“I like your kids, Shiloh.”
“You don’thaveto like them.”
“I’m just being careful.” Cary sounded sad.
“I know.” Shiloh rested her face in her hand. “Idoknow. I’m not angry. I won’t be angry. How’s your mom?”
“Better today.”
“That’s good.”
“I found a rehab place for her.”
“Oh, yeah?” Shiloh lifted her head. “That’s great.”
“I’ll tell you about it tonight,” he said. “When I come over for dinner.”
Shiloh laughed out a resigned breath. “Cary, it’s okay.”
“It’s your family,” he said. “If you’re comfortable, I’m comfortable.”
“It’s not about beingcomfortable—nobody wants to hang out with children unless they have to.”
Tom looked up then, like he was done pretending not to listen. “I object,” he whispered.
Shiloh put her hand over her phone. “Shut up, you get paid to hang out with kids.”
“Notmuch.”
“I take it you’re not alone...” Cary said.
“I am never alone,” Shiloh confirmed.
“How about this,” he said, “I’ll tell you if I’m ever not up for being around your kids.”
She gave in. “Okay.”
“Can I bring anything for dinner?”
“God no, from the hospital? Just bring yourself. The kids eat at six, but come whenever.”
“Okay.”
“Cary?”
“Yeah?”
“Ryan and I trade days all the time. Our schedule’s a mess. You can’t predict it.”
“I won’t try,” he said.
“Bye.”
“See you soon.”
Shiloh set down her phone.
Tom cleared his throat, taking off his headphones.
