Page 68 of Because of Blake
Septembermarksthekids’first two weeks of school being over, and we’ve only now settled into our routine. The early mornings of getting ready for school, ensuring lunches are taken care of, and me commuting to work are exhausting, but we get through it. And not a moment too soon.
Both of my children’s birthdays are in September, three weeks apart. Charlie and I didn’t plan it that way. It’s coincidence.
The day before Dylan’s birthday, Blake calls. “Hello there. How’s my favorite girl?”
“You have more than one?”
“But you’re my favorite.”
I laugh, running my hand over my head and down my ponytail. “You’re too much.”
“What are you up to? Anything exciting?”
“Nope. Sitting at my kitchen table, trying to decide on lunch.” My coffee is almost gone, but I really want some more. “You?”
“About to eat lunch.”
“Well, we make a very exciting pair, don’t we?” I swallow down the last of my coffee, and get up to make another cup.
“More exciting when we’re together. What are we doing this weekend?”
I suck in a breath between my teeth, making a hissing noise. “Dylan’s birthday is tomorrow, and he requested to have some friends for a sleepover this weekend.”
“Oh, and I guess I’m not invited?” Disappointment hangs in his words.
I bite my lip as I mull it over, testing the percolator on the stove to ensure it’s cooled enough to touch. “I don’t have an issue with you coming over, but as a parent, I wouldn’t be comfortable with my kid being at a friend’s house and his mom’s recent boyfriend hanging around. Especially if I hadn’t met him.”
“Point taken. Okay, I’ll stay away.”
“And just to warn you, Sydney’s birthday is the twenty-fifth, and she also requested a sleepover.” I fill the percolator and set it back on the stove to heat.
“So, I’m Maggie-less those weekends, gotcha.” Blake is silent for a moment. “You said Dylan’s birthday is tomorrow? Can I come for dinner? I’d like to wish my buddy a happy birthday.”
“He would love that, but be advised, he gets to pick what we eat and it’s almost always breakfast.”
“I love breakfast.”
Ooh, I think I know what I’m having for lunch. Coffee goes perfect with breakfast food.“Good.” I tuck my phone between my shoulder and cheek to get in the fridge, pulling out the Greek yogurt and fresh berries I washed yesterday. My lip works its way between my teeth as I hesitate to ask my next question. “How do you feel about Mexican food?”
“Maggie, how does anyone, anywhere feel about Mexican food? It’s one of my favorites.”
“Good, because Michelle wants to meet you and she always wants Mexican and margaritas.”
“Ooh,theMichelle? Should I be worried?”
I roll my eyes, but crinkle my nose. He might be onto something. “Not worried, but you’d better bring your A-game because she’ll be bringing all the questions.”
“I think I can handle it. So, when is this happening? How long do I have to prepare?”
“She wants to do it Friday.”
“Like, this Friday? Wow, okay.” Blake chuckles, but it sounds nervous. “Give me some notice, why don’t you.”
The percolator bubbles, so I turn off the stove and pour my fresh, hot coffee into my favorite oversized mug. I take a big sniff of the comforting aroma, and turn back to my yogurt I’ve forgotten about. “Sorry, I’ve been putting it off.”
“Why?”
“You’ll see when you meet Michelle.” I lick the spoon clean after I serve my yogurt.