Page 91 of In Her Own Way
Jessica willed her face not to heat up, but it was impossible. “Yes.” A simple one-word answer.
“Tell me when you’re able,” KC said with another laugh and walked toward her desk. “I have ideas for second semester’s lit mag.”
Jessica put her grading pen down. “Fantastic. I already have emails from students wanting to know the next submission deadlines.” She almost choked when she heard herself say the word ‘submission,’ but held it together.
“Herrera says we need to charge for the mag second semester,” KC said.
Jessica nodded. She’d also gotten that email from him. They discussed a few more ideas, and KC said she’d follow up with an email summarizing their conversation. The second she left the classroom, Jessica’s phone rang. She smiled when she saw who it was.
“Hi, Lisa.”
“How are things going?” Lisa blurted. She sounded out of breath or something.
“Good. How are—”
“No red flags?” Lisa interrupted.
“What are you talking about?” Jessica was confused.
“By all accounts, Daddy Vic has cleaned up her act. Is that true?”
“By ‘all accounts’? Whose accounts?” Jessica looked toward her classroom door. It was closed, and no one seemed to be around, so she had a modicum of privacy.
“Bernadette, Miss Rikki, Madison,” Lisa said.
“Wait.”
“I’m so sorry,” Lisa said. “I didn’t tell you. I know them. All of them. I met Bernadette onKinks. Just like I met you. I was a bridesmaid in her wedding.”
Jessica couldn’t speak.
“I know,” Lisa continued. “I should have told you immediately when I saw you had a crush on Daddy Vic. I should have warned you or something. Rachel thought it was better if I butted out. Are you okay? I’ve been so worried.”
Her phone dinged another incoming call. This time her stomach dropped.
“I have to go, Lisa.” She hung up and answered the other call.
“Hi, Mom.”
“Hi, darling,” Jessica’s mother said. “You know you’re always welcome home for Christmas.”
But?
“But your father and I are taking the RV and going to that National Prayer Revival in Nashville. It’s going to focus on nationwide prayer, unity, and spiritual renewal.”
He’s not my father,Jessica said in her head.He’s your latest husband.
“Oh?” Jessica said out loud.
“I’m sure you have somewhere to go for Christmas?” It was a question.
“Of course, Mom,” Jessica said, offering zero details. “Enjoy your trip.”
“I told your father you’d understand,” her mother said. “We’re praying for you, dear.”
Again, he’s not my father. My father is in Alaska.
“Okay,” was all she could manage. She practically held her breath because she knew what was coming next.
