Page 81 of Rigid

I waved and tried to hide my fear with a smile, but doubted I was a complete success. When the door closed behind them, I walked to where Sandy was sitting and collapsed onto the loveseat beside her.

She set her book to the side, rested her head on my shoulder, and forced her hand between my legs.

With my thigh cupped gently in her hand, she snuggled up against me. “She’ll be just fine.”

“I sure hope so.”

“She will,” she said.

“I hope you’re right.”

“We talked for an hour when I helped her with her makeup.”

I sat up and looked at her. “About what?”

She snuggled against me again. “Girl stuff. She’ll be fine.”

I closed my eyes and allowed Sandy to melt into me while Patrick Sweany’s Your Man played.

After a few songs, Sandy’s weight became heavy. Then, her breathing became soft and predictable. I opened my eyes, glanced at her, and smiled. Across the room, on the edge of the couch, P-Nut sat, snoring like a broken buzz saw.

We were all exhausted from the move, Sandy more so than anyone, and rightfully so.

Filled with concern, I allowed the music to fill me. Oddly, my worries weren’t limited to Eddie being on her first date.

I was equally worried about the development of my relationship with Sandy, and of our new baby’s health.

Only time would tell if my concerns were without merit, and the one of the best ways I knew to pass time was to sleep.

So, with Sandy and one of my babies in my arms, I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

TWENTY-FIVE

Sandy

The first date was the most amazing day in my life, according to Eddie. Richard brought her home at 11:45, and when she got there, she stayed up until 1:00 telling Smokey and me about what a great time she had. Richard sounded like a very well-mannered young man, and hearing firsthand how polite and courteous he was did nothing but give peace of mind to both of us.

She was now on date number two with him, and P-Nut sat this one out, which left Smokey and me at home alone. It was our first unaccompanied night together since I moved in, and I was slightly anxious about how it might go.

He sat in his chair, and I sat on the spot I’d claimed on the loveseat, and we were trying to decide what to do with our idle time.

“Pee Bee and Tegan play Scrabble all the time,” he said.

“Scrabble?”

“They say it’s relaxing, and it sounds like it’s pretty funny sometimes.

“I’d play Scrabble.”

“I don’t have it. I’ll add it to the grocery list.”

It was odd having Smokey do the grocery shopping, but it was something he did, and seemed to enjoy. I hoped, in time, that we could go together.

A song I didn’t recognize was playing softly in the background. After trying for a moment to listen to the lyrics, I looked at him and grinned a slight smile. “I like listening to the music.”

“Can’t live without it.”

“Why is that?”