“I’m glad to hear you’re invested in your education, Travis.” John catches the ball one of the kids throws at him and takes control of the situation. “I assume you’ll be seeing more of the hallowed halls this fall.”
“Let’s not go that far,” Travis says laughing as I walk out of the room and back to my office. The sound of dribbling picks up again and I close my door to block out the distraction and answer any final e-mails of the day. It’s nice having John to help around here. It’s wonderful knowing I can count on him. I spend less time at home worried about what the kids are doing when I’m not here, but I also hate missing out on the fun they’ll have. It’s like we have a weird custody agreement and trade off parenting duties.
Thirty minutes later I open the top drawer prepared to toss my phone in the large canvas bag I use as a purse, but I notice I’ve missed a text. It must have come in while I was in the gym.
GRANT: Does Drew have a preference for dinner tonight?
I’m surrounded by pushy men.
CLARE: I told you no to bringing me dinner.
GRANT: I’m not bringing you dinner. I’m bringing Drew dinner.
His response is lightning fast, and another text comes right after.
GRANT: But I may have to reschedule. There is a problem in our largest China plant and my grandfather wants me to go in person.
What kind of life would it be to think you’ll be home for dinner but then run off to China? Like it’s a taxi ride away.
CLARE: I’m sure he’ll be devastated.
Not that I would admit it to Grant, Drew, or even myself, but I am a little sad over the missed dinner opportunity. Grant wasn’t so horrible the last time I let him feed me.
GRANT: I’ll try to never let it happen again. I hope he’ll forgive me.
I’m worried he’s not talking about Drew anymore.
CLARE: I’m sure we’ll survive without big sweet Grant here to feed us.
I roll my eyes while hitting send even if he can’t see me.
GRANT: Oh were you going to eat with us?
They might be a text, but his words drip with sarcasm.
“This man,” I say to the ceiling as a slight curse. I’m starting to worry I’ll never win with him.
CLARE: Be safe in China, Grant.
He doesn’t respond before I toss my phone in the canvas bag and throw it over my shoulder making my way out the office door.
