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Chapter Text

Janine had been having an especially rough week. Her second graders were more restless than usual—constantly talking over her, getting out of their seats, and testing every ounce of patience she had. No matter what she tried—positive reinforcement, fun learning games, even the old reliable "If you can hear my voice, clap once" trick—nothing stuck.

The worst part? The complaints.

“Janine, could you please keep your class down?” Melissa had sighed on Tuesday. “I can’t even hear my own voice.”

“Girl, do you run a school or a circus?” Ava had said on Wednesday, barely looking up from her phone.

Even Barbara, her mentor, had gently suggested, “Perhaps you should reevaluate your approach, dear.”

The only one who hadn’t said anything was Gregory.

By Friday, Janine was at her wit’s end. The volume in her classroom was at an all-time high, her patience was razor-thin, and the final straw came when two students started bickering loudly over a missing pencil.

“Enough!” Janine’s voice ripped through the room like thunder.

The classroom fell into stunned silence. The kids froze, wide-eyed, as Janine stood there, chest rising and falling with heavy breaths. For the first time all week, there was absolute quiet.

But the silence didn’t bring relief—it brought realization.

Janine’s face crumpled as guilt hit her like a tidal wave. She had lost her cool. She had yelled at them. The kids—her kids—looked at her with something close to fear.

“I’m—” Her voice cracked, and before she could stop herself, tears welled in her eyes. She turned on her heel and bolted out of the classroom.

The hallway was quiet, teachers poking their heads out after hearing her outburst. Shocked glances were exchanged, but before anyone could say a word, Gregory was already moving.

He found Janine in a nearby park, curled under a large oak tree, her shoulders shaking as she quietly cried.

Gregory sat down beside her, careful not to say anything too soon. He just let her be for a moment, allowing her space to breathe.

“I lost it,” Janine finally whispered. “I yelled at them. I scared them.”

Gregory sighed, his voice gentle. “Janine, you’re human. You’ve been under so much pressure. It happens.”

She wiped her eyes furiously. “But I shouldn’t have yelled. I—” Her voice broke. “I just try so hard, and it’s never enough. I’m exhausted, and no one—not even the other teachers—seem to get that.”

Gregory hesitated before speaking. “I get it.”

Janine looked up at him, eyes still glossy with tears. “You do?”

He nodded. “You care more than anyone. And that’s exactly why you feel this way. But you’re not alone, Janine. You have people who do see how hard you’re trying.”

She sniffled, giving him a small, watery smile. “You always say the right thing, huh?”

Gregory chuckled, looking away. “Not always. Just when it matters.”

After a moment of quiet, Janine took a deep breath. “I should go back.”

Together, they walked back to Abbott.

When they stepped into the teacher’s lounge, an unexpected sight greeted them—apologies.

Barbara placed a comforting hand on Janine’s shoulder. “We were too hard on you this week. I’m sorry, sweetheart.”

Melissa nodded. “Yeah. We should’ve cut you some slack. That class has been wild.”

Even Ava, in her own Ava way, said, “You good, Shortstack? I don’t like when my entertainment runs off mid-episode.” She crossed her arms. “But seriously. I told my class to handle their own problems today, so… you know. That was my version of support.”

Janine let out a small laugh, wiping the last of her tears.

As she stepped back into her classroom, the students looked at her cautiously. She took a deep breath. “I’m sorry for yelling. I was frustrated, but I shouldn’t have raised my voice. That’s not the teacher I want to be.”

One of the kids, a little girl in the front row, hesitated before saying, “We were being really loud.”

Janine smiled softly. “Yeah… but we can work on it together, right?”

The kids nodded, and slowly, the weight in Janine’s chest began to lift.

Maybe she had lost her patience, but she had found something just as important—understanding.

The school day had finally ended, and the weight of the week still clung to Janine’s shoulders. She was at her desk, quietly packing up, replaying the day’s events in her mind. Things had smoothed over with her students, and the other teachers had apologized, but she still felt drained.

Just as she zipped up her bag, she heard a knock on her classroom door.

Gregory stood there, hands in his pockets, his usual serious expression softened by something unreadable.

"Hey," he said.

"Hey," Janine replied, offering a small smile. "You need something?"

Gregory hesitated for a second before stepping inside. "Yeah. I need you to come with me."

Janine blinked. "Come with you where?"

He glanced away, then back at her. "On a date."

