“She visited me last week, Auntie Ella,” he says matter-of-factly. “In my dream. Said you’re doing a good job.”
“In your dream,” I repeat.
He nods emphatically. “Uh-huh. She also told me to tell you that the sink eater was her fault.”
“The sink eater …” I trail off, trying to track what he is saying, then my eyes widen. “The garbage disposal?”
Oliver grins. “That’s the sink eater!”
“That was her fault? All this time I thought it was me!” I say with a laugh, shaking my head. That little snot. I thought for sure I broke it while I was washing bottles the week Violet was born. Ember vehemently denied being to blame. “I wonder what broke it.”
“A penny,” Oliver chirps.
“One penny?”
He nods. “Yup. A penny. She said it jammed in there.”
“Ladybug, why haven’t you gotten it fixed yet?” Leo asks.
“Honestly, I forgot. It’s been broken for so long, and I’ve gotten used to cleaning scraps off in the trash. I didn’t even think to call a plumber once I moved in, then it became commonplace.”
“You should have told me about it when I fixed the oven.”
“I’m not kidding when I say that I forgot. I’m too used to it now.”
Leo sighs dramatically. “IguessI can fix it for you.”
I look at him warily. “Isn’t that a job for a licensed plumber?”
His eyes narrow. “Do you really think I can tackle a broken washing machine but not install a disposal? Ladybug, I’mhurt.”
“Oh, don’t be so dramatic. You are not.” I roll my eyes, but not before I notice his grin. “How expensive are disposals? I can probably afford it next week, but I have to see how much formula Vi goes through before then.”
“She still fighting switching to solids?” Leo asks.
“Yes,” I say with a sigh. “I even started with the sweeter ones, like pureed blueberries. She’s just not on board with any of it.”
“She may not be fully ready yet,” Mrs. Santo pipes up. Leo and I both turn to her, and she smiles, warmer this time. “Leo didn’t like solids either. Gianna took to them like a champ, but it was a good month before he followed suit. Try a little infant cereal mixed with formula first, then try pureed avocado. All of my kids loved avocado. What have you tried so far?”
“Sweet potato, apples, and green beans,” I answer, slightlyconfused. “The pediatrician told me not to bother with infant cereal.”
“Do you see Doctor Suggs?” she asks, and I nod. She scoffs. “That man is older than dirt and needs to retire. He said that with all seven of my children. Violet may like it, so try it. If she doesn’t, it’s fine. Mix a little of her formula in there, and it’ll be an easier transition.”
“Okay,” I murmur, slightly terrified at the change in her demeanor. “We need to get going before the post office closes.”
“Good to see you, Ella. Goodbye, Oliver and Violet,” Mrs. Santo says, waving at the three of us.
I walk away, slightly confused. Mrs. Santo began the interaction standoffishly, but ended it nicely. Does she hate me? And as Leo turned to head off with his mom, he didn’t look at me. What the hell is that about?
I walk away in confusion, annoyance, and a little bit of warmth.
Mrs. Santo Has Entered the Villa
Take a look at these lovely pictures from moments ago, captured by yours truly! While on my way to get my weekly shampoo with Stone Dixon, I happened upon Ella Langley, Leo Santo, and matriarch Sofia Santo. While both women appeared tense at first, they relaxed as the focused swiveled to the always adorable Violet and Oliver Langley. I’m sure their mother Ember — God rest her soul — is looking down from Heaven with keen interest on whatever is developing between her sister and Leo Santo.
Will there be another Santo wedding in the near future? Only time will tell.
LEO
