“What does he want to talk to me about?”
“The old man I’m guessing.”
“Can’t I just deal with you? I don’t want to be around anyone with the last name Jackson. What does he have to say that you can’t tell me?”
“I don’t know, Mom, but it’ll be fine. I’ll be there. He’s not a big talker so it won’t take long.”
“Fine, I’ll stop by but I’m not staying. Who’s this someone you want me to meet?”
“Her name is Pippa.”
“Okay then, I look forward to it.”
I hang up and start the van. The sun is out and it’s warming up nicely. I lower the window and head to Pippa’s.
Knocking on her door, I hear Oliver laughing and it makes a nice change from hearing him cry.
“Who is it?” Pippa calls out.
“It’s Konan.”
“Come in!”
I let myself in and she’s lying on the floor holding Oliver above her, whizzing him around like an aeroplane.
“I take it you both got some sleep last night?”
“Yep.” She grins. “That makes it four nights in a row that we’ve both slept.”
She lowers the kid and sits up, settling him on his play mat. Giving him a soft toy, she stands and walks over to sit on the arm of the couch.
“How come you’re over so early?”
“I want to take you to the club today. We’re having a cookout.”
“Oh I don’t know about that. We were going to go to children’s book group.”
“The kid is a few months old, I don’t think he’s following story time.”
She argues, “It’s good stimulation for him. The books said that…”
“Feed him, bathe him, don’t abuse him. The kid has loads around him to keep him stimulated, especially for one day.”
I don’t expect her to laugh. “I forget you’re the expert.”
I shrug. “Nah, it’s simple math. It’s what my mom used to say.”
“Does your mom have any tips on how to get him to sleep through the night?”
I shrug. “I could ask her.”
“Anything will help at this point.”
“So, how about it? Will you come to the club today?”
I wait for her answer, realising how much I want her to be there with me.
“What about the baby? I can’t get a sitter.”
