Chapter 249 Matters Between Adults
After dinner, Riley and Deacon went home separately.
Upon her arrival, Riley found Sophie had already returned the children, who were engrossed in a game of Legos on the carpet. The sight of their mother sent them scurrying over, excitement etched on their faces.
Riley patted their heads and asked, "Did you have dinner?"
They nodded eagerly. "Mommy, Zoey said she's taking us to plant trees this weekend."
Riley was a bit surprised but smiled. "I know."
She then walked into the living room.
The kids followed her to the carpet.
Riley squatted down to fiddle with the half-built Lego, looking troubled.
On the way back, she had thought about it and realized she'd probably run into Donovan or Hollis if she went.
Lately, she had been avoiding them, but now the kindergarten had an event.
"Mommy, will you go with us?" The kids looked at her expectantly.
It was their first group activity, and it sounded fun!
Seeing their bright eyes, Riley hesitated and couldn't refuse. "How about Harper goes with you?"
It was the only solution she could think of.
The kids looked disappointed. "Mommy, don't you want to go with us?"
Riley's heart softened. "It's not that. I have to work overtime this weekend, so I might not have time."
The kids stared at her for a while, wondering if she was lying.
Riley felt guilty.
This was their first group activity with their parent, and it was important.
They wanted her to go.
But she couldn't tell them she was avoiding Donovan and Hollis.
That was an adult issue.
"Okay," the kids nodded, disappointed.
Riley sighed and called Harper.
It took a while for Harper to answer.
"Riley, what's up?" Harper sounded tired.
Riley frowned. "Are you still busy?"
Harper sighed. "I have a critical patient who needs 24-hour monitoring. I won't have any free time this week."
Riley swallowed her request. "Then I won't bother you. The patient is more important. The kids just miss you."
Harper chuckled. "Tell them I'll come to play another day."
They didn't chat long and hung up.
Riley looked at the kids and sighed. "Harper is busy, so I'll go with you this weekend."
She couldn't let them miss out because of those two people.
The kids exchanged joyful glances and hugged her arm. "Mommy is the best!"
Riley smiled, feeling heavy-hearted about the inevitable meeting this weekend.
