“We should take more pictures as we complete your list.” I look at Maisie making a mental note to do so.
“List?” Elaine looks between the both of us in question. “What are you talking about?”
My eyes grow wide as I look to Maisie who has her mouth full of food so I think quick. “It’s a list of places to check out around here, she showed me a couple places.”
“Like our driveway with you driving her home at late hours of the?—”
“Mom! I’m an adult and can do adult things.” Maisie clears her throat.
“Like adult things with—” Maisie cuts her off with a lethal glare. “Henry, I’m just messing with you. Wren told me about the list the other night.”
Maisie rolls her eyes playfully, and I let out a breath and then change the subject. “Is there anything you guys need me to bring for the party? Any special requests from the birthday girl?”
“Just bring yourself! Miles is still more than welcome to come.”
“I’ll try to drag him out, but no promises unless that’s your dying wish.”
“My only wish is that you’re there, and if you don't show up, I know where you work,” she threatens with a finger pointed in my direction. I should feel intimidated but it just makes me laugh which then causes herself and Maisie to join in.
It should scare me how comfortable I feel here, how easy it’s been to talk to Elaine. Being here is starting to feel like home but Maisie deserves more than a boy who will leave at the end of summer. She deserves more than me, but I will be the best she’ll ever have at least for the next few weeks.
“I think it’s about time for me to head out.” I stand and grab my dish, reaching across the table for Elaine and Maisie’s plates.
“No, no, Henry. We can clean up.” Elaine tries to shoo me away but my mother raised me to help clean up no matter whose roof I’m under.
“Please let me at least rinse the dishes,” I request, hoping she can’t say no. “It’s the least I can do.”
“You’re a keeper, boy. I got it though.” She leans in to whisper, “I know she’s got tough skin, but don’t let her scare you away.”
I lean in and whisper back the truest thing I’ve said in a while: “I don’t think she could if she tried.”
I give both Elaine and Maisie a hug as I leave—I also give a quick kiss to the top of Maisie’s head and leave before she can say anything.
The drive back home was quiet with the radio turned low but I couldn’t stop replaying the words Elaine said to me.
Don’t let her scare you away.
I get home and put the truck in park, hopping out and making my way inside. My mind is a jumbled mess right now with emotions but I try my best to shake them when I open the front door.
Miles is lying on the couch watching some documentary on TV.
“Hey, are you doing anything tomorrow?” I ask as I set my keys on the table and take off my shoes.
“Just this,” he replies but doesn’t make a move.
“Don’t forget, Ms. Winslow, from the diner, is having a birthday party and extended the invite if you’d like to join.” I take off my shoes waiting for an answer that’s yet to come. I make my way to the other couch and lie down to see whatever documentary he’s watching. “No sweat if you don’t want to, you’ve been working a lot lately.”
“It’s not that. I don’t get invited to anything in town, ever.” His face is blank of emotion but I know deep inside there’s something going on. “It's just a surprise, is all.”
“You don’t get invited, or you stay inside your bubble and don’t allow for people to invite you anywhere?”
“Not sure when you turned into a therapist but just know I won’t be paying you for your time.” He takes a sip of his drink he has in his hand, eyes staying on the TV. “What time are you leaving?”
“Probably around 6:30 PM, it’s just down the street near the diner. I’ll probably stay for an hour or so and head back.”
“Okay.” He ponders his response. “I’ll go, but for an hour. Tops.”
26
