Looking at my bed that still needed to be made and thinking about how tangled Gabe and I made the sheets last night, I suppressed a giggle.
“I did, thanks. How was Jake?”
I’d talked to him yesterday. Well, as much as one could talk to a two-year-old over the phone, and he seemed happy. He loved going to my parents’ house because he usually had at least three or four people doting on him, depending on which of my siblings were visiting.
“He slept well but he was a little fussy this morning. I think he misses his mama.”
“You’re just saying that to make me feel better. We both know he won’t want to leave when I pick him up later.”
“No, he really was grumpy when he got up this morning. Your dad and I are going to run some errands, so we can just bring him by later. Saveyou a trip.”
Maybe he really had been grumpy.
“Thanks, Mom. I appreciate that.”
“Of course, honey. Do you want to talk to Jake?”
“Sure.”
“Let me see if I can wrangle him. He’s helping hisdaideóin the garage.”
“Oh, don’t bother him. I’m sure he’s having fun. I’ll see him soon enough.”
“Okay, we’ll see you later.”
“Bye!”
As soon as I disconnected the call, the mom guilt took over.
I’d been so wrapped up in Gabe—a man I wasn’t even dating—I hadn’t done any housework this weekend, not even laundry, and I hadn’t graded my students’ essays that I’d brought home. That meant I’d be doing all that tonight when I should be spending time with my son.
Throwing my still-damp hair into a ponytail, I dashed into Jake’s room, grabbed the laundry hamper in his closet to start a load of his clothes, then made quick work of cleaning the kitchen before starting the robot vacuum. If I restricted the area it stayed in, I could mop before my kiddo arrived home.
I paused before pulling his high chair from the pantry.
Should I have told Gabe about Jake?
As seemed to be the norm lately, I found myself second-guessing my decision.
Since we aren’t seeing each other again after today, it doesn’t matter.
My stomach still twinged, like my gut wasn’t on board with my decision.
I knew Gabe was coming back with more cabinets, and I wasn’t sure if he’d come back inside, so I decided to leave the chair where it was. I reasoned it’d be easier to mop if it was out of the way.
Yep. That’s why I was leaving it in the pantry. Easier mopping.
****
Gabe
Gretchen left the third stall garage door open, but she wasn’t outside when I pulled up with another load of her cabinets. It was chillier today than it had been yesterday, so I understood why she’d still be inside.
I paused at the door leading to her house. Should I knock or walk in and announce myself?
The woman sat on my face less than twelve hours ago, we’re way past knocking on her door.
At least, when she’s expecting me.
