“Hey, munchkin. I missed you.”
“Really?” Norah cocked her head to the side as if she was trying to make sure he was telling her the truth. She looked just like her mom.
“Yes, I have no idea what happened yesterday in your class. You fell asleep before I could talk to you on the phone last night.”
“Mommy’s getting ready still. If you want I can tell you now.”
“Fill me in.” Brian took Norah’s outstretched hand and let her lead him to the couch where she bounced on the cushions while she told him every minute detail of her day.
I leaned back on the wall and watched her little face light up with joy when Brian listened intently and asked questions, making her giggle.
“He talks to her every night before I put her to bed and she tells him all about her day,” Renee whispered when she emerged from her room.
“He really listens to her. He knows all of her friends’ names,” I said, nudging her.
“I know. I really like him. He doesn’t mind having Norah around and that’s a huge deal.”
“He’s a good guy.”
“He’s too good. He goes out on the road next month and I’m pretty sure he’s going to cheat on me. Hell, he’s probably cheating on me now.”
“Oh, are we self-sabotaging already? I thought we’d wait at least a couple more months before that started.”
“You’re so lucky I love you, Kenna. I’d kick your ass right now.”
“This would be the best time to do it. I’m so sore.”
I threw my arm around her shoulder and kissed her cheek. “Hey, Brian?”
Brian and Norah both turned to look at us. Renee’s fingers dug into my shoulder and I almost went down to my knees.
“Don’t pay attention to her.” Renee’s voice was tight and her fingers continued to squeeze with all their might.
Brian smiled, his eyes sparkling as he watched us.
“I was just wondering if you were dating anyone.”
Brian’s face looked confused as he turned his attention to Renee. “Well, I kind of thought I was dating Renee. Was I wrong?”
Renee banged the back of her head on the wall.
“No, you weren’t wrong. I was just wondering what your intentions were with my sister. I mean, I was just curious.”
Renee pleaded with Brian. “You don’t have to answer her. She’s delirious from having to pitch today.”
“My intentions are pure. I like your sister very much and I haven’t talked to another woman since I started talking to her. In fact, I’d be okay if she didn’t talk to anyone else too.”
Renee’s cheeks turned a light shade of pink as I watched her try and contain the smile twitching on her lips.
“I think she can handle that,” I answered for her.
“With that settled, would you like to go out? Or we could stay in and hang out with munchkin,” Brian said, smiling widely.
“You wouldn’t mind hanging out with Norah?” Renee asked with wonder in her voice.
I smiled at Brian, liking him more by the second.
“No, I have a date with Aunt Kenna. You go have fun, Mommy. You’ve been in the house working hard all day.” Norah jumped off the couch and hugged Renee.
