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“Looks so nice in here,” she says, glancing around the spotless room. I try my best since it’s the one thing I have control over in my life.
“Owen helped.” I flash a wink. He’s old enough to have responsibilities, and he gets excited when others notice.
“Good to see you.” Elliot smiles, then wraps his arms around Owen.
I offer them some sweet tea while they give Owen his gift bag. As I’m in the kitchen putting ice in glasses, I hear Owen’s excitement. When I return, he’s still pulling out velvet hearts full of candy in all different sizes, and I know I’ll be dealing with a hyper kid tonight.
Owen’s pile on the floor consists of a remote-control car, endless candy, and some small holiday-themed games.
“Oh, you two…” I sigh. “You didn’t have to do all of this.”
He gives them kisses and thank you’s and positions himself between them on the couch. You’d think he hasn’t seen them in months by the way he’s acting, but he sees them several times a week. They love having him around, but so do my parents, so they take turns picking him up after school and watching him until I get off work around five. My mom and Loretta alternate on the weekends when I’m working at the new house.
“Can I have a sleepover at Mimi and Pawpaw’s tonight?” Owen asks with a grin.
I shake my head. “Not on a school night, bud.”
He flashes me his big puppy dog eyes, the same eyes his dad used to give me when he wanted to get his way. “Owen,” I warn.
Loretta laughs and pats his back. “You know the rules, honey. Maybe if you’re good this week, you can next Saturday.”
Owen rips open one of the velvet boxes and pops a piece of chocolate in his mouth. He talks and chews. “I’ll be good!” he declares.
“Manners, Owen. Don’t speak with food in your mouth,” I remind him.
“Yes, ma’am,” he says, covering his mouth. “Want one?” He holds the box out toward Loretta and Elliot, but they shake their heads.
“I’ve had so much sugar this weekend I’m surprised I’m not a candy heart right now,” Loretta laughs as she tells Owen.
“Candy hearts are nasty, Mimi.”
“They’re my favorite,” she gushes.
“Theyaregross,” Elliot agrees with Owen, then looks at Loretta with a devilish grin.
“More for me then!” she exclaims, taking a sip of her tea.
After Owen puts batteries in his remote-control car and drives it all over the house, Elliot and Loretta say their goodbyes.
“He really can come stay next weekend if you’d like to get some uninterrupted work done on the house,” Elliot tells me as we walk them to the door.
“I know. I really appreciate it. I’m sure he’d love that too!”
Owen runs up and gives them another hug. “Love you!”
“Love you too,” they say. “Be good for your mom. Don’t eat too much chocolate, even if it is Valentine’s Day.” Loretta flashes him a wink, then turns toward me.
“You know…” She lowers her voice. “It’s been years since you’ve had a serious relationship, Katie. You should get back out there and date again.”
All I can do is laugh. “With all my spare time?” I tease. “They say you find love when you’re not looking for it. And well, I ain’t lookin’.” I shrug
She gives me a smile. “You’re right, but it’d be okay if you did,” she says genuinely. “Bye, Owen! Mimi and Pawpaw love you!” Loretta blows a kiss as they walk to their car.
Owen nods with a big cheeky grin. “See you this week!”
“Thank you again,” I tell them as we wave. Once they’re out of sight, I shut the front door. Owen’s already bouncing around the house, but I can’t even be mad about it.
“Want some, Mom?” He holds up one of the chocolates.
