“Mmm, what about Vero?”
“Let me talk to her,” Allie whispers from the background. “Hello?”
“Hey.”
“So Vero is out. I put her in bed with Nico, and they’re both sleeping. I’m totally fine with them staying the night if that’s okay with you.”
"Are you sure? She’s never slept anywhere but home, and I would hate for her to give you a hard time in the middle of the night.”
“I hear you, but Nat, baby, I’m a mom too. I can figure it out, and I promise if she’s distraught, I’ll have Jake drive us over. We’re ten minutes away. Unless you don’t want to…” Allie lets her words trail off.
I haven’t had a night without a child in my home for so long. I know this is not the season for it; for peace and quiet, for crumb-less floors. I know this is the chaos and magic in the making season, shaping little minds that one day will change the world. I know this is the season for little sleep and big smiles covering sad hearts. But would it be bad for me to say yes to a little break?
“It’s not that. It’s?—”
“They will be safe with us, and if you change your mind, come get them any time.”
I swallow hard, hoping the tears creeping up stay behind. Holden eyes me suspiciously, but I assure him with a smile.
“Can we play it by ear?”I don’t know if I’m ready to let them both sleep out of my house, I translate in a less clingy way.
“Oh, of course, Nat. If at any point you or they change their minds, they’ll be coming over to you.”
“Okay. Can you put Bella back on the phone?”
“Yup.”
“So? Can we stay? We’re going to bake and watch ‘13 Going On 30’.”
I don’t have the heart to say no. And Allie’s right—we’re only ten minutes away. “Again?”
“Just becauseyoudon’t enjoy rewatching classics doesn’t mean we don’t.”
“Oh my God, is she complaining about watching this movie again? Live a little, Natalie!” Cara shouts from the back, making me laugh.
“Yes. You can stay. I’ll see you in the morning, okay?”
She squeals. “Thanks, Mom. You’re the best.”
She hangs up before I can say I love you, so I text her instead. I’m never keeping the words inside anymore. I’ll always share them, as often as possible.
“Did you just get a child-free night?”
I shrug. “I guess I did.”
His smile is brighter than the sun, illuminating his face despite the lack of lighting in the room. “Do you have any plans?”
“This usually doesn’t happen, so no. Why?”
“I have an idea.”
14
RADIOACTIVE BLUE, BURNT ORANGE AND SAGE GREEN
Someone New by Hozier • Keep Me by Novo Amor
Natalie
