When she’s gone, I look down at Sadie. “We'll be alright, won’t we?”
I take a moment to just stare at her. She’s really fucking cute. All of my siblings make adorable children. I hate that I haven’t been around as much to be there for them.
When my sister, Michelle, got pregnant with Eve when she was seventeen, I was only about ten. Since I was still a kid, and Michelle lived at home with Eve, I got to watch my niece grow up quite a bit. I loved all the time I got to spend with her.
Hopefully, I get that time with all my other nieces and nephews now that I’m home. I don’t know that I’d call myself good with kids. I think it’s more a matter of kids wanting to be around me because I basically still act like one of them. I don’t know if I’ll ever fully grow up.
Sadie is so chill in my arms, but she also shows no signs of being the least bit tired.
That’s okay. I’ll hang out all night with her if it means my sister-in-law can catch up on some sleep.
I reach over to grab the remote to turn something on. I flip through a streaming service for a movie that will keep my interest.
Finally, I settle on John Wick. Babies like that right? How could Sadie not love Keanu?
The movie plays, and Sadie and I both watch with wide-eyed wonder. We are about half an hour in when my brother comes walking through the front door.
He looks from me to the baby and then to the TV. “Are you teaching my daughter to be an assassin?”
“Yeah. Teaching her how to kick your ass when she’s older.”
“Why does that not surprise me?”
“So, where have you been?”
“Does it matter?”
I glare at him. “Dylan, are you cheating on Leah?”
“What?” He snaps.
“I mean, I’m just asking! You disappeared, and no one knew where you were, and then, you’re home super late.”
He walks over to sit on the couch and wipes his face with his hand. “No, Jo. I’m not cheating on my wife. Fuck, have all these assholes you’ve dated left you this jaded?”
Well, that is a topic to be discussed with my imaginary therapist.
“We aren’t talking about me, Dylan.”
“Well, there’s your answer. I would never cheat on my wife. You know that.”
He’s right. I do know that. I have a feeling I know exactly where he was tonight.
“So, how’s Beau?” I ask.
It takes a moment for his eyes to find mine. “He’s a little fucked up at the moment.”
I knew it.
“Are you guys friends now?” The question comes out with more sass than I intend.
“We’ve been friends for a while, Jo. Look, I’m happy as hell that you’re back here, but I like Beau, and I’m not going to start being a dick to him.”
“I’m not asking you to.”
“Really? Because that’s what it feels like.”
Looking down at Sadie, I mumble, “I don’t care that you guys are friends.”
