Once Gandalf is changed and settling into sleep, I text Milo.“You wouldn’t believe what Gandalf did when you left! He let out this disgusting smell, andI had to change his diaper.”
Milo texts back.“LOL. That’ll teach you for not getting involved sooner.”
“Nope. It should’ve been your diaper because you fed him.”
“Did you want to deal with the screaming?”
“Still. It was bad timing for you to leave.”
“LOL. I promise to do some diapers tomorrow.”
“Oh, don’t worry, you will be.”
“Make sure you text me if you need anything. I can always ask Mom to drive me over.”
There’s a tremor in my hands as I text back.“I have Aunt Maddy. Thanks though.”
“No problem.”
The tremor spreads up my arms and into the arteries, leading to my heart. If I were paired up with Kai, he’d make any excuse to ditch the baby. How is Milo so thoughtful?
Fifteen
Athomelaterthatevening, Maddy gets a call from Coach. She nods along, agreeing to things, and soon she’s smiling.
Maddy smirks, lowers her phone and hits a button. “Can you repeat that, Brent? I want Jamie to hear.”
I click my tongue as Coach’s mild laughter comes through the phone speaker.
“Hey Jamie,” Coach says. “I was just checking in to ensure Maddy was okay with this baby simulator being in the house.”
“And?” Aunt Maddy says in a leading way.
Coach laughs. “And, I wanted to make sure Maddy let you do the work on this assignment. I know it must be tempting to let her take over when the baby cries.”
I snort like I’m insulted. “As if I’d do that.”
“Yes, because you didn’t get this assignment because you slacked off on your other ones,” Coach says sarcastically.
I groan. “Ugh. Whatever.”
“Don’t worry,” Coach says light-heartedly, “I also called to stop Maddy from letting her instincts takeover and doing the assignment for you.”
My eyes narrow at Maddy. “What does that mean?”
“That she’s a natural with babies,” Coach replies. “I remember how Grams would gush about her any time I went into the cafe when you were little.”
Aunt Maddy leans over and pinches my cheek. “Well, how could I not take care of her? She was so gosh darn cute.”
I steal my face away. “Oh my gosh, stop. You’re so embarrassing.”
Coach laughs. “So, are we good here?”
“Yes, Brent,” Aunt Maddy replies. “I won’t take over, and Jamie will take responsibility.”
“Yeah, sure, whatever,” I reply.
“You can reach out through the portal if you get really stuck,” Coach says. “Just try to stay calm and work out all your options to soothe the baby. It might get tense overnight.”