Janine’s heart skipped a beat. "Wait, what?"

"You had a rough day," Gregory said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Actually, a rough week. And, uh… I figured you could use a break. Away from here. With me."

Janine stared at him, processing. Gregory Eddie—the guy who always played it cool, who took forever to admit his feelings—was asking her on a date.

A slow grin spread across her face. "So, let me get this straight. You want to take me out on a date because you think I need a break?"

He shrugged. "That… and because I want to."

Janine bit her lip, trying (and failing) to suppress her excitement. "Well, Mr. Eddie, I accept your offer."

Gregory exhaled, like he’d been holding his breath. "Good. Let’s go."

---

They ended up at a small, cozy diner not too far from Abbott. It wasn’t fancy, but it was perfect—quiet, warm, and just what Janine needed. They grabbed a booth in the corner, and for the first time in days, Janine felt like she could breathe.

"You know," she said, stirring her milkshake with a straw, "I think this is the first time I've actually relaxed all week."

Gregory smirked. "Good. That was kind of the point."

Janine tilted her head. "You really planned this, huh?"

Gregory shrugged, looking down at his plate. "I just… I didn’t like seeing you so upset today. And I figured, if anyone deserves a good distraction, it’s you."

Janine’s heart swelled. "That’s really sweet, Gregory."

He glanced up, a little shy but pleased. "Yeah, well… don’t get used to it."

Janine laughed, nudging his foot under the table. "Too late."

As they ate, the tension from the day melted away. They talked, joked, and for once, Janine didn’t feel the weight of being the teacher who had to have it all together. She could just be Janine.

By the time they left, the sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the city. As they walked to the car, Janine turned to Gregory.

"Hey." She bit her lip. "Thanks for this. I really needed it."

Gregory gave her a small smile. "Anytime, Janine."

And as they stood there, under the fading light, Janine realized something—maybe this week had been rough, but it had also led to something good. And maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something even better.

Chapter Text

Janine is not having a good time. Not at all. Her and her friend, Erica, decided to come to a party. It was fun at first. Then Erica just left her be herself! Like how dare she? But Janine kept that thought to her self. She honestly was ready to go home. She quickly picked herself up and was ready to walk away until she bumped into something or someone.

"OH, I'm so sorry-....Gregory?" Janine looked up to see her crush/coworker Gregory. Dude was just as surprised to see her there as she was.

"Janine? What are you doing here?" He asked her. Janine bit her lips softly. She didn't want to seem like a loser infront of him. She took a breath and began to speak. "Well, I was invited here by Erica but she left me behind.." she said slowly. 

Gregory was confused, stumped for a minute.  "Uh oh ok, well uh, I was here because you know, it's a party and I love parties soo!" He stumbled over his words. He was lying of course. He hates parties. He was actually there for Janine. Erica had called to tell him that they were going to said party. She also knew that Janine would be lonley and hate it there and Gregory was more than happy to come and take Janine away. 

Janine didn’t look convinced at his story, considering that she knew him. But she looked over his explanation. "Well, do you want leave here? I really don't want to be here." She said. Gregory was quick to agree and they left.

They went to Janine’s apartment. It was silent and awkward for a moment before Gregory spoke. "Soo, I don't want to seem so straight forward but I just wanted to say that you look beautiful tonight." He said. He spoke awkward but confident. He was satisfied with his wording because it got Janine to smile. "Thank you." She spoke beautifully.  Gregory was high as fuck. Not literally but metaphorically.  He was high on Janine. God he wanted to get close to her so badly. 

Gregory moved slowly, closing in on Janine.  They stared at each other for a minute or two before Janine kissed him. It was slow and sweet. They moved apart to just stare into each other's eyes. Gregory was hungry. Again, Metaphorically. He was hungry for Janine.  He wanted her. But he was hesitant. He didn't want to freak her out.

Janine must have noticed because she boldly moved and kissed him hard. Gregory gave in. Their lips danced against each other as they grabbed at one another. Janine moaned softly as Gregory kissed along her Jaw and collarbone.  Gregory was preying on her. 

Janine stopped for a minute, she got up, took off her shirt and sat down between his legs. Gregory looked at her, asking if she was sure with his eyes. She nodded and slowly unzipped his jeans and pulled down his pants and boxers. His cock slowly but surely slipped up. Janine stared for a minute before grabbing his shaft, making the man infront of him groan softly. She moved her hand, stroking him softly.  

