I stared at the items on the table while wringing my hands together and reminding myself to breathe.
Plans were made without my input.
During a lull in the action, John said, “That’s enough for today.” The hands on the wall clock pointed down. Five-thirty.
I should’ve been home hours ago.Nana must be worried.
“If it’s okay, I’d like to stay and keep working,” Ryan said.
“I’ll stay with him. Cate’ll be at craft and booze so it’ll give me something to do,” Jay said.
“I don’t need a babysitter,” Ryan said, leaning back and crossing his arms.
“No, but you need someone with authorized access to the building.”
“I’ll stay with you,” Cate said.
“You should—”
“Did anything in my tone suggest it was up for debate?” Cate asked. She sounded mad, but her smile told a different story.
I really don’t understand anyone in this room.
Jay laughed. “No, no, it did not. Thank you, Snookems.”
Ryan nodded, “So I get two babysitters, got it.”
“Don’t think of us as babysitters, think of us as escorts,” Jay joked.
“I’d rather not,” Ryan said.
“I second that,” Cate said. “Think of us as extra eyes and hands. Let us know how we can help.”
“Speaking of craft and booze, Nina, I can drop you off if you don’t mind a detour to pick up Natalie,” Jack said.
“I have to check on my Nana.” I needed to see her. Hug her.Warn her?“Should I tell her what’s happening?” I asked.
“Nina, I know this is hard and you want someone to talk to, but I’d caution against it,” John said.
“If Emily and Ashley don’t mind watching Natalie for a few extra minutes, I can take you home first,” Jack offered.
Going out was the last thing I wanted to do. “I should probably just stay home. I need to make dinner.”
“Nathan can stay until Matt arrives, then he can drive you, since he’s going there anyway.”
“Thanks, but I’m sure no one wants my bodyguard hanging around.” It was a lame excuse, but I couldn’t think of a better one.
Jack laughed, “They’ll have at least one. I’ll be there while Meg is.”
“Three,” Jamie said. “I’ll be with Emily, and Nathan will want to be with Ashley.”
“Four,” AJ said. “No way am I missing out on all the fun.”
“Doug will be there with Beth and Chase,” John laughed, “and I live there.”
“So you’ll all be there even if I’m not?”
“Most of us will be. Matt will be with your grandmother.”
