Page 75 of Tangled Emotions
I flashed her my best smile and climbed up onto the table, bouncing. “Seems pretty sturdy.”
The bright look in her eyes changed to horror as I jumped up and down a few times before hopping down.
“Can’t have something that wouldn’t hold up to what we’ll do to it.” I nodded. “Add the table and chairs.”
She blinked a few times, then continued over to the counter.
Games, dinner …
Or a midnight fuck when the kid’s not home.
That stopped me in my tracks.
I’m already thinking of this as our place. Am I in love with her? With her kid?
I already knew the answer.
Fuck yeah.
When my alarm went off I almost bounced out of bed. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning.
After school, I would go home. Tomyhome. And my furniture will arrive shortly after I do.
I hopped in the shower, cleaned up, and got ready for work. As I walked into the kitchen with my duffle, Miss Cora was at the kitchen table working on a crossword drinking coffee.
She glanced up and had a sad look on her face. “Good morning, Francis.”
“Morning, Miss Cora.” I cringed. “Are you okay?”
“Oh, pish.” She chuckled. “I am, it was nice having you here.”
“Well, Andrew comes around a lot.” I smiled. “So, you’re not completely alone.”
She clicked her tongue at me. “But you have a connection to my Wally.”
“Ah.” I finally understood. “He’s planning to come home for the holidays, but I’m not supposed to tell you that.”
“You’re a good boy, Francis.” She reached out and patted my hand. “Did you sleep well?”
“I did.” I helped myself to a cup of coffee and sat with her for a few minutes. “Signed all the papers, got some furniture and now all that’s left is family.”
“How nice!” Her eyes twinkle. “Now maybe Wallace will come home. And stay.”
Chuckling, I shook my head.
“How is the job going?” She set her pen down.
“Really well. Working with kids is a change from the Corp and I like it.”
“Kids are such a joy.” She sighed. “So is being a grandma. I know it’s not very Christian, but sometimes?” She lowered her voice and leaned in. “I am so jealous of Irene.”
“Really? Why’s that?”
She tilted her head and gave me that mom look. “Come now, Francis, don’t play coy with me.”
“Matthew?”
She smiled and nodded. “He came over last summer and cleaned up all the sticks in my yard after a storm. Wouldn’t even take payment. He said having lemonade with me was payment enough.”