“I took as long as I always do.”
“Come on. We have to go see the fire trucks.” He hops off the chair, ready to go with his backpack already on.
“Whoa, we didn’t say we were doing that today.”
“But he saidsome dayand today is some day.”
“Noah—”
“Uncle Miles, please!” He pouts. “I have a chance to see a real-life fire truck!”
It’s hard to say no to that face.
“But your mom is home waiting for us,” I argue gently. “She’s not working today, and I’m sure she has dinner planned.”
It’s not that I don’t want to go, but my head still hurts, even after the pain meds.
Noah nods, walking toward the door. “And she’ll be there when we get home.”
“How old are you?” I ask, shaking my head. I grab my things and we head out to the car. I make sure Noah gets in and buckles up right, then I get in too.
“Look, I have to make sure we can go by, okay? If my friend says it’s okay, then we can go, but if he says it’s too busy right now, then we have to listen and we will make plans for another day.”
He huffs an annoyed sigh. “Yeah, okay. Fine.”
“Don’t be ungrateful, Noah. Be happy you have this opportunity at all.”
He rests his hand on his fists. “I’ll try,” he grumbles.
I try to hide my laugh as I text JJ.
Me:
So, my nephew is freaking out about seeing the fire trucks today. I told him I had to run it by you to make sure it’s okay that we go now. I’m sorry, he’s just very excited.
I also send a quick text to Audrey, letting her know the plan before I put my phone down and put my seatbelt on.
“Let’s grab a milkshake while we wait for him to answer.”
“Yummy! Can I get double chocolate?”
“As long as you don’t tell your mother.”
He runs a finger across his lips and pretends to lock them, putting the key in his pocket.
This kid…
We head to Dee’s Diner, which is a few blocks away, and take seats at the counter. I offer to help Noah onto the stool, but he says he’s got it, so I watch him struggle. But, like he said… he’s got it. He gets on without falling off, so he wasn’t wrong.
“What can I get you two gentlemen?” the waitress asks, smiling at Noah.
I’ve seen her here a few times. She’s older with short, curly grey hair. Her name tag reads Martha. She’s always very nice.
“I want a double chocolate milkshake with lots and lots of chocolate.”
She laughs and the corners of her eyes wrinkle up.
“As long as that’s okay with Dad…”
