“I’m sure his dad and I can figure something out.”
He gives me one last squeeze before darting up the stairs with his backpack in hand.
“Let me know if you need help with your homework,” I holler after him.
“I won’t,” he says confidently.
I chuckle to myself because he absolutely will not need me at all.
I pull out my phone and plug the new number in. I need to text him now, or I’m likely to forget later once I start cooking dinner and everything.
Me:Hi. My son brought home a note with your number on it today. I really hope this is Oliver’s dad. If not, this is going to be rather embarrassing.
I don’t get a response right away, so I start folding the three loads of laundry I neglected while Mav was at school.
Mav is finally in bed for the night after he read a book to me about photosynthesis. Sometimes I just have to shake my head at his interests. They make him happy, though, and that’s all I really care about.
I’m curled up on the couch with a warm blanket and a glass of white wine in hand. I’m deciding what to watch when my phone vibrates on the couch cushion beside me.
Oliver’s Dad:That made me laugh out loud. Oliver stared at me like I was crazy.
Oliver’s Dad:I’m not catfishing you. Promise.
Oliver’s Dad:Sorry for taking so long to respond. It was a long night. Also… sorry about text-bombing you.
I chuckle to myself at how endearing this guy is. I have literally three text messages to go off, but I’m already getting a good vibe.
Me:No worries. I’m a fan of multiple texts. It comes across as almost…
Me:Sweet?!?!
Oliver’s Dad:Is there a limit to them being sweet?
My head tilts to the side as I contemplate his question.
Me:As long as it’s in single digits, I think you’re still in safe territory. After that, it seems a little…
Oliver’s Dad:Desperate?
Me:Bingo.
Oliver’s Dad:I promise to keep it to nine and under in a row.
Me:Appreciated.
Oliver’s Dad:So, back to the kids…
Me:Right… kids.
Me:Want to maybe meet up at a park or something, so they can hang out there? Neither one of us has to send our kid with a stranger that way.
I don’t think he’s a bad guy, but text messages can be deceiving. I don’t trust anyone with Mav until I know them.
Oliver’s Dad:Should I be concerned? Are you a murderer or something?
Me:Not yet…
Me:Okay… just seeing how that might come across through texts. NO… definitely not a murderer.
