Page 74 of Run To You
Her comment stirs something in me. If we’d stayed together through college, there is no doubt we’d be living together now. So where does that leave us? Because, as Eden said, we’re in this fully, and I want nothing more than to start rebuilding our life together. That includes sharing an apartment, ideally without two other people in it.
“That’s one hell of a face you’re pulling there, babe!”
Deciding to leave that train of thought for another day, I pull her into me and kiss her. “I’m good, but I am ready to go.”
“I’ll just let Mum and Dad know. Pia’s already gone to bed, but I promised to spend some time with her tomorrow.”
Biting my lip, I nod. “Maybe I could take your gran out. You know, get to know her on my own.”
Eden looks at me silently for a few beats. “I love you, Sloane.”
“Right back at ya, Sawyer.”
25
Eden
I’m in the doghouse big time with Pia. The day after the family barbecue was supposed to be our friend day together, but I went down a painting rabbit hole and only just emerged two hours ago. I’ve been MIA for three days, and even though Sloane and my roomies will understand, Pia will not. Typically, yes, she knows me well, but with a newborn, not so much. She’s on such a short fuse with the lack of sleep and baby poop constantly being produced, so she’s not taking any shit. No pun intended.
I know this for a fact because I received a threatening text message from her only moments ago, which detailedwhat she’d like to do with the copious amounts of baby shit. Specifically, where she’d like to shove my head. I need to come up with something good to get out of this.
“Mum, I need your help,” I shout down the phone as soon as she picks up. “Do you have any ideas how to stop Pia from killing me?”
I could do without the laughter to be honest.
“That’s a tall order, kiddo. She’s super pissed you missed your friend day.”
“Shit! I lost track of time painting,” I whine.
“You don’t need to explain yourself to me, love. Pia, on the other hand…”
More laughing.
“Heeelllppp,” I call, causing her to laugh harder.
“Alright, I’ll help. Only because I’m sick of hearing Pia curse you out in my kitchen. I’ve got a pair of spa passes. They’re open-ended so you can go whenever. If anyone deserves some pampering, it’s a new mother.”
“Perfect! Mum you’re a true legend, thank you!”
“Mmm, remember that when I’m old and need you to wipe my arse.”
“Gross visual, but noted. I’ll be over in twenty minutes. Do you think Todd will be okay looking after Meena alone?”
“Probably not, but me and your dad are here. Pia needs to get out of the house, and honestly, she and Todd could probably do with some space.”
A weight settles in my chest. I’ve been so focused on Sloane and my life, I’ve done a proper shit job of being there for Pia.
“I’ll see you soon. Can you try and wrangle Pia into some clothes? I plan to swoop in and kidnap her before she has time to protest…or kill me.”
“Good plan. I’ll do my best.”
I break about six speed limits making it to my parents’ place. I wedge my car into a spot on the drive and take the front steps three at a time. Mum opens before I can even knock—she’s wearing her favourite apron.
“Pia’s in the living room. She’s been sharpening knives on the armrest.” Mum wipes her hands on her apron before reaching into the front pocket and producing the spa passes in an envelope. She then gestures to the living room for dramatic effect. “Wear your helmet.”
I kiss Mum on the cheek, slip off my shoes, and brace myself. The house smells like sour breastmilk and cinnamon candles. I hear Meena squawking from the back sunroom, Todd yells over her with some weird mashup of classic rock and lullabies. Poor bastard.
I steer toward the living room, spa passes clutched to my chest. Pia’s on my parents’ couch in a well-worn sweatsuit, one leg curled under her, hair twisted up in a fraying bandana. Clearly, this was all Mum could get her to commit to, clothes-wise. I guess it’s better than the baby barf-stained night gown I saw her in the last time I came over.
