Resilient (2) Read Free Page A

ebony-skinned beauty from her team who had joined the conversation.
    “Yes, and I’m like second to oldest in my class. I should have taken night courses with the other old folks, but then I wouldn’t get to hang out with my mini man. I can’t cut into any time with him.”
    “You’re lucky we love you so much or you would get shit for working less than the rest of us minions,” Darren teased.
    “I know how lucky I am, trust me! You guys drink a few for me.” They said their goodbyes as she got her things together. If she hustled she could catch the last part of Teddy’s practice.

    After she tucked Teddy into bed, Katrine made a cup of tea. As she waited for it to steep, her phone rang. She smiled when the name popped up on her screen.
    “Hey, there,” she said.
    “Hey, I’m so sorry I’m just now calling you. I was swamped with a new project at work. You were on my mind all day, though. How was your first day of grad school?”
    “Oh, that’s sweet, it was really good. I only have two classes. I figured with work and Teddy, I needed to feel it all out. I like my marketing class. The professor seems to have a personality, which is nice, and the people in my group seem friendly. I had to put one jack-hole in his place, but I don’t think he’ll be a problem.”  
    She wasn’t sure why she didn’t tell him about Hayden. For some reason it just felt wrong. Things had been different lately, at least for her. She found herself thinking about him throughout the day and anticipating their next hang out session. Now every time he hugged her or touched her in some way, which he always did, she felt it…really felt it. That happens with all friends, right?
    “I have an economics class on Thursday, so that should be as fun as watching paint dry, but what can you do?”
    “I can’t disagree. I’d rather do nude water aerobics with senior citizens than take economics again.”  
    “Oh my god, I just got a mental picture, that’s a lot of saggy boobs floating in the water.”  
      “Well, saggy mammaries aside, I’m glad you liked school. Not that I’m surprised. I knew you’d fit right in. One reason for my call was to see how your first day of school went and the other was to see what you wanted to do for the big day.”
    “The big day?”
    “Yes, someone is about to have a birthday.”
    “Oh, that,” she said with minimal enthusiasm.
    “Yes, that, and don’t get that tone. Age is just a number and you make that number look beautiful.”
    “You’re hanging out with Tristan too much. You’re starting to sound like a gusband.”
    “A what?”
    “Gay husband—oh never mind. I’m not planning on anything special, just maybe dinner with my dearest friends, so of course that includes you. It’s weeks away, so I haven’t really thought about it.”
    “Oh thank you, I’ve finally cracked the top ten list. Not sure what I think about that whole gusband thing. Next time I see you I’m going to slap you around and grab my dick a lot.” That made her laugh. “Okay, my sweet, I’m going to hit it. I have to be in the office by 7:00 a.m. tomorrow.”
    “Ouch. Thanks for calling and hopefully I’ll see you later this week.”
    “Good. I miss you when you stay away too long. Goodnight, Katrine.”
    “Night, Ian.”
    She hung up and sighed. He was so thoughtful. Having his friendship again was more than wonderful. It took some groveling, but once he forgave her for all of that Xander drama, he’d become a staple in her life. A day rarely went by without them talking to each other. She smiled and put her now ice cold tea in the microwave. There was just enough time to read a few chapters of her book before she hit the sack.

    Chapter 3
    Class was halfway finished and they had made good use of the time. Katrine was pleased with the progress her group had made. They were able to decide on a product and assigned duties to each team member. They still hadn’t agreed on a company name, but they