"You know that's not what we meant," Taryn said with a huff.
I knew she was right but this was something that I needed to do on my own.
"Nah, just keep your phones on you, just in case," I warned them.
Dani hurried out and came back with the books that I asked for.
"Thank you, it's been too long since I read these. I'm excited to do this with Phoenix. I’m hoping this can help us bond," I said.
"You are rocking this aunt thing," Dani tried to reassure me.
"You're doing better at this than you think," Tayrn agreed.
I loved their confidence in me. It meant a lot. They were truly the only reason I haven’t lost my damn mind.
"Thanks. Now you two get your asses to your packs and babies. I have a fun night with my niece ahead of me," I told them as I gathered my stuff and headed to the door.
I texted Phoenix that I was going to grab pizza and then be home. She sent back a smiley face and thumbs up. I’d count that as a small win. Sometimes she didn’t bother to respond.
After working in the office all day, I welcomed the fresh air. The pizza place was packed, but thanks to calling ahead I was in and out in minutes. I hurried home, the smell of the pizza making my stomach growl like crazy. At least it wasn’t revolting anymore.
"Phoenix," I called as I walked in the front door.
"Food!" she shouted, racing towards me with her hands out for the boxes. She snatched them and ran for the kitchen to put them down.
"You know that you are welcome to eat snacks after school if you’re hungry," I reminded her.
"Yeah, you've said that, but I knew that you were getting this," she said, holding up a slice. "I had to save room."
"Should I have gotten more? Are two pizzas and breadsticks enough?" I mused, giving her a grin.
"What did you get for you?" she teased right back.
"Just don't over do it," I said, sneaking a piece from the box before she could snag it. "I got the book you wanted and one for me, too. I thought we could do a buddy read. If you want to?"
"I'm a slow reader. Are you okay going slow?" she asked between bites.
"Sure, we can do a chapter or two a night? After homework, of course," I added.
"I'd like that, maybe you can read out loud sometimes and I can follow along?" she questioned.
"Of course, we can," I smiled at her as I placed my slice on a plate. "Are you ready to head outside?"
"Almost, let me get another two pieces and some bread sticks," she answered, placing another piece on my plate and a bread stick. I swear, these little moments were more reassuring than anything.
"Do you want some ranch?" I asked as I opened the fridge to grab it.
"Ranch with pizza? I don't think that I've ever had that," she said, wrinkling her nose at the idea.
"Well, I eat it that way. It's not for everyone," I said as I squeezed a dollop on my plate.
"I think I'd like to try it," she hedged, still looking unsure. I squeezed a small amount on her plate.
"It's good to try new things, but I want it to be your choice. Protein is a must, but we can call tonight cheat night. I will keep snacks, too, but if you don't eat the protein, we will have to cut back. Got to keep up your strength.”
She was eyeing me and my mouth dropped. “Oh god, I just sounded like a mom?" I groaned, placing my hand over my mouth.
"It's fine. You care about me and I get it. Aunt Bea, you are more of a mom than my mom was. If I don't agree, I'll let you know," she promised. "I didn't start the fire pit, though, after the shelter fire, I've shied away from it."
