Zoe frowned, wondering if Stephanie was suggesting something. She knew the woman worked hard, and was trying to support as many children as she was without having a provider like her husband to help out. She didn't care what people thought of her, but she didn't when people put her down either, even subtly, because she'd decided to focus on her family first. "I'm sure whatever your usual rate is is fine," she said to Jon.
"Yeah," responded Jon, who had no idea what "it" was. "We can figure out the details later. How about after my first session?"
"Sure."
She bought my stalling, thought Jon. "Then I'll have an idea of how much work will be involved."
Jon noticed Betty had passed out on the couch in front of the TV. She might be a challenge ... assuming she stayed the same by the time he returned ... if he returned. There wasn't much sense in negotiating for what might never be. Zoe might be the same for the next few days ... possibly even forever ... but she might not even have any children by 3:47 tomorrow.
Jon was disturbed by the thought of Zoe having children. Around his age, no less. Carly yesterday and these girls today. Maybe more he hadn't seen. She cared enough about them to have him tutor them. But would she care about these particular girls after tomorrow afternoon? Would she have a new daughter - or son - who didn't need Jon's help? Help that Jon wasn't even sure he could give. "What subjects do they need help in?"
"All of them," replied Zoe.
Stephanie Nguyen was puzzled by her former classmate. Why didn't Zoe give her own children help? Zoe had aced every subject but PE back in the day. But that was a long time ago, and Zoe had forgotten a lot since then. And maybe Zoe had another motive.
Or at least one of the girls did. Stephanie noticed Marie staring at Jon. Sarah Kim had a similar look.
Chrissy was also eyeing Jon, albeit with less intensity.
Jon had never had so much attention from girls before: Tiffany, Sarah - Sarah! - and the Brewers. What did they see in Jon Nguyen?
After Tiffany explained how she was concerned for Jon after he didn't answer her texts or her call, her mother volunteered to drive her to Jon's place. Tiffany's mother didn't want her daughter walking alone in the dark.
"Thanks for your help, Mom," said Tiffany as she settled into the passenger seat of a car that was familiar to her even though she had never been inside it before.
"You're welcome," said Tiffany's mother from the last few hours. Before this afternoon, she used to be ...
