“Ah, hell. Forget that.” She places a paper on Jaxon’s desk. “Here’s the tutoring information. You should e-mail the staff today to get a head start on things.”

“Thanks, Beth. I’ll get right on that.” Jaxon returns to his chair and powers up his computer.

“Becca and I tutor every year,” I say. “Let me know if you need any help with the schedule.”

His eyebrows lift. “You want to take point on this?”

“Oh, no. I was just saying I could help you if you have any questions. I wasn’t trying to take over.”

“It’s my job as principal to delegate. I’d rest easy knowing you were the one running the program.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“Okay.”

“Great.” He leans over the desk and hands me the paper Beth had given him. “Here’s the information you need to get started. Once you know which teachers are on board, e-mail me their names so I can get them board approved as soon as possible. You’ll be getting paid extra for doing the planning, of course.”

“Thank you so much. I’ll get started right away.” I all but skip out of his office and down the kindergarten hallway.

In Becca’s classroom, I dangle the paper in front of her face. “Lookie what I got.”

She skims it and her shoulders slump. “I don’t think I’m going to be able to tutor this year.”

“Why the hell not? We’ve always done it together.”

“With William walking and Mia getting potty trained, I can’t spend any more time away from home.”

“It’s only a few hours a week. Can’t Jared hold down the fort? It’s good money.”

She sighs. “Jared isn’t willing to do any fort holding of any kind.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

She shakes her head. “Not here.”

“Why don’t I babysit this weekend? You guys can have a much-needed date night and spend time together without the kids.”

Her eyes well. “Is it bad that I don’t want to spend time with him?”

I drop onto the chair next to her and put my arm around her shoulders. “Maybe you guys need to talk. You can’t go on like this forever.”

“I appreciate the offer, Rae.”

“Well then why don’t you take the kids and come by my place. My mom would love to see the kids. We can have dinner and watch movies in our pajamas.”

Becca’s face lights up. “I’d love that.”

I pull her into a hug before standing. “I’m going to see if Michelle wants to tutor. It’s no fun without a buddy.”

“That’s a good idea. I’m sure she needs the money being a new teacher and all.”

I recruit Michelle for tutoring, and make it back to my classroom just in time for the kids to arrive from recess.