Page 27 of Lemon Cake

Instantly, she grabbed her phone, but felt weird talking about what she’d done. Instead, she asked something completely off topic.

Will you have another day off before Saturday?

No, but I’ll take you to dinner after the game.

I’d like that.

Gemma…

Rider…

Did you think of me?

Yes… Did you think of me?

Yes.

Good night.

Good night,

beautiful

Gemma.

She cuddled up in bed and fell asleep, dreaming—no, fantasising—about more days like that.

Gemma spent the next two days preparing for the new school year. She was pleasantly surprised by how well she got along with her new assistant.

Tuesday evening, Gemma hosted a meet and greet for the families before their first day. Just as she was deciding what she wanted to wear, her phone rang. She couldn’t help the smile that spread on her face when she saw Rider’s name on the screen.

“Hi,” she greeted cheerfully.

“Hi there, just thought I’d check how you’re doing.”

“Trying to decide which blouse I want to wear for the meet and greet.”

“Show me.”

She put him on speakerphone and sent him a picture of the two tops laid on the bed.

“I like the blue one,” Rider decided.

“The blue one it is.” Gemma tossed the phone onto herbed and got dressed.

“Are you nervous?”

“A little, but mostly excited. Tomorrow is going to be a little stressful though. Probably a lot of crying and worried parents checking in more than usual.”

“You still get along with your new assistant?”

“Oh, she’s incredible. I have a feeling that she’ll be very patient with the kids.”

“Will you let me see your whole outfit?”

“Let me get a good picture.”

“How about video chat?”