She would complete her meal, and all I had to do to go back to sleep was get her on the bus and send her on her way. I would wake up after gaining a few more hours and do any unfinished business before she returned home. After that, she caught up on her schoolwork and I made supper before I dropped her off with her babysitter and went back to work.

Every day of the week that I had her, our routine stayed the same. Her mother would babysit her when the weekend arrived, and I would typically enjoy a quiet home for two days. While many people would welcome a vacation, I just felt pretty lonely. I wish I could alter it.

Jane

I sat back down at my computer and observed as the children chatting loudly than required at each of the several tables. Every Monday, this would happen. Since they had to tell everyone what they had done the previous two days, all I could do was let them get it out of their systems. Since I often performed the same thing every Sunday, I suppose I couldn't really blame them.

Normally, Alice would want to know the outcome of every date. At the conclusion of the weekend, I would phone her and fill her in on everything. It never had a happy ending. But it fit into the rhythm I had become used to, just like the dates themselves.

Those phone calls came to a stop after the runaway date two weeks ago, precisely like the date. She was devastated by how the date went out, but she did see things from my perspective. I informed her that I needed a break and wasn't sure when I would be prepared to resume. But I was certain that it wouldn't happen soon.

I've been telling myself that I'll find a new distraction ever since our last phone conversation. Something to relieve the pain in my chest. With little choices, I made the decision to fully devote myself to my career. One benefit of being a teacher was that the kids kept me on my toes all the time. Leaving a six-year-old alone for an extended period of time is usually not a good idea, so this would be just what I needed.

Despite how much I wanted it, I had come to terms with the fact that love was not meant to be. I wished I could experience the same level of enjoyment as my pals, but I realized the chances were minimal.

I looked down at the desk in front of me while frowning. I deliberately overfilled my plate in an effort to divert my attention from my love life. I was more concerned about more significant issues. the parent-teacher conferences that were scheduled for tonight, for instance. I had not even begun to prepare for it. How else would I be able to inform each parent how their child was doing? I had to fill up reports for every kid. I had to decide how I would inform some parents that their children were being lazy and lagging behind the others. If I wasn't prepared, things always went wrong. I needed to be ready since I knew that they would all blame me in the end.

I got out a stack of papers and began writing after giving the kids an activity that would keep them occupied for at least thirty minutes. This was going to take some time since I had twenty pupils to prepare reports for. I was so exhausted in class at least once. After being here for over two hours, all I wanted to do was go home, change into some warm pajamas, and cuddle up with a blanket. Right by my side, Snickers would be reassuring me that everything would be well. I was certain I would never leave my home after that.

Why were these meetings required in the first place? I was ready to finish it after speaking to so many parents. I was at least aware that I was nearing the end of my remaining days here. I made a gentle groaning noise, put two fingers to my temple, and hoped the migraine I was developing would pass. I peered down at my pile to see who was coming after me.

One of my finest pupils is Eva Sherly. I could usually do them in 10 minutes, but I was certain I could finish this one in five. She was a darling and a young woman who works hard. In all honesty, I don't believe I said anything negative. This would be simple as pie.

, "Miss Ross!" She seemed so pleased even though she hadn't seen me in a while, and I instantly recognized her voice as the door flew wide.

I grinned and looked up as I got ready to say hello to her. But as soon as I opened my eyes, my grin vanished. I stood up and stared at them as they came to my desk. I was unable to speak tonight for the first time. As I held out my hand, I turned to face her father. I introduced myself as "Jane Robinson," despite my desire to gag. Oh my, I forgot to state my whole name. Never did I do it.

The person in front of me had a similar face before he grinned as soon as we made eye contact. He extended his hand and took hold of mine, giving it a little shake. His hand remained in my as he said, "Mason Smith," in a soft, kind voice.

The second our eyes met, I knew who he was. He was the bartender from that establishment, which had a turbulent history.

Are you guys acquainted in some way? Eva inquired carelessly, her big eyes staring at the two of us.

I felt myself flush as I realized I was simply standing there looking at him and holding his hand.

However, when he let go of my hand, he grinned and said, "You could say that." He seems pleased by my shame.

I instructed them to sit in front of my desk while I reclined in my chair and attempted to collect my thoughts. What chance was there that I would ever see this guy again, much alone that he would turn out to be the dad of one of my students? I looked to the vacant chair next to his daughter while fighting the heat that was covering my cheeks. Was the mother missing from the photo? Or maybe she was just too busy at the time to attend? I lacked the confidence to inquire.

I just knew that I had to concentrate on completing my job. I shouldn't be thinking about whether this man was single or not.

Did I really need to be reminded that I was meant to be through with love?