We have a date!
Chapter 10
Safe With Me
Arielle Nygard
As I prepare Austin’s breakfast on Saturday morning, my stomach is jittery with nerves. Sam is picking me up in a few hours, although I have no idea where we’re going. I stare at my wardrobe for a good thirty minutes, trying to decide what to wear. Nothing seems right. Eventually, I abandon the clothing dilemma for a shower.
At eleven ‘o clock, I still haven’t settled on an outfit, and Austin’s sitter, Sally, arrives. I hastily tug on shorts and a t-shirt and answer the door.
Sally is seventeen, a junior at the local high school. She’s cheerleader pretty; long legs, long blonde hair, dark blue eyes, full lips. Her older sister has autism, so she’s familiar with all the characteristics of the diagnosis.
I decided not to ask Lisa to babysit. If Austin acts up or has a meltdown, I know she’ll panic. And I don’t want to spend the whole date with half my mind focused on what might be happening at home. Anna gave Sally high praise. Even though she’s never met Austin before, I feel confident that she’ll know how to handle any situation.
“Hi, Sally. Thanks for coming. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it,” I say as I let her into the house. “Finding someone to look after Austin can be tricky sometimes.”
“No problem, Mrs. Nygard. I know that you can’t leave your son with just anyone.” She sets a bright pink backpack down at the kitchen table. “I hope you don’t mind that I brought some schoolwork. It’s just in case I get a gap. I’ve got a big history test next week.”
“Not at all,” I say. “Austin shouldn’t keep you too busy. He does a puzzle on Saturday afternoons, so as long as you keep an eye on him, you’ll be able to get some studying done.”
I hand her a piece of paper on which I’ve typed up all the information she’ll need. She reads over it quickly and nods. “Can I meet Austin?”
I lead her to the lounge, where my son is watching cartoons. I crouch down in front of him, being careful not to block the TV – he hates that. “Austin, this is Sally. She’s going to stay with you while Mommy goes out.”
Sally walks up calmly and crouches down too, to be on his level. “It’s nice to meet you, Austin. We’re going to have a good time together.” She doesn’t seem to mind that he doesn’t acknowledge her. “I’m just going with your mom to check out the house and then I’ll see to lunch. I bet a big boy like you will be hungry soon.” She’s a natural.
I give her a quick tour, streaming information at her – I’m probably overdoing it, but she doesn’t seem to mind. I put down everything I could think of in the printout, but as I walk around the house, so many other things occur to me. When we’re back in the kitchen, Sally gives me an appraising look. “No offense, Mrs. Nygard, but is that what you’re wearing on your date?"
I look down at my ratty shirt and shorts and groan. “No, but I can’t seem to pick an outfit.”
“Want some help?” Sally offers.
“Yes, please,” I say eagerly and head down the hallway to my bedroom. The bed is strewn with discarded items.
“Where are you going? What look are you going for?”
“He just said to dress casual. I have no idea where he’s taking me.” For a moment, the idea of going on a date is overwhelming. “Maybe I should cancel. I don’t think I can do this.”
“Don’t be silly,” Sally says. “It’s only a date. A fun afternoon out.” She picks through the clothes on the bed. “You’re going to want something that looks killer, but also feels comfortable.” I’m frozen by indecision, but Sally moves confidently to the closet. After a minute of perusal, she pulls out a floral sundress of bright green leaves and pink flowers. She crouches down to check out my shoe collection. “Is he tall?"
“Um, yeah, fairly tall,” I say. Sally grabs a pair of tan wedges and stands to show me her selection. It’s perfect. Just the right combination of casual and sexy. And she picked it out in less than three minutes.
Sally checks her watch. “You’d better hurry. If he’s the prompt type, he’ll be here any minute." She heads out of the room. “I’ll get Austin’s lunch started.”
“Thank you,” I say and close the door. I change quickly and am just stepping out of the room when the doorbell rings. I take a deep breath before opening the door.The sight on my doorstep makes me suck in a breath.
Sam smiles widely. “Hi. You look beautiful.” He produces a single long-stemmed red rose out of thin air and offers it to me.
I blush as I take his gift. I’m glad to see he’s also casually dressed. He looks amazing in a pair of blue jeans and a fitted black t-shirt and sneakers. I can make out a hint of a six-pack, and I have to stop myself from licking my lips at the sight.
“You look great too. Come in while I get my purse.” He steps inside and follows me to the kitchen. Sally is pouring a glass of orange juice for Austin. She looks up as we enter, and her eyes widen in surprise. “Sally, this Samuel Foster,” I say. I turn to Sam. “Sally is babysitting Austin this afternoon.”
“Nice to meet you, Sally,” he says.
Sally recovers her wits enough to stammer a reply. “Ni.. nice to… meet you, Mr. Foster.” I can’t fault her reaction. The man is wearing the hell out of his simple clothes, and his warm brown eyes are mesmerizing. Not to mention that his picture appears regularly in local newspapers and magazines, so it’s more than likely that she recognizes Atticus Colt, the famous magician.
I gather up my phone and purse. “I just need to say goodbye to Austin and then we can go,” I say to Sam. I lead the way to the living room and get down to Austin’s level. “Hey, bud, Mom’s going out for a little while. Sally is going to stay with you while I’m gone. I’ll be home for bedtime.” I stand up and Austin’s eyes land on the figure in the doorway. I have no doubt that he recognizes Sam from the magic show that he attended at the hospital a few months ago.
