Page 192 of Seasons of Love
“Thank you.”
I wait in their living room. “Hey, Uncle Milo,” Marnie says.
“Oh, hi, Marnie.”
“Can Sara come play with us another time? She’s really cute.”
I nod, trying to process that Marnie just called me uncle. I guess it kind of makes sense for her to think of me that way after seeing Ellis and me together over the summer.
Benji comes running over into my arms. I pick him up and sit him on my lap.
“Hello, Benji.”
“Hi, Miwo.”
“Can I just say your daughter is the best babysitter in the world? I put her in Benji’s high chair, and these two spent the afternoon staring at her with fascination. Can she come over every day?” Alice says, holding Sara.
“Hello, princess. Did you have a good day?”
She mumbles her usual words, but the ones I always recognize and fill my heart every time are Dada and a new one: Papa.
“Hey, Alice, I don’t suppose you’ve heard from Ellis. He was at the playground this morning. Tyler said he got a call and then left. I’m a little worried.”
Her smile is a little contrived. “Oh, it’s nothing to worry about. He had to make a short trip, but he’ll be back tomorrow.”
“Okay.”
I take Sara and walk to the door.
“Milo? My brother has a big heart, so everything he does is because he always wants the best for everyone around him.”
I smile. “Yeah, I know.”
The drive home isn’t long, but I can’t stop thinking about what Alice said.
He went on a trip? Where? If he’s back tomorrow, he couldn’t have gone far, right?
Boston?
He lived there, so maybe he had some outstanding things to tie up from the move.
His ex…
Someone beeps their horn behind me, and I see the traffic light has turned green. I’m not quick enough and the light turns red again.
“Hey, asshole!” the man behind me shouts.
I roll the window up and focus on the lights so I don’t miss them next time.
Florrie knows something’s wrong as soon as I arrive to give her the keys.
“Hey, Florrie, do you mind if I don’t join you for dinner? I’m not feeling great, so I’m going to give Sara her bath, and then I’m going to bed.”
She reaches over and puts her hand on my forehead.
“You’re not especially hot.”
“What do you mean? I’m smokin’,” I joke. “Sorry, Florrie. Maybe you and Brian can still have a nice time.”
