“Don’t you have a brother in high school? And isn’t that what high school kids do, mow the lawn?”
“Yea, but Winn is my stepbrother on my dad’s side. And Uncle Ed is my mom’s uncle. And yes, that’s what kids usually do, but I’m guessing you and Elaine didn’t? What, did you have a gardener?”
I take a sip of my now-cold tea. “We did. My parents still do, but I have used a lawn mower before, at least a few times.” She looks at me as though I come from another planet.
“Don’t give me that look. As you know, I’m on the road half the year, so I used to use a lawn service. Now, the condo complex where I live takes care of lawn maintenance. But, seriously, I can figure it out.”
“No need. I’ll get to it later today.” Her phone buzzes, and she takes a quick glance. “Damn it, I need to run and pick Lily up at Communion class and run her over to soccer. On the way back, I’ll grab bagels. What do you like?
“I can come with you—”
“You’re half naked, and I’m already late. Besides, I’m meeting my dad there, and I am not answering the barrage of questions that will surely come if you and I pull up to the soccer field in your Porsche.
“Fair enough. And I’d love a salt bagel toasted with veggie cream cheese.”
“Done.” She grabs a hoodie from the hook by the door and slides her feet into her sneakers. “Be back in 45.”
I stride over to the door and kiss her on the lips. She wasn’t expecting that, but I find that I like keeping Molly on her toes. “I’ll shower and see you back here in a bit.”
“That’s probably a good idea. Stella shouldn’t be home before noon, but you never know.”
I figure that leaves me time for that granola bar Molly mentioned, so I grab one from the pantry and resume my seat at the table. Two bites in, I hear Molly’s phone buzz with a text. And if it’s buzzing, that means she left it here. She’s probably panicking, but there’s not much I can do. I certainly can’t text her.
It buzzes again, and I look at it. So sue me. I figure it could be my sister. Or Simon. Or maybe her dad with an urgent soccer message. Or maybe Stella needing bail money.
The message on the screen is from Uncle Barry, and he wants to know if Molly’s still friends with that girl who dates a plumber. Apparently, his daughter’s new place has a leak.
I hold the phone for a second, then finish off my granola bar. Before I think too much about it, I tap out a message to Uncle Barry and then head back to the bedroom for my own phone.
About twenty minutes later, the front door opens, and Stella walks inside. She takes one look at me and smiles.
“This isn’t the first time I’ve come home to find a shirtless man in my dining room, but I’ll admit it’s been awhile.”
“Good morning, Stella. I’ll grab a tee shirt.”
“Don’t bother on my account, darling. Where’s my Molly?”
“She had to run her little sister to soccer and then she was grabbing bagels.”
Stella helps herself to a cup of tea and sits down next to me. “And what are you up to, dear? Can I get you anything?”
“No, I’m fine, thanks. And, uh,” I clear my throat. “I’m just working my way through Molly’s two do list.”
“Thank God,” she says, and I know she’s on my side. There’s a chance Molly will be pissed at me for meddling, and I’m willing to deal with that. But I’m happier knowing Stella’s in my corner.
I smile. “She left her phone and her to-do list here, so…”
“So what?” Molly asks, and I am impressed by her stealth—I didn’t even hear her come in.
“You left your phone here.”
“I know. I realized that after I ferried Lily from church to soccer and was standing in line at the bagel shop. Ugh. I could have gotten a ton done, too. That line was out the door.”
Setting the bags down in the kitchen, she unloads them and starts filling plates. I rise to help her, belatedly realizing I’m still wearing just my boxers. I can feel Stella ogling, and Molly laughs, tossing me the sweatshirt she wore out. I toss it back—my gal’s tall, but that sweatshirt still won’t cover the goods.
“So, what were you up to while I was out? Because, clearly, it didn’t involve putting on clothes, not that Stella and I are complaining.”
I’m a smart enough man to know that this could go either way. And I’m hungry enough not to put my breakfast in jeopardy of being thrown in the trash, so I walk back into the dining room and have a seat. Molly joins me.
