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The floor in front of the couch became the perfect place to watch TV, eat lunch and take care of the baby.
“I think this is the way I’ll spend every weekend off,” Leon said, reaching for Violet. He’d spread out a blanket and had her on it, having what they calledtummy time. “My mother said we all slept on our bellies, but they don’t do that anymore. On the back only unless it’s supervised tummy time.”
“I need to take a picture of this. You have pizza on one side, a baby and her paraphernalia on the other.”
“If you sit there,” he said, pointing to the other side of the pizza box, “I’ll have all I need within reach.”
A little stunned, she slid down to the floor where he’d pointed, grinning. “Is this close enough?”
He stretched over and touched her shoulder. “Perfect. Where’s the remote.”
That nugget of attention—less than a nugget, a silly, off-the-cuff crumb—would keep her motivated and happy for the rest of the day. The care of the baby didn’t fall on her, as she’d wondered; he fed her and changed her diaper, burped her and walked the floor when she fussed. During halftime, she started the conversation again.
“You’re a good daddy. I’m really impressed.”
“I’m just taking care of her so I don’t accidentally kill her,” he replied. “I don’t know if I could live with myself if I unintentionally hurt her. Guys don’t think about babies, I mean, unless they compare them to puppies or kittens.”
“When Alex was alive, there were days when it was a toss-up between taking care of the kids or me getting a shower. Parenting is really hard.”
“Thanks for helping out. I know how lucky I am to have found someone I trust with her. I’ve heard that it sometimes takes a try or two before you find a nanny who works out. I mean, as a nanny, not as a gym rat.”
“Ha, I know what you meant,” she said.
“But I got both,” he said with a big smile, his eyebrows working up and down.
“I don’t really work out,” she replied, flattered. “I run to keep my weight under control.”
“It works,” he said admiringly. “I have to stay strong for the job or I’d be a couch potato.”
“I saw you in your underpants, remember, and you looked pretty good to me.”
“My love handles were showing,” he said, lifting his shirt up to expose a flat abdomen. “After the game, do you want to try out the new stroller? We can run around the block. It’ll probably kill me.”
“The trailhead is right here,” she said, pointing out the window. “Let’s do that so we’re not on the road with her.”
“Okay. I might change my mind. The pizza is going down so smooth.”
He picked up another slice and held it over his open mouth, and she roared laughing. The baby didn’t budge, already used to noise when she slept.
“What are you doing the rest of your time off?” she asked.
“Tomorrow we have the family over. It’s a tradition. My dad cooks, and all the relatives come. You should come, too. Then Monday I’m going to buy a real car, as my mother said. I need to find an apartment, too. I can’t live at home forever.”
“I’m not sure about dinner with the family, but I’d like to help you find a place. I’d offer you my guesthouse, but that might get a little weird if you bring dates home.”
“And vice versa,” he said, looking at her.
The game started, and that was the end of the conversation for now, but Leon was distracted, picking up his phone and searching in the neighborhood for apartment rentals.
“Here’s a two-bedroom by the park. I’m going to call to see it. Do you want to come with me?”
“Sure. You mean this park?” she asked, pointing east.
“Yep, it’s within walking distance to your house and my folks and all the uncles. Ha! I can’t venture too far away.”
He made the call, and the agent was there at the complex, ready to show him an apartment.
“Let’s go, then.”
