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“Yes.”
“Hi Olivia. Why are you calling me? Is your daddy there?”
“Yeah, he’s here.”
“Is he okay?”
“He’s fine.”
“Okay… so why are you calling?”
“I asked my dad if I could call you. He said yes.”
“Okay, what can I do for you?”
“Will you come to my choir concert?”
That was a surprise. “I’d love to! Thank you for inviting me. When is it?”
“It’s tonight. We’re going to get pizza first. Do you want to come?”
“Oh, um, sure. Can I talk to your daddy real quick, Olivia?”
“Okay.”
There was a muffled noise as the phone swapped hands, then Jake’s voice. “Hey, sorry about the ambush. She just brought it up now, and honestly, I was so thrilled that she wanted to ask you. I didn’t know how to say no.” He chuckled. “So, there you have it. If you can’t make it, we understand, it was a last-minute invite.” His voice took on a clear, almost-commanding tone, and I could picture him looking down at Olivia’s hopeful little face, trying to convey his message.
“Well, I don’t have any plans, so I can come. If you really want me to,” I added, not sure whether or not to be flattered.
“Of course we do. Like she said, we’re going to Tony’s for pizza first, then heading to the school from there. If you’d like to join us? We’re meeting my folks too,” he added as an afterthought, like it might be a deterrent.
“Okay, yeah, I’m in the office. What time are we meeting at Tony’s?”
“Five, we don’t do late dinners when bedtime is eight.”
“I got it. I’ll meet you there. I’m still in my work clothes. Hope that’s okay.”
“Whatever you have on is fine,” he replied, then added in a whisper, “thanks for doing this. I think she’s nervous about singing in front of people, and suddenly it was very important to ask you to come.”
“Well, tell Olivia I feel very special that she invited me. I’ll see you soon!”
“Okay, see you.”
My heart was pounding, although I wasn’t sure why. Olivia’s sweet invite to her choir concert was definitely unexpected, and I was flattered that she wanted me to go.
Of course, then I realized what made me nervous. I was about to meet Jake’s parents for the first time. I hadn’t met a guy’s parents since Zach and I started dating in high school. I dated a bit while getting my MBA, but nothing serious enough to necessitate meeting each other’s parents. This all came on rather suddenly.
I drew in a deep breath to slow my racing heart. I just had to remember it was just Olivia being Olivia. She probably didn’t have anyone else to invite, and knowing all the other kid’s moms would be there, she probably wanted to have a stand-in of sorts.
Woah, did I just consider myself a stand-in for Olivia’s mom? Where the hell did that come from?
Before I could let my nerves get to me, I shoved those thoughts aside. A little girl was counting on me, and there was nowhere I’d rather be.
I did a quick check in at Peak 7, then made my way into town with plenty of time to find parking and meet up at Tony’s. It did not surprise me to see Jake, with Ethan and Olivia, already waiting outside.
“Ellie!” The kids cheered as soon as they spotted me and fenced me in with hugs.
“Hey guys, it’s good to see you too. I dunno about you, but I’mstarving. Are you ready for some pizza?”
