Page 57 of Real Forever
“Ready,” Maisie shouted from inside a nest of blankets and pillows in the corner of the sectional. Jake laughed and the three of them snuggled up to watch Frozen—Jake’s first time, Madison and Maisie’s hundredth time, give or take.
She loved watching Jake with Maisie. He interacted with her in much the same way Madison did, no baby talk, no condescension. They laughed at the jokes in the movie together and he asked her opinion about various plot points and character reveals. He was genuinely engaged in his conversation with her, and it was so goddamn sweet it made Madison’s stomach hurt.
During Elsa’s big “Let It Go” moment, they heard the door open and slam shut, and Dave’s truck fire up.
Good. Leave and don’t come back. Asshole.
Not long after, Lauren came downstairs.
“Mommy,” Maisie raised her arms for Lauren. She sat down and snuggled in with her.
“Hi baby. How’s your movie?”
“It’s so good, Mommy. Can you believe Jakey has never seen Frozen? Not Frozen One or Frozen Two? Isn’t that ridiculous?”
Lauren grinned and kissed her forehead. “That is very ridiculous. Thank goodness he has you now to show him these wonderful movies.”
“Yeah.” Maisie nodded solemnly.
“I’m sorry my love, but it’s past your bedtime. I’ve come to scoop you up and carry you away to dream town.”
“Awe. That sucks.”
“Yes, I’m afraid it does. Say goodnight to Auntie and Jakey.”
Madison paused the movie and held out her arms. Maisie lept in to them, nuzzling down in to Madison’s neck.
“I love you so, so, so much, Auntie. I love you to infinity and beyond. Beyond to a planet where there is more Auntie love than anywhere in the universe. And do you know what that planet is?”
Madison tilted her head and raised a curious eyebrow.
“My heart,” Maisie finished dramatically.
Madison laughed. “Oh Crazy Maisie, what would I do without you? I love you so much.” She plastered her with kisses and gave her one last big squeeze before letting her go.
She clamped her arms around Jake’s neck next. He seemed surprised, taken aback even, and unsure of how to respond. He peeked at Madison for guidance, but she just smiled at him as he tentatively wrapped his arms around Maisie in a sort of hovering hug. Maisie, on the other hand, squeezed him as hard as her minuscule arms could squeeze.
“Thanks for sharing your movie with me, Maisie. It was awesome.”
“You’re welcome.”
Lauren scooped Maisie up onto her hip. “Good night, guys.”
“That kid is frickin’ awesome.” Jake leaned his head on the back of the couch.
Madison grinned. “She’s pretty great, right? Honestly, I don’t like most kids. I think most of them are booger nosed little shits. But Maisie’s rad.”
Jake turned his head to face her. His smile was soft, serene, but his eyes were scorching and locked on hers.
Madison brought her knees up to her chest, hugging herself. “So now what? Should we finish Frozen?”
Jake laughed. “Is that what you want to do?”
Madison shrugged one shoulder and gave him a little smirk.
He set his hand down beside her and leaned in close. “I’ll do anything you want, Madison.” He traced the frame of her face with his fingertips and stopped to push a lock of hair behind her ear.
Madison licked her lips. “Anything?”
