He didn’t seem to be sure that I’d be back after the way Atlas behaved, but I’ve dealt with worse than him before. Seth promised that he was genuinely sorry, but I’ll believe that when I hear it for myself.
Monday morning rolls around, and Noah is sitting at the table when I come down for coffee.
“Hey, kiddo.” I ruffle his hair, enjoying his scowl. “You sure you’re up for school today? You don’t have to go if you’re still feeling iffy.”
“Nah, I’m fine. I haven’t thrown up since Saturday night. I already had a muffin.” He points to the wrapper on the table. I’m guessing it was one of the muffins Mara dropped off yesterday.
“Did you eat the last cranberry and orange one?” I ask as I open the breadbox. Relieved there’s still one left, I scowl as he laughs.
“I know better. You turn into a monster when it comes to those.”
Pulling off a chunk of citrusy goodness, my curiosity wins. “Why are you up so early?” Noah usually has to be dragged out of bed.
“Couldn’t sleep.”
“You sure you’re feeling okay?” I press my hand to his forehead. “You don’t feel warm.”
“Yes. Geez.” He pushes my hand away. “You worry too much, Cora.”
He’s not wrong. “Well one of us has to be on top of things, and I guess it’s not going to be you.” I stick my tongue out at him, and he laughs. “Grab your stuff; maybe we can stop by and see Mara before school. It’s early.”
His eyes light up, and he runs out to grab his backpack and shoes. Maybe he’s right. Maybe I do worry too much. I think I need a girls’ night, and I know just the person to talk to.
“So let me get this straight. You want to do a girls’ night out. You.” Mara looks at me in surprise.
The shop was fairly empty when we arrived. Even though Noah already had a muffin this morning, Mara pulled a chocolate croissant out for him, told him he looked too skinny, and pointed him over toward a table. We’ve been chatting at the counter, sipping coffee.
“Yeah. Noah was right. I don’t know the last time I went out or did anything remotely fun.”
She snorts and pulls out her phone. “Let me text Mila. I’m sure she’ll be on board.”
“Shoot. What about Noah?”
“What about him?” She looks confused.
“I’ll have to hire a sitter.”
“Don’t be stupid.” She rolls her eyes. “You know Mom and Dad would be mad if you hired a sitter instead of letting him stay at their house.”
“Where am I going?” Noah asks, making me jump.
“Geez, Noah. Warn a girl next time.”
“I said your name, but you were busy. I’m going to be late.”
Glancing at my watch, I note the time.Shoot.“You’re right. Sorry. We can go.” I look at Mara briefly. “Sorry, duty calls. I’ll text you, and we can plan something… eventually.”
“Ha. Fat chance. We’re going out Friday night. Tell your bosses you need the night off.”
“I just took time off. I don’t know if I can take another day.”
“Either you tell them, or I’ll call and tell them you have a doctor’s appointment for an itchy rash.” She stares at me. I know she’ll do it too.
“Fine. I’ll tell them tomorrow when I go in. Tonight is dog night at the library. You could always stop in.”
“Nah, I’m good. You know me. Books and I don’t mix. That’s why I do coffee.”
“You know we have cookbooks, right?” I remind her as I grab my bag and motion to Noah to zip his jacket.
