David hesitates. “This weekend.”
“What?” Maddy and I yelp.
David takes Maddy’s hands. “I didn’t bring it up before because our relationship was still so fresh. But now that it’s here, I don't want to be apart from you. Plus, I think it’ll bring us closer and make us stronger.”
“Of course, I want that,” Aunt Maddy replies. “But…”
I skid my chair back, making an ear-piercing screech that grabs everyone’s attention. “You want to take away my aunt for a week?” I angrily cross my arms as I frown. “What kind of conference goes for a week?”
“The conference is five days long, which is standard,” David admits. He gives Maddy puppy-dog eyes. “I was hoping we could go the weekend before to soak up some true alone time.”
“Should I just come for the weekend instead?” Aunt Maddy says, her eyes darting like she’s looking for a loophole. “Oh no, it’s still so far away. What if something happens while I’m away?”
David brushes back her hair. “Honey, I didn’t bring this up to panic you.”
“Seven days is too long for Jamie to be alone,” Aunt Maddy says, glancing down with saddened eyes. “There’s no way.”
“This is why I wanted to gauge your feelings on this,” David says. “I don’t need an answer today. One thing I didn’t know was if Jamie had someone else to look after her. A neighbor, a friend, a co-worker?”
“Why doesn’t Jamie stay with us?” Milo pipes up.
Aunt Maddy and David fall into silence, looking at him with consideration. My arms cross over my body as I seethe. Why does he have to open his yap right now? Can’t he see I want to win this argument?
Milo shrugs. “I’m sure my parents wouldn’t mind. She’s stayed with us plenty of times before.”
Aunt Maddy nods. “That’s true.”
David lifts a hand, a smug smile curling his lips. “See? Problems solve themselves.”
Did he really just call me a problem?
David wraps his arms around my aunt. “There’s plenty of time to figure out the logistics. You don’t have to say yes today, just don’t say no either.”
Aunt Maddy blows out a long breath and ends it with a perky smile. “Okay, I’ll keep an open mind.”
“What?” I gasp, knocking a fist on the tabletop.
Aunt Maddy holds the sides of David’s face and pecks his lips. “Thank you, honey. It’s a crazy, exciting idea.”
Crazy is right.
David rubs Maddy’s back. “Let’s take a breather.”
I narrow my eyes and grit my teeth as I stare down Mr. Stuffy.
Aunt Maddy smiles at him. “Sure. I’ll meet you on the couch.”
When David walks away, Maddy closes her eyes and exhales.
“Are you okay?” Milo asks softly.
Aunt Maddy opens her eyes and smiles at him. “Don’t mention this trip to your parents,” Maddy says quietly to Milo. “I need time to think things over first before involving more people.”
“That’s cool,” Milo replies. “I should’ve left the room. Sorry.”
Maddy giggles, pointing out the couch within earshot. “There’s not really any other place to go. Don’t worry, Milo, I didn’t want you to feel like you had to flee.”
Milo nods. “I won’t say anything.”
