“Evan,” I said, my tone sharp. “Don’t be a dumbass.”
“Relax, William. I’ll be on my best behavior.”
I hung up thinking about how this was not the day I thought I would be having.
Before I knew it, we were at my house, I turned into my driveway. Jason pulled in behind me, helping Bebe out of the car as I walked over to greet them.
“Come on in for a beer and some apple juice while we wait for Madison,” I said, trying to make Jason feel comfortable under the circumstances.
Jason hesitated for a moment, clearly uneasy, but eventually nodded. “Alright.”
We walked inside, and Evan was already in full football mode, with four different games on the big screen.
“Hey, Jason, this is Evan. Evan, Jason.
Jason extended his hand. “Hey, man. Nice to meet you. What’s going on? Did the Bears just kick a field goal?”
Evan grinned and nodded. “Yeah, Santos nailed it. Right down the middle.”
Jasonstood by the couch, still looking a little unsure but loosening up as the game went on. I handed him a beer and gave Bebe an apple juice.
“Can I go play in Ivy’s room?” Bebe asked after a while.
“Absolutely,” I said. Ivy’s room had a Barbie dream house that I knew she loved.
I stood as we watched the game. As a quarter went by, I noticed Jason coming in closer toward the couch, eventually we both sat down.
We started to talk about our fantasy football lineups, and Evan, never one to miss an opportunity, made a few jokes about Jason’s picks. Jason held his own and shot back about his tight end choking this season.
Right before halftime, we heard the garage door open. Madison walked in, dressed in her riding gear, her boots clicking against the tile.
“Hi, Maddie,” I said, standing up. “Thanks for bringing the book.”
I motioned toward Jason. “This is Jason, Bebe’s dad. He needed the book for her report.”
Madison’s brows furrowed slightly, but she quickly recovered. “Hi,” she said politely to Jason, before turning to Evan. “Hi, Uncle Evan.”
Evan grinned, leaning back on the couch. “Hey, don’t you want to hang out? We’re a lot of fun.”
Madison smirked faintly, shaking her head. “No thanks, I’m heading to the barn.”
Jason nodded at her. “Nice to meet you, and thanks for dropping this off.”
Madison said, “You’re welcome. Nice to meet you, too.”
She headed out quickly, still looking a little confused.
Jason glanced at the clock. “I’d better get Bebe back to the house so we can work on this,” he said, standing.
“You’re welcome to stay,” I offered, meaning it.
He looked touched by the offer but shook his head. “It’s all good. I appreciate the beer and the book, though.”
“No problem,” I said.
“Bebe!” Jason called, his voice echoing through the house.
As we waited for her, I saw Jason glancing around the living room. I could tell he was taking in the details, the furniture, the decor. Natalie had done it all, and it was obvious he knew that. He stayed composed, though, not letting his emotions show.
