Chapter 4
Eve
Oh, damn.
This shit is getting real.
I’m going to meet his parents. I’m slightly freaking out because this feels like a big step for us, but I really want to go. I’ve had a few days to think about it and the thought of a weekend away with him sounds amazing, and I love that he wants to bring Aaron.
Mia bounces in my front door and sweeps Aaron into her arms. They bop each other on the nose and talk about the “but-ton” on her shirt before they point out her ears, her eyes, her mouth. Aaron claps each time he names them all. Eventually she looks at the coffee cups on the table, already set with half and half in the creamer dish instead of the carton, homemade blueberry muffins, real butter in a butter dish, and eggs and bacon on serving dishes.
“Hey. What’s this?” she asks.
“Uh. Breakfast?”
“Yeah, but you baked. And you used dishes that aren’t paper.” She sets Aaron down, and he toddles away while she points at the table.
“I know. Eat my baked goods at your own risk, but I had time today. For once, I wanted to feel like a real person and not some rushed crazy woman.” I sigh. “It feels good. And I want to teach Aaron things like baking. Shall we?”
She smiles and takes a seat. “Oookay, but remember the number for 9-1-1 in case I choke or get poisoned.”
“Ha. Ha. You’re funny.”
“I know, right? So, are you still going today? You should go.” She avoids eye contact, probably thinking I’m going to back out at the last minute.
“Yes. We’re going,” I say with confidence.
“Really?” She takes a sip of coffee.
“Really. I mean, I still have some doubts about adding a relationship to my shit storm of a life, but it seems like he’ll be around for a while.”
“Oh, you mean the super-rich hottie who worships the ground you walk on?” She rolls her eyes.
“He does not.”
“Ummm, yes, he does. Have you seen the way he looks at you? He has to be pretty close to falling for you.” She takes a bite of muffin, her expression somewhere between fear and surprise.
“Well yeah, but that has nothing to do with love. It’s just physical attraction.” I scoff and lift Aaron into the high chair.
“Okay, maybe, but don’t be surprised when he makes some sort of proclamation of love this weekend. I have a sense about these things. I’m always right,” she says with a smirk.
I roll my eyes. “Oh, you think so? Always right?”
“Pretty much. It’s one of the many, many reasons you love me. Hey, what time do you leave?”
I shove a piece of muffin in Aaron’s mouth. “This afternoon. Sam had a lunch meeting.”
“Ffffam!” Aaron shouts, arms flailing, feet kicking, spraying muffin bits two feet in front of him.
“That’s right, bud. Ssssam.” I smile at Aaron’s hearty laugh. “What will Mia do without us all weekend?”
“Mia is going out tonight with a man she hopes will be her next boyfriend, and she plans to spend all weekend exploring every inch of his glorious body and ridiculously huge house.”
Talking about herself in third person. Cute.
“Oh, you're predicting you’ll meet him tonight?”
“Nope. Already met him. Date is set. Sex will happen,” she says confidently.
“For real? You better not hold out on me, bi… scuit. When was this date set?” I’m trying to swear less around my son. Apparently, that means saying biscuit.
“Today, when he sat next to me at the counter at Cafe 64. His name is Austin. He’s a banker and he travels a lot, so I’m taking full advantage. It was like insta-lust. We have sex dates set for the next month.” She smirks and licks butter off her finger.
“I want coffee and a full report Monday morning.”
“Ditto.”