“I work at the library that day,” Jayne says, “but I’ll be home in plenty of time for dinner.”
“I’ll text the other boys,” West says. “And if we’re making osso bucco, let’s invite Coach.”
“I’m looking forward to this,” I say. “What should we make for dessert?”
“Cookies!” Joey chirps. “The kind with white chocolate.”
He loves my white chocolate raspberry cookies.
“I can make those for you but the grown-ups will probably want something a little fancier.”
“I like cookies,” Bodi says with a grin.
“I was thinking I’d make flan,” I say.
“Having you around is not going to be good for my waistline!” Jayne says, laughing.
“Your waistline is just fine,” Bodi says, kissing her.
West is sitting next to me and reaches over to put one hand on my thigh. It’s not overt or even sexual really, just an affectionate touch, letting me know we’re together.
“Since you two cooked,” Jayne says, “Bodi and I will clean up.That way you can get Joey in the bath, since I know he’s looking forward to that.”
“Bath!” Joey says with a grin.
“It’s his favorite thing,” I laugh.
It’s nice not having to clean the kitchen, so I take Joey up to West’s bathroom and watch his eyes widen when he sees the tub.
“I can swim there!” he says, staring at me.
“Not quite but yes, it’s big.”
“Can we live here, Mommy?”
I chuckle and turn on the water. “No, we’re just visiting.”
West comes in and out while Joey’s in the bath, finishing up packing. As I watch him, I realize it’s going to be weird when he leaves. Living in his house, sleeping in his bed, and driving his very expensive SUV. I’m a good, safe driver, especially since Joey is usually with me, but I’m a little intimidated by driving something that isn’t mine. I want to say something but everything is settled as far as he’s concerned. And I guess it is for me too.
I don’t want to go home yet.
There’s nothing but ice and snow and a wood stove I’m not good at starting a fire in. I’m closer to work from here too, even though I don’t go back until Monday.
“Do you need anything?” he asks me as I dry Joey off and help him get ready for bed.
“I don’t think so.”
“Lindy wants him to sleep downstairs in the den with her,” he says, sitting on the edge of the bed. “How do you feel about that?”
I pause. “I don’t have any feelings about it except the worry if he wakes up and is momentarily confused.”
“I not confused, Mommy,” he says, sitting up. “I sleep with Lindy. She’s my friend.”
“We set the alarm at night, so if any doors are opened without turning it off, we’ll know. He can’t wander off,” West says quietly.
That’s a relief.
“All right. Tonight you can sleep with Lindy.”