Vance: Something came up.I have to stay in New York for a bit longer.
I was used to the way he didn’t fill his texts with platitudes but always got straight to the point.But the thought of not seeing him on Monday sent a pang of sadness shooting through my chest.
Me: Okay.
I almost asked him when he’d be back, but I didn’t want to sound needy.Instead, I moved on to a safer topic.
Me: Thanks for the backpacks for the girls.You really didn’t have to get them anything.
Addy’s backpack strap snapped off yesterday.Not surprising, since her backpack was a few years old and she carried all her heavy schoolbooks in it.I’d mentioned it when I’d texted with Vance last night and he’d asked how the girls were doing.Two new backpacks showed up this morning.
Vance: If they want different colors, you can exchange them.
Not only had he gotten them new backpacks, but he’d also gotten them ones that they loved: a pink princess one for Elana and a blue one with whales, dolphins, and sea stars on it for Addy.
The fact that he knew what they both liked showed how much he listened.
Me: They love them.Thank you so much again.
Vance: How was work?
Me: The same.Malena said you have a big court case coming up.
Vance: It’s the last case I have to wrap up in New York.
Me: The last case?
Vance: Last client up here, then I’m only taking clients around Denver.
Me: Are you moving here?
Vance: Yes.Bought a house and office.
Me: In Denver?
Vance: The house is in Butler, the office in Denver.
Why in the world would he move to a small town?
Me: I didn’t realize you liked Butler that much.
Vance: Fell in love the first time.
Me: You must love small towns.
Vance: I do now.
Addy appeared in front of the couch.“Momma, my throat hurts.”
Me: Duty calls, gotta go.
“How about some honey?”
Addy nodded, holding up her hands to be picked up, a clear sign she wasn’t feeling well.I sat her on my hip and rummaged through my cupboards, praying we had some honey left.
“Yes,” I called out in triumph when I found a small container that still had a little bit of honey at the bottom.After putting some on a spoon and giving it to Addy, I tucked her back into bed, praying she wasn’t getting sick.
My prayers went unanswered, because she woke up with a cough and a temperature.Since Elana seemed fine, I still drove her to daycare.My next task was to call Malena, who didn’t pick up, so I left a message.
