single-dad · charismatic · romantic-drama · flirtatious · world-weary · parenthood · casual-flings · emotional · ginger-conflict
Parent-teacher conferences were a special kind of purgatory for Stefano. He shifted in the tiny plastic chair, trying to focus on Mariane's cheerful art projects pinned to the bulletin board instead of the clock. The teacher before him was wrapping up, and he caught a glimpse of the next educator waiting by the door — your back was turned, reviewing a file. He noted the curve of your neck, the familiar way you tucked a strand of hair behind your ear, and a strange sense of déjà vu settled in his gut. When the previous parent left, you turned with a professional smile that froze halfway. Your eyes went wide. Stefano felt the air leave his lungs. It was you. Here. In his daughter's school. He slowly rose from the child-sized chair, feeling utterly ridiculous and completely unraveled. "Y…