She has done this plenty of times before, but to do this with Gregory, the man she was inlove with, it was ecstasy.  She stroaked faster as she leaned up to kiss him. They made out, with Gregory groaning and moaning from the way that Janine was stroking him. Janine moaned softly as Gregory moved to kiss and suck on her breast. She stroked faster and faster until Gregory moaned loudly and came in her hand. They both breathed heavily as they stared at each other again. 

Gregory moved quickly and picked Janine up by her waist. She yelped as he landed her on the couch. He kissed her hard, taking complete control over her body. He kissed everywhere. Her shoulders,  her breast, her stomach, he breathed in her air. He roamed all the way down to her skirt. He looked up at her. "Is this ok?" He asked softly. Janine nodded. Gregory slipped her skirt off to reveal her soaked vagina. She was not wearing underwear. 

Janine was embarrassed.  Erica convinced her not to wear underwear. Something about a quicky.  She was about to say something when she moaned loudly and looked down. Gregory's mouth was already on her and working his way through her fold. He licked her softly as Janine moaned and squirmed. He worked her like he was thirsty for water. He lapped at her pussy and sucked. She screamed as she came hard on his tongue.  She breathed heavily as he leaned above her head. Softly kissing her head and cheeks. She smiled. 

Gregory then asked her if she had condoms. She squirmed in excitement.  She pointed to the dresser in her room. Gregory stood and walked, taking his shirt off. Janine sat up and took off her bra as she waited. Gregory wasted no time in coming back. He stopped infront of her. They both stared again (they have a staring problem). Gregory opened the condom, slipped it on and leveled himself to Janine. They kissed softly. Gregory kissed her jawline down to her breast as Janine tilted herself against Gregory's cock. They both moaned on impact. Gregory grabbed his cock to line up but he hesitated again and looked her.

Janine nodded. She wanted this. She was Him. 

All of him.

He nodded and lined himself up again. He pushed into her softly. Janine whimpered and he sushed her softly, kissing her head. He didn't move. He felt ecstatic.  He was going to make love to Janine. He waited patiently for Janine. He kissed her softly on her head and cheeks until he felt her move. He groaned and got the message. He thrusted into her at a slow pace. Janine moaned. She gripped his back as he fucked her. "Faster please!~" she moaned loudly as she felt him move faster. They both moaned together, feeling the love and ecstasy fill their minds and soul. They felt their connection grow deeper. Gregory placed his head against Janine. God he loved her. He loved her so much and never dared to hurt her. Janine moaned and whispered in his ear. "I Love you." That's what Gregory needed. He was so close.  He pounded into her making her sob and moan. He was so close. She was so close. She moaned, whimpered, and pleaded Gregory to let her release.  Gregory thrusted and thrusted until she came. He came. They both came at the same time.

Gregory fell next to Janine. They breathed as they lay there next to each to each other. Janine shifted to look at Gregory. Gregory did the same. They both stared each other (They need to stop). Gregory whispered to her. "I Love you too." Janine smiled the smile that he fell inlove with and kissed him.

They loved each other and were not going to let each other go.

The next day, Janine and Gregory walked into Abbott, hand and hand. They talked about whatever as they walked into the break room. Jacob, Barbara, Melissa,  and Ava stared at the couple.  Jacob smiled smugly as he made he way over. "Sooo? How was your day?" He sang as he waited for them to spill the beans. 

Barbara and Melissa smiled at each other. They knew what was going on.

Ava being Ava just looked at them. "What yall do, go reading in the public library?" She laughed loudly. Janine sighed as Gregory rolled his eyes. 

"Since you guys want to knows so bad, me and Gregory went out and had a good time." Janine said smiling at Gregory.  Gregory smiled a smile that was only meant for her and kissed her head softly. "Yes, and we are dating." He looked at Janine with love. Jacob squealed and Hugged both of them. "I knew it!" He shouted. Barbara and Melissa smiled. "Congratulations!" Barbara said. Melissa put a thumbs up. Ava shook her head. "You could have done better Gregory. You could have had a nice FIONE, Women." She said and walked out. Everyone stared before going back to the couple.

Janine and Gregory stared at each other (I give up). 

"I Love you." "I Love you too Janine."

