“Contacts. I wear them sometimes,” I tell Gabby.
“Oh. I like your glasses. Sami at school just got glasses. They’re cool.”
“They are pretty cool, like Clark Kent.”
“Who’s that?” Gabby coughs a little, and I’m not going to lie ... I overthink it. Should I give her the Heimlich?
“Gabby, chew your food,” Andi says.
“I am, Mom. You said you liked Reid’s glasses when you were watching him on the computer.”
Andi ducks her head and murmurs, “I think I preferred when you were talking about gas.”
I laugh, watching as Andi takes a sip of her wine.
“Gabby, it’s not polite to repeat what you hear in private.”
“You said it out loud, Mom.”
“I didn’t know you were listening.”
“Ladies, you know what? Why don’t we get bundled up and go toast some marshmallows?” I suggest, not wanting this conversation to grow a life of its own. Silently, I vow to never wear contacts again, and grab all the dirty plates.
“I should clean up,” Andi says.
“I’ll do it later. I’m sure Gabby has to get to bed.”
I wonder what it would take to be able to take them home and help strip Andi out of those leggings ...
Not much, apparently. Sort of.
“This was really fun,” Andi says outside her car once she has Gabby buckled up in the back seat.
“I’m glad you liked it.”
“I did. You know, my brother-in-law reads your blog.”
“He does?”
“Yep. My sister’s worried he’s having an affair because of it. He’s British and all stuffy, you know the type?”
“You mean like a pocket-protector-wearing stats guy?”
“Something like that. Anyway, he’s become a real Renaissance man since reading your blog.”
I tuck a loose hair into her hat. A light snow is starting to fall, and I want to drag Andi inside in front of my fireplace.
“I’m flattered, but I can’t concentrate on that right now. I really want to kiss you. I’m guessing this isn’t the place?”
“Right, I’m sorry. I don’t want her getting the wrong idea.” She hooks her thumb over her shoulder toward Gabby.
“I get it.”
“She’s already smitten with you. FunZone, Halloween candy, Cokes. You’re a dream come true.”
I lean close, my lips grazing her ear as I speak. “I’m kind of hoping I’m your dream come true too.”
More blushing on her part, made clear by the glow from a nearby streetlight.
