I had enough time to shower and since I was sweating my ass off waiting for the deal to get done, I thought it might be a good idea. Though, I’d probably just get sweaty and sticky on the ride to the beach.
“Thanks for doing this,” Chris said as he opened the door and let me in.
“No problem, man,” I told him as I stepped inside.
“Ingram said she doesn’t think she’ll be any later than eleven,” he told me as I followed him further into the house. “There are some leftovers in the fridge for dinner for him. There’s plenty in there so feel free to have some. Or anything else, just help yourself.”
“Thanks, Chris. I got this.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry. I don’t know why this feels different.”
“You and Ky don’t have to do it all. I know Ingram is trying hard to stand on her own and you guys want to help her as much as possible. But we’re here for all of you too,” I told him but it was more of a reminder because this is shit he already knew.
“I know. I just…” He blew out a harsh breath.
“Moueee,” Chry squealed as he came bounding over to me. I didn’t hesitate to bend down and scoop him up.
“Uh, he is so cute,” Chris said making his way over to us. “Can’t get enough of this little sweet face.” He pinched Chry’s cheeks as they rubbed noses.
Yeah, he was a really fucking cute kid. I loved him like I couldn’t imagine.
“She wants to get her own place soon,” Chris said, finally finishing his thought from a moment ago.
“What?” I asked like I couldn’t believe that I’d heard him right.
“I think it was always her plan and I knew it would probably happen eventually. I don’t know… maybe I’m not ready for her to be on her own and alone and stuff.”
Yeah, I got that because I felt the same way.
“I know.” It was like he could read my mind. “I don’t know what to do.”
A long sigh slipped passed my lips.
“She’s got to live her life. It’s what she’s wanted all along.”
“Ky and I are trying to be supportive,” he said but I could see how hard it was for him. And I knew Ky was probably worse. “Maybe I can convince her to stay a little longer.”
“Good luck with that. Seems like once she’s made up her mind now, she goes for it.”
And that was kind of one of the things I had started to love about her.
“Right,” he said with a small sigh. “Alright. You two have a good night. I’m off to serve some beer.”
“Later, Chris,” I called out as he walked off in the direction of the front door.
“Alright, little dude. What should we do now?” I asked like he would really have an answer.
He was getting better with his words. And he was never shy about showing me what he wanted, that was for sure.
“Read book, please,” he said, clapping his hands.
“Go get me one,” I said as I sat him down on the floor.
I chuckled as he teetered off in the direction of his room.
So we spent the next hour reading the three books he brought me— because one wasn’t enough— and playing with cars. I fed him dinner, making a plate for myself because it smelled good. I sat down at the table and ate with him like it was a normal thing. I tried not to think of it like that but I had to admit, it was damn nice. Sure, the conversation was pretty simple and things got a little messy, but I loved it anyway.
We played hide and seek for a little bit after dinner was cleaned up. I didn’t realize there were so many damn places to hide in this house. I was having a hard time finding the little dude. Eventually, his giggles would give him away, thank fuck.
