Page 39 of DadBod
ELIZABETH
“Thanks for coming today, Elizabeth.”
It’s been a week and a day since the last time I was standing on Rome’s front steps. Today I’m sitting down with Calvin and Ryann to talk about the plans for the summer. I’m nervous as hell. Not about Calvin. No, I suspect he’s excited about having me around. At least I hope so. It’s Ryann I’m nervous about.
“Come in. We’re in the kitchen.”
I bet they’re always in the kitchen. It’s the heart of most homes but also––he’s a chef, after all. “I made crespelle.”
I halt my steps and look at him expectantly. I have no idea what a crespelle is.
He doesn’t disappoint. “Crepes. Italian crepes.”
Because of course he made crepes. “Oh.” Yum. But I’m not going to eat this morning. If I do, it’ll probably come right back up. I’m that nervous. Stepping through to the large open space, I spot Calvin first. He’s got his mouth full. But he says my name loudly nonetheless. It sounds a little like “Elibabett.”
“Hey, Cal.”
I glance at Ryann, who’s focused entirely on her plate. She doesn’t seem to be eating, though. Moving closer, I take the seat next to Calvin and place my purse on the counter in front of me.
“What toppings do you prefer? I’ve got strawberries, melted chocolate…”
I hold up my hand. “No, thank you. I ate before I came.”
“You should totally have one of these, Elizabeth.” Calvin says as he digs in for another bite. “They’re the bomb.”
“Nobody says that anymore, Calvin. Jesus,” Ryann mutters.
“Knock that shit off, Ryann.”
“Why?” She starts to push away from the counter, but the look Rome gives her must stop her.
“You’re going to sit there and listen while we discuss the summer.”
“No.” She shakes her head. “I’m fourteen. I do not need a fu––” She stops herself from saying the word. Probably a good decision on her part. “I don’t need a stupid nanny. I can take care of Cal.”
“No. Ryann. You can’t. You’ve shown me you can’t. That’s why Elizabeth is here. I can’t worry about you two all summer. You need someone here watching you.”
This time, Ryann does push out and away from the counter. Standing, she glares at her father, then at me. “I don’t need a g.d. babysitter. I’m not doing anything she”—she points at me—“says, making this pointless.”
Ryann turns to go when Rome, in the coolest, calmest voice, says, “One, you’re grounded, and two, no allowance.”
“Who cares?” Ryann shouts.
My eyes haven’t left the young woman. Not for a second. Not even when she says “God” as she stomps her foot. “I hate it here.” She takes off at a run, heading for the stairs. “I hate you,” she screams as she makes her way up.
“Welp, this is sure going to be an interesting summer.”
I’m startled by Calvin’s statement because he sounds happy. “It sure is.” I reach out and squeeze his shoulder gently. “You’re okay with me being here, right?”
“Oh, yeah. It’ll be a blast.” His smile is a little crooked, and he’s missing a front tooth I didn’t notice before.
“You lost your tooth?” I lean in closer just to be sure.
“Yeah.”
“When?” Rome asks like this is the first he’s hearing about it.
“Um.” Calvin looks up at the ceiling like he’s really got to think about it. “Monday, I believe.”