Enzo stiffens, and my heart stops.
Shit.I shouldn’t have done that. That was weird, right? I think it was weird.
I avoid eye contact with him and focus on the ice cream. Enzo still hasn’t told me why he got so upset that I gave a sample so Gaby could make Luca, but we’re sort of getting along now, at least when I don’t make things awkward, and I don’t want a heavy conversation.
Maybe he was just tired and annoyed with me. Maybe I called him too much, and he didn’t really care about whenever I shared things with him.
I eye him. I hope he’s happy. Does he hate living with me? Does Luca?
My pulse kicks up.
I frown and prepare a tray of waffles and ice cream. I set them on the couch, then find the remote control. I scroll to theWinnie the PoohI saw on the TV app earlier and get it queued up.
“Let’s wash our hands, Luca,” Enzo says.
Huh. I should have thought about that before I fed him waffles. Luca is always touching things and putting them in his mouth. I have a regular housekeeper, but I whip out my phone and text her that I have a kid in the house now and to double check that all the products are organic and clean and child safe. I promise to reimburse her for anything she needs to buy.
Once that is sorted, I follow Luca and Enzo into the bathroom. Enzo holds Luca up to the sink, and I pull out my phone again and order a step stool for him. I think about piling some heavy books on the floor until the step stool arrives, but no way do I want him to fall, and books and bathrooms are a bad combo.
I wash my hands after Luca and Enzo, then we all go to the living room. I have Enzo and Luca sit down, then get some drinks for them: water mixed with juice. Luca’s comes in a sippy cup.
Finally, I sit down.
The movie starts playing. Luca is between us, and I make sure he’s eating okay. Maybe putting a movie on and eating at the same time is a bad idea. My stomach turns.
“Small bites,” I remind him.
Luca nods seriously. I’m pretty sure Enzo drilled in the importance to him on chewing.
Soon the screen fills with Winnie-the-Pooh and Tigger and Piglet.
It’s not the way I normally spend my nights, but it’s pretty cool. Luca seems to think so too, and even Enzo is transfixed. It’sweird that Enzo hasn’t seenWinnie-the-Poohbefore, but I know he was raised by a busy single mom and money was always an issue.
My parents weren’t rich, but comfortable enough for me to play hockey, and my grandparents were also helpful.
I wish my family lived closer. Enzo and I have away games again next week, and I need to figure out additional childcare soon. I could send Luca to my parents with Patricia, but he’s pretty shy, and I’d like to be there when I introduce them to my parents.
I make a note on my to-do list to speak with Evan tomorrow.
The movie credits roll, and I glance at Enzo. His breathing has gone slow and deep: he’s fast asleep. The TV light flickers across his face. Something in my chest goes soft.
It’s eight o’clock, and that’s bedtime.
“Come on,” I tell Luca. “Let’s get you to bed.”
He looks alarmed.
“Your uncle is sleeping,” I whisper. “Come. I’ll show you.” I take Luca’s hand and lead him to Enzo. He looks ridiculous—head tipped back, mouth open, a line of drool on his chin. I watch him longer than I should.
“See?” I whisper.
Luca’s mouth forms an O.
I press my finger against my lips.
Luca grins.
“You’re good at being quiet,” I whisper.
