Page 37 of Tangled Emotions

I ain’t scared

You should be. Those old hens are always up to no good.

Don’t worry until I house hunt.

Check out Kennedy real estate.

Still shaking my head, I found the school and made my way to the office. An older lady sat at a desk, holding her head as she stared at the monitor.

“Excuse me, ma’am?”

“Oh hello. Who are you looking for?” She smiled at me while side eyeing her monitor. Sighing, she deflated. “My stupid mouse stopped working and I cannot figure out why.”

“May I come around?”

“Sure.”

I walked around the counter and dropped to the floor, sticking my head under the desk to see the back of her tower. A smile crossed my face when I found the issue and plugged her back in.

“Try now.”

“Oh! Oh! Look! The boppity pointer is back!” She clapped happily. “Thank you, mister …”

“Holliday. But you can just call me Frank.”

“Jeanette?” She turned, and I popped up to see who was there. A tall, almost imposing man stood there.

“Jerry, this is Frank Holliday. He fixed my computer.”

He came closer and offered his hand. “Jerry Woods. Principal.”

“Frank Holliday. Retired Marine. Looking for work.”

“Really?” He smiled. “Come on in my office and let’s talk.”

Edith

Matt came into the diner and found me in the back doing inventory. “Mom!”

“Hey baby! How was school?”

“It was good. Thanks for the cookies in my lunch.”

“You’re welcome.” I set the clipboard down. “What are your plans for today?”

“Uncle Geno and me are going to a game tonight.”

“What game?” I narrowed my eyes.

He shrugged. “He said he just wanted to see some peaches.”

“Eugene!”

He poked his head in the back room. “Me?”

“Are you using your nephew to troll for girls?” I tapped my foot in irritation.

“Dude. What did you tell her?”