CALLIOPE
Asingle text in answer to Stacey hardly does justice to the multiple concerned texts she’s sent me over the past twelve hours, but it’s enough to stop her from calling the police about my absence which, according to the reply she sends while I’m racing home, she was seconds away from doing.
How can I be late for Nick’s birthday? What kind of mother am I?
I can’t believe I fell asleep.
There’s barely time to think any of it over as I arrive home almost forty minutes later and sprint inside—then stop dead. The hallway is immaculate. A new wooden floor gleams all the way to the kitchen and the walls are covered in a warm, oak wallpaper that’s decorated with a sprinkle of floral accents. It brings such warmth to the hallway that I almost don’t recognize it.
How fast do the people Elijah hired work?
No, there’s no time.
“Stacey?”
The door to the kitchen wrenches open, and Stacey stands there with her hair piled on top of her head and pinned in place, flour dusting one cheek and a mixing bowl under one arm. “Girl, you'd better have one hell of an excuse.”
“I’m so sorry!” I gasp, rushing toward her. “I can’t tell you how sorry I am.”
“No texts, no calls. I was terrified something happened to you!” As soon as I’m close enough, she shoves the bowl into my arms as I drop my bag. “What the hell were you playing at?”
“I didn’t plan it, I swear. It just sort of happened.”
“You don’t have that luxury, Calliope. I had plans last night and instead I had to stay looking after your kid and your crazy mother, who, by the way, thinks you left early to get decorations and she’s taken Nick for a birthday breakfast.” Her lips press into a firm line. “So? What happened?”
“Stacey, I’m so sorry.” She’s right. I don’t have the luxury of just falling into bed with a stranger and a curl of shame rises in my gut. “I don’t… I don’t know how it happened but I swear I’m okay, and I’m so grateful that you stayed.”
“Well…” Stacey grabs the bowl back with a huff. “Istayedbecause I’m such a good friend and I was supposed to be here early today anyway, but Calliope, you nearly made me a bystander to your death or something. Every text had me jumping out of my skin!”
“I know, I know!” I follow her deeper into the kitchen where several trays of cupcakes fill the counters. “I have no excuse.”
“Yes, you do.” Stacey sets the bowl down and begins adding more chocolate chips to the batter. “Come on, spill. Where were you?”
I beeline for the coffee machine. “With Elijah?”
“Talking?”
My cheeks warm as hot as the coffee I’m pouring. “No.”
“Calliope!” She gasps loudly and spins to face me. “Tell meeverything.”
“I don’t think I have time. We have to finish prepping the food and decorating for the party, and I need to wrap his presents.” As I drink, my other hand shoots to my forehead. “Oh, God.”
“Fine. Well, I’ve got the food sorted and I know you wanted it all handmade, but I’ve ordered from that cafe down near the park. They’re bringing platters of sandwiches. So go, wrap your presents and stuff, but then you’d better be back here giving meeveryjuicy detail.”
“I will. I’m really sorry, Stacey.” Passing her, I kiss her powdery cheek even as she rolls her eyes, then I dart off to my bedroom. Where would I be without her?
Somehow, the disaster of the day is prevented just in time. I get all of Nick’s presents wrapped, set up every gift bag for his friends attending the party, decorate the newly painted living room with paper streamers, balloons, and a banner sayingHappy Birthday, Nick!, then I help Stacey set out the food on the dining table for the kids to pick at and nibble. The sandwiches arrive not a minute too soon and then I have to rush back to my car and drive back into the city to pick up Nick’s birthday cake.
I’ve only just applied the final touches when the front door crashes open and Nick rushes home. “Mommy?” he calls at the top of his lungs.
“Just a sec!” Together, Stacey and I manage to hide the cake in the fridge just in time as Nick comes running through the door.
“Mommy!”
“Baby!” I turn and scoop him up into my arms as he rushes at me, his face bright and his eyes sparkling.
“Mommy, where were you?”
