The boys got home an hour later loud and complaining about homework. Lena made them snacks, actual healthy ones, despite protests, and supervised while they worked at the kitchen table. Thomas had algebra that made her head hurt. Marcus had a book report he'd clearly been putting off. It's not due until Friday, he insisted when she asked about it.
It's Wednesday. Exactly. I have time. Or you could not wait until the last minute and stress yourself out. He gave her a look that said she didn't understand his process.
Fair enough. She barely understood her own. Adrien got home at 4:15 looking harried. Sorry I'm late. Conference call ran over.
It's fine, Thomas. Piano in 15 minutes. Go get your books. Thomas groaned but complied. Adrien watched him go, then looked at Lena.
Sophieie got home. Okay. Half day, which you forgot to mention. I He ran a hand through his hair. I completely spaced.
I'm sorry. It's fine. She was fine. We're all fine. Still, I should have.
His phone buzzed. He glanced at it. Frowned. I need to take this. Can you handle piano?
I don't play. Just drop him off. It's 10 minutes down the road. I'll text you the address. Before she could argue, he was already heading to his office.
Phone to his ear, voice shifting into professional mode. Lena looked at Thomas, who'd reappeared with his piano books. Guess I'm driving you. Dad's car is nice, Thomas said. He lets me pick the music.
The car was indeed nice. some luxury SUV that probably cost more than Lena had made in two years at her last job. It started with a button and had more settings than she knew what to do with. Thomas directed her to the piano teacher's house, a modest colonial with a grand piano visible through the front window. I'll be back in an hour, Lena said. Sometimes it goes long.
Mrs. Patterson talks a lot. Then I'll wait. She did wait, sitting in the driveway with the heat running and NPR on low. Her phone buzzed. The lawyer again.
She declined the call. Then another text from Adrien. Can you grab Sophieie from Emma's after piano? I'm stuck on this call. She typed back.
What? What's the address? He sent it. Then you're amazing. Thank you.
That word again. Amazing. Like she was doing something extraordinary instead of just being a functional adult. Except it did feel extraordinary in a weird way. having someone rely on her, trust her with their kids, believe she was capable of handling things instead of treating her like she might break at any moment. Thomas emerged from his lesson right on time, complaining that Mrs. Patterson had made him play scales for 20 minutes.