Page 63 of Some Sort of Love (Happy Crazy Love 3)
“I agree.”
“You don’t want to introduce her too soon and confuse Scotty about who she is, especially if it doesn’t work out. And for her sake, you don’t want to make it seem like you’re simply looking for a replacement mother.”
“She would never think that. And it couldn’t be further from the truth.”
“Plus you need time alone together. Romantic time,” she said authoritatively. “Just because one of you has a child doesn’t mean you shouldn’t treat her to a proper courtship.”
I almost laughed. Yes, that’s exactly what I was doing against her refrigerator Saturday night. Treating her to a proper courtship. “What was that about promising not to meddle?”
He face went blank as she picked up her Diet Coke. “I never said anything about not meddling. No mother in her right mind would ever promise not to meddle. I promised not to criticize so much.”
“Oh.”
“And anyway, I hope you’ll like this meddling, because I want to do something for you.”
“What’s that?”
She grinned. “How about if Dad and I come down and stay with Scotty for a weekend? Or even a night? Don’t get mad, but Monica told me what happened Saturday night. I felt terrible for you.”
I groaned, setting my sandwich down. “Fucking Monica.”
“Well, you know she can’t keep a secret, darling. You can’t lie and she can’t keep a secret. That’s always been the way you two are.”
I sucked up some iced tea, wondering if it was too early for some whiskey.
“Anyway,” she went on breezily. “What do you think of my offer? I promise to do everything exactly the way you want me to. Scotty can stick to his regular routine in his normal environment, your dad and I get some quality time with him, and you get alone time with your lady friend.”
My lady friend. Jillian would love that one.
Should I do it? God, I was so tempted. If she meant what she said, and she’d stick to Scotty’s routine without any “improvements” or surprises, he might be OK. Staying at Monica’s had been a change in routine and a change in environment. This had the potential to go a lot smoother. Maybe I’d try it for a night, and if it went well, we could do a weekend eventually.
“OK, Mom. I’ll take you up on the offer.”
She clapped her hands together. “Good!”
“But you have to do it exactly like you said. Follow the routine to the letter. And call me at the first sign of a meltdown.”
She held up three fingers. “Scout’s honor.”
“In that case, what’s your weekend like?”
“I’m all yours.”
“Friday night would be great. It’s her birthday.”
“How nice! Take her somewhere wonderful. Maybe Chateau Grand Traverse. Or one of the new wineries! You could have dinner at one of the tasting rooms.” She noticed my expression. “Does that eye roll mean I’m meddling?”
“Yes. I can handle the date details if you can handle Scotty.”
“I can.”
“Good. If you come down in the early afternoon, you could take him to swim therapy after school. He really loves it.”
Her eyes got misty. “Oh, I’d love that. I’m so happy, Levi. This is perfect.”
Nothing was perfect, but an entire night with Jillian sounded pretty close. I couldn’t wait to tell her.
When I checked my phone Monday after work, I noticed I’d missed a call from Levi. He hadn’t left a voicemail, but he’d texted. Give me a call when you get a moment. Good news.