The end 😃

Chapter Text

Janine stood at the front of her classroom, guiding her students through a reading exercise when she suddenly felt a wave of dizziness. Her vision blurred for a second, and she swayed on her feet. A heat surged through her body, beads of sweat forming on her forehead.

She swallowed, her throat unbearably dry. She looked around—no water. She hadn’t thought to bring any. The room felt smaller, suffocating. Her breath came in short, uneven gasps.

Her students were still focused on their books, oblivious to her discomfort. She turned on her heel, her movements sluggish, and walked out of the room without a word, her feet carrying her toward Gregory’s classroom.

Gregory was in the middle of a geography lesson when he caught sight of Janine standing in his doorway. She looked pale, disoriented. Her usually bright eyes were dull, her lips parted as if struggling to form words.

“Janine?” he called, stepping toward her.

“I—I don’t feel…” she mumbled, gripping the doorframe.

His heart leaped into his throat as he reached her just as her legs buckled. He caught her and carefully lowered her into a chair. She was burning up.

“Janine, stay with me, okay? Just breathe.” His voice was steady, but panic coiled in his chest. He turned toward the hallway and shouted, “Barbara!”

The urgency in his voice carried down the hall. Melissa stepped out of her classroom, eyebrows furrowed. “What the hell’s going on?”

Ava, who just so happened to be walking past with her phone in hand, also stopped. “Why’s everyone yelling? This better not be another ‘Gregory and Janine are too cute’ emergency.”

Before anyone could respond, a student came running toward them, breathless.

“Mr. Eddie!” The kid’s voice cracked with panic. “Ms. Teagues—she—she’s on the floor!”

The air in the hallway shifted. Every ounce of playfulness drained from Ava’s face.

Gregory ran. The others followed.

When they reached Janine’s classroom, their worst fears were confirmed—Janine lay unconscious on the floor.

Gregory dropped to his knees beside her, his hands trembling as he gently lifted her into his arms. “Janine! Wake up!” His voice cracked. He tapped her cheek lightly. Nothing.

Barbara, now beside him, pressed two fingers to Janine’s wrist. “She’s got a pulse, but she needs medical attention now.”

Melissa was already on her phone. “We need an ambulance at Abbott Elementary. Now.”

Ava, uncharacteristically serious, snapped into action. “Everyone, listen up!” she barked, waving off the curious students peeking out of their classrooms. “Go back to your seats! Teachers, keep your students inside! This is an emergency, not an afterschool special.”

The school became a hive of concerned chaos.

Gregory refused to let Janine go. He held her tightly in his arms, rocking slightly, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. “You’re okay, baby. You gotta be okay,” he murmured against her temple.

Barbara placed a firm hand on his shoulder. “She’s strong, Gregory. She’ll be alright.”

Minutes stretched unbearably until the paramedics arrived.

Even as they checked Janine’s vitals and loaded her onto a stretcher, Gregory never let go of her hand.

Janine stirred, her body heavy and sluggish. The beeping of a heart monitor and the sterile scent of antiseptic filled her senses. As her eyes fluttered open, she took in the dimly lit hospital room. The first thing she saw was Gregory, sitting beside her bed, slumped forward in a chair, fast asleep.

His hand was still wrapped around hers, his grip loose but present. His usually neat posture was gone—his head tilted at an awkward angle, his suit slightly wrinkled.

Tears welled in Janine’s eyes. She wasn’t alone.

A small, choked sob escaped her, and almost instantly, Gregory’s eyes snapped open. He sat up straight, blinking rapidly before his gaze landed on her tear-streaked face.

“Janine?” His voice was groggy but full of concern. He leaned forward, his thumb brushing a stray tear from her cheek. “Hey, hey—why are you crying? You’re okay. You’re safe.”

Janine sniffled, squeezing his hand. “You stayed.”

“Of course, I did,” he said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. His voice softened, his thumb rubbing circles against the back of her hand. “You scared the hell out of me.”

Janine let out a shaky breath, overwhelmed. “I—I just left my classroom, I didn’t even think—I felt so weird, Gregory.” Her voice broke. “And then I wake up here, and you—you look like you haven’t slept.”

Gregory gave her a small smile, despite the worry still in his eyes. “Because I haven’t.” He ran a hand over his face. “There was no way I was leaving you.”

Before Janine could respond, the doctor walked in, checking her chart. “Good to see you awake, Ms. Teagues.”

