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Olivia

Right. Just friends.

I groan out loud, alone in my own living room, because I am starting to hate that word and I’ve got no one to blame for it but me. I’m the one who offered it. I was so scared of what letting someone near Bo would cost that I built us a fence and called it a favor. And now Bo’s met her, and the fence is starting to feel less like protection and more like a problem I made on purpose.

Not tonight, though. Not over text.

Olivia

Does his mom live close by?

And there it is. The one question I was hoping to skip.

I keep it simple.

Luke

His mom’s not in the picture.

Olivia

I’m sorry to hear that.

Luke

Don’t be. It’s what’s best.

I leave it there. She lets me, which I appreciate more than she’ll know.

Olivia

I have a question.

Luke

I may have an answer.

Olivia

I’m seeing my friend Ivy tomorrow. The one who just had the baby. What kind of toys do newborns play with?

I laugh. Out loud, for the second time tonight.

She really doesn’t know much about kids.

Luke

None. They mostly just lie there.

Olivia

That can’t be right.

Luke

Bring diapers.

All newborns do is eat, sleep and poop.