I wasn’t as sore on Thursday, though I still ached a bit. I called Mrs. R. at home and asked if she could cover the front desk for my lunch “date” with Gregory. She was more than happy to have something to do. Maybe I would end up hiring her part time. She was available, more than qualified, and capable of handling the clients, most of whom she’d known since they were kids.
When Mrs. R. arrived, I explained a few things, made sure she had my cell phone number and then made my way across the street to the daycare center. The kids were sitting in groups at small tables in a side room. Gregory wore an apron and had just finished serving everyone. He and the staff settled the kids before leaving them to the joys of eating and loud conversation.
Gregory waved me to one of the larger tables wh
