But to my surprise, she gave up the fight easily, nodding, a look of relief taking over.
For me, though, I was hit with another wave of concern.
Because I couldn’t stay home with her. I needed to get Maggie and Julian to school, plus I had my first curriculum meeting today.
Standing in the doorway, I flipped through all the worst-case scenarios like I always did. The thought of leaving my baby alone paralyzed me. What if she needed me?
“Mom,” she rasped. “It’s okay. I have my phone.”
My throat closed up. Dammit. “Is it charged?” When we’d move, I’d relented and given Ellie a “dumb” phone. Thekind she could only use to contact preapproved numbers. She complained that it was worse than having no phone at all and rarely used it. Hence why it was never charged.
“Yes. I plugged it in last night.”
I took her in, noting the dark circles around her eyes. If she’d thought ahead like that, then she must have felt sick but hadn’t told me.
Sighing, I backed out of the room. I didn’t have a choice. I was on my own, so I’d do the best I could.
After confirming the phone was charged, leaving her with water, crackers, and my laptop, I got Julian and Maggie out the door.
Only to be met by Wayne, who was once again standing behind my van.
“Wayne’s here for his good-morning hugs.” Julian darted for him, scratching his ears and wrapping his little arms around the dog’s bulk.
Maggie followed, petting his head and chatting with him about the book she’d been reading.
“Okay, Wayne,” I said, stroking his floppy ears. “Time to go.”
Rather than wander away, he stared at the door, tail thumping.
“Ellie’s sick,” Maggie told him.
The dog didn’t move.
“Come on.” I grasped his collar, trying to move him along.
Again, he sat, perfectly still behind my car.
God, this dog.
I patted my pockets for my phone, then dove into my purse in search of it.
Luckily, he picked up after one ring.
“Can you come get your dog? He won’t let me pull out of the driveway.”
“Did you say good morning?” Josh asked, his tone light.
“Yes,” I snapped, “and I’m really not in the mood.”
“I’ll be there in two minutes. I’m in my truck.”
It didn’t even take him that long. When he pulled up, he hopped out, bringing a bag of dog treats with him.
At the sight, Wayne’s tail thumped even louder.
“Where’s Ellie?” he asked, peering inside the van.
My shoulders sank. “She’s sick.”