Tania
Nothing much, what’s up?
Sophie
I’m headed to Parc Beliveau in the Plateau, wanna come?
Tania
I dunno. I’m having one of those days…
Tania
But you’re welcome to come here if you want
I sigh, disappointment sinking into my very bones. But I can’t fault Tania for this. Some days, the grief of losing Miguel still claws at her. I can’t imagine going through what she went through. At least I get to be angry at Matt for what he did.
Anger is so much easier than grief.
For a moment, I consider cancelling my plans and going to Tania’s place with the kids instead. She could certainly use the company. But I can’t do that to the girls when I’ve already made a commitment.
Sophie
I’m sorry, I promised the girls we’d go to the park already, they’re gonna kill me if I change our plans
Tania
Ok have fun! I’m gonna put on Practical Magic and eat too many cookies
Sophie
Ok take care xoxox
I guess it will just be the four of us, then.
Before I can stop the thought, my mind goes to Will, and my breath hitches. There are probably a million things a thirty-four-year-old bachelor would rather do on a Sunday afternoon than frolic around with a single mom and her kids at a park. But I can’t deny that the idea of having him come with us sends flutters through my entire body.
Not for any twisted reason, mind you. It’s just that he seemed to have so much fun playing with the kids last time.
Yeah, that’s it. No other reason I want him to tag along. And after all, isn’t that what friends are for?
And he’s a friend. At least, I want to try us being friends.
Decided, I send him a quick text. Instead of replying back like a normal human being, my phone starts ringing, making my heart skip a beat.
“You don’t know how to text?” I ask as soon as I pick up, trying to get my pulse to slow.
“I’d rather not. I’m old school like that.” His deep voice in the receiver makes my toes curl.No, it doesn’t.“But, yes, I’d love to join you guys.”
For some reason, I don’t want him to think I only want him to come because of … well, him. He might get the wrong idea. “Bring your nephews!” I add. “The more, the merrier, right?” I’m sure I sound very convincing. “The girls had so much fun with them last time.” Wow, can’t I shut up? I think he gets it.
“They’ve got plans with their parents.” He chuckles. “I can’t just kidnap them whenever I want.”
“Of course you can,” I tease. “That’s the best perk of being an uncle.” There’s a pang in my heart as I think of my own nephew—my sister’s son. Both my brother and sister, Orlando and Megane, live far from Montréal. Orlando moved all the way to Vancouver to study and work in film, while Megane, her partner, and their son set roots down in Val-d’Or, all the way in Abitibi. When she chose to settle down with a diamond driller, she knew she’d never be able to live in the city. Not that she minds.
But I sure would love to see them more often. Having my family spread out like this doesn’t help the feeling of isolation that has grown icy tendrils around my heart.
“Yeah,” Will responds with a quiet laugh. The way it came out makes me think something’s up. Like he didn’t find that amusing, and he’s only pretending for my sake.
