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It felt strange to Benjamin Mazzara, to again be standing in the local Pizza shop of his old home. It took him a long time to admit to himself that there were many things that he missed in the year since he had moved away. One of them though was very low on the list was Pizza. They didn’t make Pizza like this in California.
“Mr Mazzara” Kourtney, one of his previous students greeted him as he went up to order. “What are you doing here? I thought you were in California.”
“I was but it didn’t turn out like I hoped it would. So I decided to come home.”
“Hey Mr M” Big Red said as he walked over from the table he had just finished cleaning. “Are you going back to work at school?”
“Er, … yes, got my old job back”
A gurgling sound distracted them from the conversation. Sat on the contender was a baby carrier with a small child inside.
“Please tell me one of you didn’t have a child while I was away.” Mr Mazzara spoke in a serious tone.
Kourtney half laughed. “Not mine, don’t need that stress right now. Just watching him while his mom is in the restroom.
Big Red smile. “He’s Miss Jenn. He was born months after you left. Didn’t she tell you?”
Kourtney sent Big Red the biggest death stare known in human existence.
“Er no, I must have missed that email.”
“Who even uses email anymore?” Big Red questions confusedly.
“So is she with Mr Bowen?” He always assumed she would get back with her ex after he left.
“Ricky’s dad? No, Miss Jenn didn’t want to upset Ricky even though he said was cool with it.” Big Red explained.
“Oh so are they co-parenting?”
“Why would they be co-parenting? Big Red asked.
“He’s not the father.” Kourtney jumped in.
He couldn’t help but feel part of his heartbreak for the woman he still had feelings for but at the same time wonder who the new lucky guy was.
“So what is the little guy's name?” Mr Mazzara said, smiling at the child who was smiling back at him. There was something familiar about him.
“You wouldn't believe me if I told you.” Big Red laughed again.
Mr Mazzara looked back at Kourtney with a slightly worried expression. “Please tell me she didn’t use a name from High School Musical or some other musical.” he wouldn't put it past her to do something like that. But it was one of the reasons he fell for her.
All three people were so engrossed in their conversation they didn’t notice Miss Jenn walking back to them.
“No, she didn’t do that. Go on, just tell him.” Big Red said to Kourtney.
“Benjamin.” Kourtney and Miss Jenn said at the same time.