Gregory immediately sat up straighter, his protective instincts on high alert. “Is she okay? What happened?”

The doctor smiled reassuringly. “Ms. Teagues experienced heat exhaustion. Her body overheated, which led to dizziness, shortness of breath, and eventually, fainting. It’s not uncommon, especially if you were dehydrated.”

Janine’s face flushed with embarrassment. “I—I forgot to drink water today.”

Gregory sighed, shaking his head with a mixture of relief and exasperation. “Janine…”

The doctor chuckled. “It happens. But going forward, you need to keep water with you at all times. You were lucky today, but pushing your body too hard can lead to more serious consequences.”

Janine nodded quickly. “I will. I promise.”

Gregory exhaled, finally letting go of some of the tension in his chest. “Good.”

Before they could say more, the door burst open, and in came Barbara, Melissa, Ava, and Jacob.

“Janine!” Barbara rushed over, her motherly instincts in full force. “Thank the Lord, you’re awake.”

Melissa crossed her arms but looked just as relieved. “You scared the hell out of us, kid.”

Ava, dramatic as always, placed a hand on her chest. “I swear, I’ve never been that serious for that long in my life. It was exhausting.”

Jacob, who had clearly been stress-crying at some point, nodded fervently. “I started researching heat exhaustion and hydration techniques while we waited! Did you know cucumbers are 96% water?”

Janine let out a weak laugh, wiping her eyes. “You all came to see me?”

Barbara gave her a look. “Of course we did, sweetheart.”

Gregory squeezed her hand. “We were all worried about you.”

Janine swallowed the lump in her throat. “I don’t even know what to say.”

Ava waved a hand. “Say ‘thank you, Principal Coleman, for taking charge in my absence like the boss I am.’”

Melissa rolled her eyes. “Don’t push it.”

Janine laughed again, this time feeling grateful. She looked around at her friends—her family—and squeezed Gregory’s hand a little tighter.

“I love you guys.”

“Yeah, yeah, just don’t scare us like that again,” Melissa muttered.

Gregory leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Janine’s forehead. “And make sure you always have water from now on.”

Janine smiled, feeling truly lucky to have them all.

The end 😃

Chapter Text

Melissa Schemmenti never used to care about birthdays. Cake, wine, a few jokes, maybe a nice night out with Barbara—it was enough. But this year was different. This year, when she looked in the mirror, the lines around her eyes weren’t laughing lines anymore. They were just… lines.

She told herself it was ridiculous. She was still sharp, still tough, still teaching circles around half the city’s schools. And yet, when Ava casually let slip her age during the morning announcements—loudly, theatrically, and without mercy—Melissa felt something inside her seize up.

---

In the teacher’s lounge, she nursed her coffee like it might give her answers. Barbara was quietly grading papers, Jacob was rambling about how “aging is just another performance of identity,” and Ava was scrolling her phone. Janine breezed in with her usual bright smile.

“Melissa!” Janine said, plopping down beside her. “I was thinking, maybe we could do a birthday thing for you this year—”

“No,” Melissa snapped. Too quick, too sharp. Everyone froze for a second. She sighed. “Sorry, kid. Just… not in the mood.”

Barbara put a gentle hand on Melissa’s arm. “Getting older is a blessing, dear. The alternative isn’t exactly preferable.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know,” Melissa muttered. “Doesn’t mean I gotta like it.”

Ava finally looked up. “Girl, please. Aging is hot. You’re like… Beyoncé in her Renaissance era. Own it.”

Melissa blinked. “Did you just… compliment me?”

Ava smirked. “Don’t get used to it. But seriously, your vibe is mature, seasoned, like a fine… uh… pasta sauce. People pay good money for that kind of flavor.”

Everyone burst out laughing, even Melissa, though she tried to hide it.

---

Later that day, Gregory stopped by her classroom under the guise of “borrowing markers” from Janine. Melissa caught the look they exchanged in the hallway—soft, conspiratorial. It made her smile despite herself.

“You okay?” Gregory asked, shutting the door behind him.

“Peachy,” Melissa said. Then, softer, “Just feeling… old.”

Gregory leaned against a desk, thoughtful. “You know, Janine was freaking out the other day about turning thirty. She said she felt like she hadn’t accomplished enough. But then I told her—look at what she has done. Look at the impact she’s already making. I think the same applies to you, times ten.”

Melissa scoffed, but there was a hint of warmth in her voice. “Kid, you’re too good with words.”

