Adrian:It’s okay if you have a crush on your daughter’s mom.
Nate:Is it okay? Sounds like it could be messy.
Adrian:Messier than watching her go on a date?
Me:IT’S NOT A DATE!!!
Roman:Go have fun with your kid. Try not to get all up in your head. And remember, communicate!
With a groan, I tossed my phone aside and scrubbed my face. Feeling a little hand on my knee, I dropped my hands.
“What’s wrong?” Katty asked, her brow furrowed with concern.
“Nothing, sweetheart. Your uncles are driving me nuts, but that’s normal.”
“They always drive you nuts?”
“Yep.” I leaned forward on the couch to give her a peck on the side of her head. “Are you ready to show me your art?”
Katty brought me my portrait, and as expected, it belonged in museums. She had an…abstract style. Eyeballs went just about anywhere, and she didn’t limit herself to two. I was pretty sure my mouth was on my forehead and my nose had teeth. It was pure genius. She thought outside the box, and I really admired that.
The apartment door swung open without warning, and Aunt Barb stepped out of the shadows of the garage. We really needed to remember to lock that thing.
I grabbed Katty and put her in front of me. Not like a shield or anything, I knew Aunt Barb would never hurt her. Me? That was questionable.
“I made dinner,” she announced.
“Oh…cool.” I wanted to say the right thing, but I wasn’t sure what that was.
“What did you make?” Katty asked.
“Your favorite: meatballs.” Aunt Barb’s voice didn’t soften even an inkling when speaking to Katty, and my girl ran to her and wrapped her arms around her legs.
“Can Benny come too?” Katty asked.
“He can.” Aunt Barb eyed me as she patted Katty’s hair. “But he has to do the dishes.”
“I can do that,” I said.
“Good.” Aunt Barb nodded sharply. “Let’s go.”
She took Katty’s hand, leading her out of the apartment. My daughter chirped happily, telling her aunt about her day. I followed them across the garage, nervous I was going to say or do the wrong thing. I didn’t get nervous often. This was an unfamiliar feeling I didn’t know what to do with.
Aunt Barb’s house smelled like garlic and tomatoes. Katty kicked her shoes off, and I followed suit without being told, though I hadn’t missed the side-eye Aunt Barb shot me.
Kylie was already at the dining table, scrolling through her phone. She hugged Katty and placed her on her lap, taking a selfie with her.
“Hi, Ben,” she sang. “Fancy seeing you here.”
“Hey.” I hovered, unsure what I should’ve been doing or sitting. “It smells really good in here.”
“My mom’s an incredible cook. You’re in for a treat,” Kylie said.
Aunt Barb bustled toward the table, carrying two big dishes. I tried to help her out by taking one, but she yanked it away with a huff.
“For heaven’s sake, you’ll make me drop everything.” She plunked one after the other on the table. “And sit down. I’ll get a crick in my neck if I keep having to look up at you.”
Properly scolded, I dropped into the seat beside Katty. She watched me put my napkin in my lap and did the same, then Kylie helped her scoop meatballs and pasta onto her plate.
