.”
Ray grins at both of us. “Wow, indeed. I told you I’d get you knocked up, baby.”
She puffs out her lips and then plants her hands on her wide hips. “You’re not supposed to say that anymore, Ray. It’s rude.”