He shrugged. “Nah. Just honest. You’re not getting old, Melissa. You’re getting… more you. And everyone here sees it.”

She stared at him for a long moment, then let out a laugh that was half a sigh. “You sound like a Hallmark card.”

“Janine’s rubbing off on me,” he admitted.

“God help you,” she said, but she was smiling now.

---

By the end of the day, Janine had rallied the teachers—and Ava, who insisted she was “project manager of vibes”—to surprise Melissa in the lounge with cannoli from her favorite bakery.

When Melissa walked in, the whole crew shouted, “Happy birthday!”

Her first instinct was to roll her eyes. But then she saw Janine’s beaming face, Barbara’s proud smile, Jacob holding a handmade banner, Gregory quietly standing beside Janine like her anchor. Even Ava, of all people, was holding a candle like it was sacred.

For the first time that week, Melissa didn’t feel the weight of years pressing down. She just felt… loved.

She shook her head, chuckling. “You’re all a bunch of pains in my ass.”

“An ass that’s aging like fine wine,” Ava added with a wink.

Melissa raised her cannoli like a toast. “Alright then. Another year, another candle. And if I hear one more word about wrinkles, I’m transferring schools.”

Everyone laughed, and for the first time, Melissa let herself enjoy the celebration—not as proof she was getting older, but proof she wasn’t facing it alone.

Melissa stormed into the lounge that morning, slammed her mug down, and muttered, “If Ava ever says my age on the announcements again, I swear I’ll put her in witness protection. Permanently.”

Ava, lounging in Barbara’s chair, smirked. “Relax, grandma. You’re like a vintage Mustang. Still hot, but, you know… needs a little oil change every now and then.”

“Say ‘oil change’ one more time,” Melissa shot back, “and I’ll change your face.”

Jacob nervously laughed. “Well, actually, aging is just a social construct that—”

“Jacob,” Barbara said calmly, “hush.”

---

Janine skipped in, holding a bag from the teacher supply store. “Melissa! I was thinking maybe we could do something fun for your birthday this year! Like a party, or a—”

“No.” Melissa didn’t even look up.

Janine blinked. “But—”

“Nope. Nada. Shut it down.”

Barbara raised an eyebrow. “Melissa…”

“Babs, I mean it. One balloon shows up in my classroom, I’m poppin’ it with my scissors.”

From the corner, Ava called out, “Don’t worry, nobody’s throwin’ you a party. You’re more of a… retirement roast vibe.”

Melissa pointed her mug at her. “Careful, Ava. You’re one wisecrack away from bein’ buried under the kickball field.”

---

Later, Gregory found Melissa in her room, furiously grading.

“You okay?” he asked.

“Do I look okay?” she barked. Then, sighing: “I found a gray hair this morning, Gregory. A gray hair. My hair’s supposed to be fire-engine red, not fire-hydrant silver.”

Gregory gave his signature thoughtful pause. “…Gray hair just means wisdom. You’re like Gandalf.”

Melissa deadpanned. “Did you just compare me to a wizard?”

“Yeah,” Gregory nodded. “Powerful. Respectable. Kind of scary.”

Melissa stared, then chuckled. “You’re lucky you’re Janine’s boyfriend, kid. Otherwise, I’d whack you with this ruler.”

---

That afternoon, Janine gathered everyone in the lounge. “Okay, she said no party, but what if we do a mini surprise? Cannoli, candles, good vibes?”

Ava snapped her fingers. “Boom. I’ll project manage. I’m Head of Vibes here anyway.”

“No one voted for that,” Jacob said.

“No one has to vote when you’re hot,” Ava replied.

---

When Melissa walked in, everyone yelled, “Happy birthday!” Barbara lit a single candle sticking out of a cannoli.

Melissa froze. “What did I say about balloons?”

“There are no balloons!” Janine said quickly. “Just pastries! Pastries are safe!”

Ava held up her phone like a microphone. “Speech! Speech! From the old lady!”

Melissa glared. “Keep talkin’, Ava. See how speechless you are when I steal your car keys.”

Everyone laughed. Even Melissa. She took the cannoli, muttering, “You’re all a pain in my ass.”

Ava smirked. “An ass that’s aging like fine wine.”

Melissa raised the pastry in mock toast. “Another year, another wrinkle. Now shut up and let me eat.”

*Fin*