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I nuzzled my nose into her neck, and she squealed. “It was demo day. I need a shower.”
“Pee-yoouu.” Maggie pinched her nose as I set her down.
I smelled something cooking as I moved into the kitchen, looking for Alice. Finding her in front of the stove, I said, “You didn’t need to make dinner.”
She shrugged. “I wasn’t sure when you’d be home. It’s just spaghetti. Nothing fancy.”
It was a nice feeling to come home to someone already making dinner. I hadn’t experienced that since I lived at home.
I threw a thumb over my shoulder. “I’m going to grab a shower really quick. Would you mind watching her for a few more minutes?”
“Of course,” she said as she turned back to the stove.
Heading upstairs, I shucked my dirty clothes into the laundry basket and stepped gratefully into the warm water.
I watched the dirt swirl down the drain as I scrubbed off the grime of the day. We hadn’t exactly discussed how things would work, other than a general description of her hours. We needed to talk tonight.
I didn’t want Maggie being exposed to guys coming over, and I didn’t like the idea of Alice being with someone here, or anywhere, for that matter.
I didn’t have the right to tell her she couldn’t see someone, but I could at least tell her not to bring him here or around my daughter. Satisfied I was right to mention it, I got dressed in clean jeans and a T-shirt before heading downstairs.
I followed the sound of laughter and the smell of garlic to the kitchen.
Maggie was setting forks on folded napkins next to each bowl.
I ruffled her hair, infusing pride into my voice. “Are you setting the table?”
Maggie nodded seriously. “It’s a big girl’s job.”
“You’re doing a great job.” I smiled at Alice, pleased she’d convinced her to do the small chore.
Maggie beamed as she finished and then sat in her seat. Alice placed the large bowl of spaghetti and a platter of garlic bread in the middle of the table.
Alice stood next to the table, wringing her hands. “I’m going to get out of your hair so you two can have some time together.”
Maggie pouted. “Stay.”
“Why don’t you eat before you go?” I wanted to talk to her, but it would have to wait until Maggie was asleep.
“I don’t want to intrude. Dinner is a good time for you to reconnect.”
“Please, sit. Maggie wants you here.” And so did I. I wanted to hear about their day from an adult’s perspective.
I scooped spaghetti into Maggie’s bowl. “Did you meet Miss Alice’s niece?”
“Mealy? Uh-huh.”
“Amelia,” Alice corrected as she grabbed a third bowl and dropped spaghetti into it. She sat across from Maggie.
Maggie’s face screwed up. “She gets to go to school. When can I go?”
I shifted uncomfortably in my chair. “I didn’t realize you have to apply to school the fall before they go. I was late. You’re on the waitlist.”
“That’s not fair,” Maggie said.
“Would you like me to see if they have any openings at Amelia’s school?” Alice asked.
“I wouldn’t want her to go any longer than a few hours a couple of days a week to start.”
