Page 54 of Absolution

“Yeah, you want me to pick you up.”

She giggles as I do, wiggling and squirming. “Mm mm, bbbb, ddd.”

“I couldn’t agree more. Shall we return to the family room?”

Emmie tilts her head, brows low. “Biddy bolll mmm.”

“I mean, if we’re going to be sharing our feelings like this, I think you should know your mom is gorgeous, and I’m very interested in dating her.”

“Mm mm bbba daddda.” She smiles as if I’m in on whatever she’s talking about.

“So, what are your views on the health care issues we’re facing as a nation?” I pose the question just as the doorbell rings. “Oh! Chelle’s here.”

Emmie’s face pales as she lays her head on my shoulder. I rush to the door, thanking the God’s Michelle is here to save my ass before something goes very wrong.

I swing it wide to find a distraught sitter. “Hey, you okay?”

“No, both my boys have a stomach bug. It’s probably best if I don’t take Emmie today. Can you manage to get her to Scarlet?”

“Uhm, yeah. Sure, we’re good. Go and take care of you, and I’ll let Scar know.”

“You’re a lifesaver.” She pats my arm, giving it a squeeze. “Nice bicep!”

I chuckle, panic struck as I am. “Sure thing, Chelle.”

Michelle waves as her minivan drives away, the second woman today to leave me stranded. I side-eye Emmie, as she frowns at me. I lean away, staring at her.

“Two strikes, girlfriend. It’s you and me now.” I kick the door shut as I turn with her, headed back to the family room.

“So, what should we do next?”

Emmie jerks in my arms, and the minute I look down at her, all hell breaks loose. She projectile vomits pea-green soup all over me. Not gonna lie, my face is the color of lime by the time I make it to the sink with her.

“Damn!” I yell a little too loudly for Emmie, scaring her as she turns the faucet on connected to her stomach. “I think it’s possessed!”

We lean over the sink until she’s stopped erupting. “No fuckin’ way you had that much food in you!”

“Fuck.” Emmie mutters, as tears streak her face.

“Great job, Hatch. You fuc-reakin’ idiot.” I grab a dish towel, wetting it to try to clean Emmie’s face off. I spray the sink, knowing I need to bleach it before Scarlet gets home, but right now, I need all hands on deck.

Emmie and I rush to her room, I sit her on the bed and start stripping her. Once her clothes are off, I go in search of my phone. We find it in the family room, I pace with her in my arms as I make a call.

“Boone Hatcher, please leave a message, and I’ll return it as soon as possible.”

“Are you kidding me?” I scream at my phone. Emmie snubs, reminding me I need to comfort her. “I’m sorry, sweetheart.”

I scroll through my phone, looking for Kathryn’s number. Once I dial it, I can’t find any words. So, I say the first thing that comes to mind when her voice mail picks up.

“Mom, it’s Creed. I’m at Scarlet’s and Emmie’s sick. Like, she’s hosing the damn house down, and Scar isn’t here. I don’t know what to do, please call me.” I end the call and search my phone for someone else. I find another person and hit dial.

“Hello, Lee’s phone.” It’s Liam, I hope this works.

“Dude! Help me!”

“Hatch? What’s up?” He stumbles over his words, making me even more nervous.

“I’m at Scarlet’s and Emmie’s sick. She’s the freakin’ anti-Christ right now! There’s puke everywhere. Help me!” I bemoan, as I beg for his help.