“You’re nice to look at—especially when you’re clean.” He winks.
“Don’t say stuff like that,” I fire back.
He tilts his head, managing to chew toast and smile devilishly. “Why?”
“Because friends compliment each other. You don’t want to be friends, remember?”
“Yeah, you’re probably right.” He doesn’t look away though.
“Well, thanks again.” I turn and take Willow upstairs to get her dressed.
As soon as I lay her down on the edge of my bed to get her diaper off, I hear my phone begin ringing downstairs. They’ll have to leave a voice mail. Hopefully it’s not a prospective client—I need the work.
I change Willow into her clothes for the day, and she fusses from the cold air of the apartment hitting her skin. I grab a spare outfit, diaper, and pacifier and throw them into an old tote bag to bring with me to the store before heading back downstairs. “We’re venturing out today, Will, whether you like it or not. Big sisters have to eat too.”
I reach into the side of the couch and pull out my phone—Calvin called. The second time since he dropped us at home.Not a fan of texting, I guess.I addcall Calvin backto today’s list of tasks, alongside groceries, laundry, work and sleep.Please.
“Where are you going this morning?”Luke asks from the dining table.
“Grocery store. I owe you a granola bar, by the way.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
I glance towards Warren, whose back is thankfully turned.“Thanks.”
“You’re welcome to anything with anLon it.”He gestures towards the fridge.“I don’t mind sharing.”
“Neither do I.”I smile.
Warren clears his throat, and Luke follows my glance towards him. He signs to Luke,“You ready to go?”
Luke takes his bowl to the sink, giving it a quick wash before placing it in the dish rack. I haven’t lived with any fifteen-year-old boys before, but this one seems particularly easy. I feel bad for the presumptions I made before we met. He’s a good kid. His brother might not be so bad either.
I got out the door as the boys were getting their shoes on. It’s not a competition, but I did win. I hit the sidewalk outside our building, pushing Willow’s stroller ahead of me with one hand and a to-go cup of nasty black coffee in the other. The woman who tried to feed her couch a bottle this morning is long gone.I have my shit together, world. Look at me!
There is a fifteen-minute walk ahead of me to the grocery store, so I give Calvin a call back. Efficiency is my new middle name.
“Hey, sorry I missed your call,” I say quickly as soon as he answers.
“No worries. I thought maybe it was too early anyway, but I was leaving work.”
“Headed home to sleep?” I couldn’t contain the sound of my jealousy, even if I tried.
“I have a couple of errands to run, but then yes. What is your day looking like?”
“We’ve finally left the house today. Going to get groceries and do some laundry if Will cooperates. I have a project that is nearing overdue, and I need a good nap.” I’m rambling. “So… errands too, I guess.”
“Well, next time, let me know, and I’ll tag along.” He means help, which is sweet because he doesn’t say it.
“Yeah, thanks. I’d like that,” I say.
“I have to go, but while I have you… I was wondering if you were free next weekend. I don’t work either day—which is rare. I was thinking we could watch a movie while Willow sleeps?”
“She doesn’t sleep, she rests. It’s sort of her thing.”
“Oh, I remember. She kept me on my toes at night. I envied the nurses with older kids many times.”
I laugh. “But yes, that sounds nice.”
