“Yup.”
“That’s so sad.”
What? “Why do you say that?”
“Because you’re going to fall in love with him, then he’s going to go away.”
And? “People come into your life, and people leave your life.”
“Not in my family. People stay. They might go places for a little while, but they never leave forever. How do you handle people leaving?”
I shrug. “They’re going to live a better life.”
“A better life…” Hope reaches for a cup. “You’re going to come to Sunday dinner, right? My nonno would be disappointed if you didn’t come.”
“I don’t know—”
“You have to come. I’ve been telling everyone about you. All my cousins want to meet you. They’ll be so disappointed. My nonna is cooking, and her food is amazing.”
An excuse…you need an excuse. “Daria and I have plans to spend the weekend together.”
“So bring her too.”
“Daria doesn’t like to be in crowds.”
“It won’t be a crowd. Just family is invited.”
Somehow, I don’t trust those innocent eyes of hers. Maybe it’s the little glint in the corner of her eye that makes me think she’s up to mischief. Or it could be the smile that’s just like her father's.
Whatever it is, something feels off. “I don’t—”
“You have to come. Please don’t say no.”
Why can’t I say no to this kid? Ugh. “Fine, but we can’t stay long.” Daria is definitely coming with me so that I don’t end up sitting in the corner alone.
How am I going to pull her away from her books? “Dash might come with us.”
“Even better! Dad’s out front if you want to check on Dash.”
Oh, I probably should. I left him for a long time. Max probably didn’t mean for me to take hours. “Thanks.”
Max is at his favorite table in the corner, with Dash sitting in his arms. The two of them are staring intently at the computer screen. It’s eerie how much Dash looks like Max right now, even down to the same wrinkle in their brows.
“That must be some interesting video.”
Max looks up with a smile, and Dash gurgles at me. “We’re watching an introductory video on how to code. I think the kid might have skills.”
How can a baby have coding skills? You know, I don’t want to know. “Sorry I took so long.”
“Don’t be. I offered, and the two of us have been having a nice time. It took me a while to steal him away from Hope.”
About that. I slide into the booth across from him. “Do I need to be careful of that? She seems to be developing an attachment to him.” Which isn’t a good idea since Dash could be taken away at any time.
Max glances towards the kitchen. “Nah. Hope’s good.”
That’s one less worry.
“How was your nap?”
