“How long until summer is over?” Karina asked. “I don't know if I'm going to make it.”
“It's barely June,” I replied with a chuckle. “She driving you crazy already?”
“Yes. Her kindergarten teacher was a saint. I can't wait for her to start school again.”
“She's going to be in first grade this year, right?” I asked, shaking my head. I couldn't believe my little goddaughter was already in first grade. It felt like just yesterday that she was born. I was one of the few people that Karina had wanted in the delivery room, and was one of the first to meet Leigh Ann.
“Yup. She's so excited for the full day, but I'm thinking I'm looking forward to it more,” Karina joked.
“You realize in two years, Leigh Ann will be the same age that we were when we met?”
“My God, that's scary to think about,” she said, laughing. “I really hope she doesn't pull the frog stunt. I was grounded for a month after that.”
“Yeah, me too,” I said. “Worth it though.”
“Definitely. Seeing that mean old teacher scream was awesome.” She laughed and let out a nostalgic sigh. “Anyway, do you want me to bring anything specific to the BBQ today?”
“I can ask my parents, but I'm guessing that you don't nee
d to worry about it,” I said. “They'll probably have tons of food and drinks. Maybe bring some chips and salsa if you have some.”
“I can do that,” she said. “Well, I don't need to keep you on the phone since I'll being seeing you in a couple of hours. Just wanted to hear your voice since I've almost forgotten what it sounded like.”
“Very funny. We both know you couldn't ever forget my voice,” I said. “But yes, I'm looking forward to seeing you guys today.”
“Me too,” she replied. “And I know Leigh Ann is. All she has been talking about all week is how excited she is to see her Aunt Hannah.”
“Aw, that's sweet,” I said. “Tell her I can't wait to see her, too.”
“Will do,” Karina said. “Oh, hey. I heard Dr. Matthews might come. Is that true?”
My heart skipped a beat at his name. “I haven't heard, but I did invite him.”
“I wanted him to check this bug bite on Leigh Ann,” Karina explained. “It's just so red.”
“I'll make sure to take a look at it,” I promised. “If it's bad, I'll let you know.”
“You can do that?” Karina asked.
“I'm a nurse, so yes.” I shrugged.
“I didn't know you knew stuff like that,” Karina replied.
“Why do you think I went to school for four years?” I asked, rolling my eyes. “I don't just wear a short skirt and say 'thank you, doctor' in a breathy voice all day. I actually know medical things.”
“Whoa, sorry.” I could hear Karina take a step back. “I didn't mean to insult you.”
I sighed. “No, I'm sorry. It's just that everybody in town thinks I don't do anything. That I didn't get a crap ton of training and experience.”
“We've just never had a real nurse like you before,” Karina explained. “Dr. Matthews is lucky to have you. We all are.”
“Thanks.” I sighed again. “We good?”
“We're always good,” Karina assured me. “Hey, is it weird to work with Dr. Matthews? I mean, you tutored him in high school and now he's your boss.”
“He's changed since high school,” I told her. “He's not a punk kid anymore.”
“Thank heaven. Remember when he punched out Aiden for drinking all his booze at that after party?”