And there it is.I have no control over the wieners in my world.None.
The rest of my night is filled with brownie batter.No need to waste time cooking that shit.It does the job just fine with a bowl and a spoon.
Eric burrows under the blankets and snuggles with me, doing everything he can to make me feel better, and after scrolling through my Pinterest board, I decide it’s time for a change.
* * *
My phone pingsand vibrates during the next couple of days.Most of the calls and messages are fromCúl Tóna.I Googled how to say dickhead in Gaelic.Those go unanswered, and I don’t bother even looking through the peephole when anyone knocks on the door.I’m not hiding.I just don’t want to mess around with the Dick Who Shall Not Be Named.
I stepped out of my comfort zone and peopled, putting myself out there, and obviously, it didn’t have great results.Not quite ready to deal with any of that, I throw myself into my real job.
Referrals have been flying in since I did Aidan’s website, so many that I can easily lose myself in the quiet orderliness of designing and coding.All I need to do is get Eric’s sleep cycle adjusted a little so that I don’t have to leave my apartment as much during normal people times.
Eric, of course, is resistant to change.Most change since, all of a sudden, he can’t seem to pass the damn Chinese restaurant without having to pee on the wall.When there are treats involved, he’s even quiet when the inevitable knocking starts on my door.Although the little dick does go cry at the door when he hears Finn’s voice through it.There is nothing worse than a weepy wiener.
We’ll get through this.
I work nonstop through the weekend and email the director at the community center, Anne, letting her know that I’m out for the rest of the classes.There are only a handful left, and to be honest, Virginia can cover them.She’s taken that class so many times, she knows the material inside and out.
Anne isn’t having it though.
“Adelaide, you’re one of the best instructors we have.You’re gifted with the ability to break down the concepts for the…more mature attendees,” she quips.
I couldn’t blow off her phone call.
“Maybe age is the problem,” I mumble.
“Problem with what?”
“Nothing.Just thinking about a different problem.”
“The young man currently enrolled in the class?Is he the one you’re concerned with?”she asks softly.
“What?No—it’s—he’s?—”
“Virginia called to let me know he won’t be back.Was he inappropriate, honey?I’ve seen him around, usually helping the ladies into their cars, holding doors.Always using lovely manners, but then I’m sure age could be a factor there.”
“He quit?”
“Mmhmm.Virginia didn’t give a reason, just to let you know.She said you’d most likely be calling to back out of the rest of the session.So, since he’s not an issue, we’ll see you tomorrow.”Anne’s singsong voice fades well before she ends the call.
* * *
And,true to that message, Finn’s seat is empty.But they all are.There is not a soul here today.My ladies are never late.I glance around the room—from the door to the clock and back again.
Finally, at five after, Louise walks in and hands me a cup of coffee before sitting down.
“Thanks, Lou.”I take a sip.“Where’re the others?”
Before she can answer, Esther comes in with a box of cookies.A small one just for me, and they look suspiciously like the ones Finn made.She hands them to me and hugs me.
Ellie walks through the door with a beautiful scarf tie-dyed with pinks, teals, and blues.She wraps it around my neck and plants a grandma kiss on my cheek.I’m stunned absolutely silent.
Connie’s next with a to-go container from the diner.I crack open the lid even though I know what’s in there.The smell of sausage wafts out, and I snort-giggle, thinking of how his cheesy comments started being kind of cute.
The gifts keep coming.A fresh box of the super-soft tissues I brought him when he was sick.That one I open right away to dab at the weird emotions leaking out of my eyes.
“What is all this?”I sniff.Katherine just smiles and pats my arm.
