“I did, but I blanked in the moment.”
“I’ve had years of practice,” she said, her voice kind. “How has your day been?”
I relaxed, reaching my hand across the back of the bench, an inch or two from her shoulder. “Surprisingly good. Workwent well, and I was able to catch up on a few tasks. Considering this was Noah’s first day back at school, I was a little worried, but everything seemed to go well. Better than expected. His teacher didn’t have a problem with him wearing the costume, so that was definitely a win.”
“You have to pick your battles with kids,” Julia said, speaking with understanding instead of judgment.
“So I’ve heard.”
We sat there talking for a little longer while Noah swung back and forth, and I nursed my coffee. Julia finished her dessert and listened as I gave an update on his therapy sessions.
I didn’t want to leave, but we had to, and I was sure Julia needed to get back to work. I stood and called out to Noah.
He hopped off the swing and came running over.Running. That was new too.
“Thanks for... everything,” I said to Julia. I wasn’t just thanking her for meeting us for ice cream. I appreciated her talking to him and making him smile.
We headed back across the street and stood in the doorway of her building.
Her gaze held mine. “It’s always nice to see the two of you,” she said politely. She turned her attention to the superhero beside me. “Keep up the good work at school, okay?”
“Okay,” Noah promised.
“Bye,” I said.
“Bye.”
I didn’t move, and neither did she. Then we both laughed a little awkwardly.
“Take care. Come on, buddy,” I said.
“Bye! See you tomorrow.” Noah waved as we walked away.
I pulled up short.
Julia laughed, surprised. Then she waited, a question in her eyes.
“I guess we’ll be back tomorrow,” I said.
Her smile was soft and genuine. “I’ll be here. Same time?”
“Same time,” I confirmed.
Noah and I headed to my vehicle. He was quiet, but he had more bounce in his step and was no longer walking with his head down. I loved seeing the difference in him. It gave me hope.
As I pulled away from the curb, I checked the rearview mirror. Julia hadn’t gone inside yet. She was on the sidewalk, talking to a young couple. Maybe they were the parents of clients who had stopped by, like we had.
Looking at Noah in the backseat, his body relaxed and his face less solemn, I wondered if she had any idea how much she had transformed him.
Later, I’d have to deal with the stresses of life: responding to Zenobia’s text, which I had ignored all day. I’d have to find the documentation for the insurance company. I’d have to figure out how to preserve some of this lightness of being Noah was experiencing.
But come tomorrow, I could relax again, because we’d come back here. To Something Sweet.
To her.
Chapter 7
Julia
