The next day, all of Kira's kids were in their playroom watching a movie, her husband was out playing golf, and she wsa reading in the living room when her phone chimed. Picking it up, she saw she had a text from not Natalie's number, but another, strange 918 number. Curious, she opened it.
I can't forget how amazing you looked last night. I think I forgot to tell you how beautiful you were.
As she read it, she knew automatically it wasn't from her husband, it was too mushy. But she didn't know the number. She scrolled down to the bottom of the message. Tay. Kira's stomach flipped. Should she respond? She had to. But what? And fast.
Thank you, and you did forget. Kira
She couldn't believe she was texting him. How'd he get her number, anyway? Did he go through Natalie's phone? And before her mind could come up with all the different ways he could have gotten her number, he texted her back.
Sorry. You looked beautiful. You are beautiful. I thought that since I saw you at the m&g. That's why I pulled you around next to me for the picture. Tay
She couldn't believe what she was reading. Texting back, she said,
Since then, huh? I can one up you on that one, but that's hardly fair, so we'll start since the m&g. Kira
When she didn't get an immediate response, she picked up her book and tried to read, and not wait impatiently for her phone to tell her she had a new text. After ten minutes, she gave up. Maybe Natalie had come into the room. So many reasons. So she got back into her book. A couple hours later, her phone chimed with a text. Could it be? She picked up her phone and saw it was from Natalie.
Can we talk?
Kira's eyes grew wide. Did she find out about Taylor texting her?
Sure, what's up?
Can I come over with my kids?
Okay.
And Kira knew she was on her way. Her stomach began to know. Maybe Taylor had said something. Shit. She wished she knew the general topic of the conversation they were going to have so she could prepare. Then the dorbell rang. Knowing who it was, she pasted a smile on her face.
"Hey Natalie!" She greeted as she opened the door. To her surprise, she had a smile too. But hers looked original, and she looked genuenly excited.
"Hey! I just got the best idea! My brother in laws are coming over tomorrow to hang out, eat, games, stuff like that. I was wondering if you wanted to come. Bring your kids, husband, and I'll invite a couple of the other neighbors too, and it'll be a big party. I'm thinking at the park down the street. What do you think?!" Kira could see how excited Natalie was, and didn't want to burst her bubble. Plus, it was another chance to see Taylor. Granted all families would be there, and so would all of Hanson. Hmmm...
"Okay, sounds good. Tomorrow?"
"Yes! I'm thinking three pm."
"Cool. Anything you want me to bring?"
"Um...a pack of sodas or water, and a dessert."
Kira smiled. "Perfect."
"Awesome! Well, I'm off to the other neighbors to see if they want to come."
"Alright. I"ll see you tomorrow, at the park, three pm."
"Yay! Ezra, Penny, River! Lets go!" They came running out of the den, and through the open front door. "Tomorrow! Bye!"
"Bye." Kira closed the door behind Penny, and went to the couch and plopped down, sighing in relief. It so wasn't what she was expecting, but that's better than what she was any day. Releaved, she started making a grocery list on her phone. She was going to make two of her family's secret recipe caramel fudge cake. Then she had to figure out what to wear.

Chapter Five