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Her lips tightened and again,thatemotion flashed in her eyes. It took me a second to identify it as hurt.
“Not exactly,” she said. “He's still in the military.”
“Ah,” I responded, instantly understanding. She was probably heartbroken that her love and the father of her son had been away for so long. And it was painful waiting for someone like that.
“How long is he serving?”
“Ten years,” she said.
Damn. It would be painful to wait for someone for ten years without knowing when exactly he’s going to come.Is it really worth it, to wait around for him?
But I didn't ask. I knew how much she loved her ex and Billy wasn't a bad guy from what I know of him, so I held back everything else I wanted to say.
She glanced away, a clear sign she didn't want to talk about this anymore.
I nodded and changed the subject.
But now she’s going around telling people she’s single? Is she not waiting for Billy anymore?I know it’s not unusual for couples to go on a break when they’re apart for so long just so it’s not as painful. So, they’re both allowed to see other people but they know that at the end of the ten years, they’ll be together in the end. I mean of course that's what's going on. Mia is a very passionate woman and there is no way she can just wait around for ten years with no sex. I can’t judge her for it either.
But she’s not going to do it with Chet. Not only is he a bonehead, he’s the entirely wrong guy for Mia.
“She’s with someone," I tell him. "A big mean dude who spends all day shooting AR-fifteens. And it’s a long, messy situation you should steer clear of.”
Chet nods while gazing at the bakery but I’m not sure it entirely gets rid of the interest in his eyes.
“I’m serious Chet,” I tell him, and he glances back at me.
“Wait how do you know all this?” he asks suspiciously. "You guys used to..."
"No," I say. “She’s my best friend's sister."
"Ah,” Chet nods. “Bro code. I got it. I’ll steer clear." I have no clue what Chet’s thinking now but since he’s agreed to stay away from Mia, I nod.
“I’ll see you around," I say and start heading home. I would wait for Mia so I can drive her home, but the babysitter is taking off soon, and besides, the bakery isn’t too far from her house. The only reason I drove here in the first place was to get a free car wash.
I get in my Aston Martin, and drive off, stopping only to pick up Mikey’s favorite burger from his favorite burger place. I get out of the car and head to the kitchen while they cook, making sure they cut the pickles exactly how he likes and use only a dab of mayo. He’s going to throw it out if it’s not exactly how he wants, due to sensory sensitivities. They know Mikey well, by now, and are happy to make the accommodation. Of course, I tip them extra for the service.
Then I head back home, burgers in hand.
“I’m home,” I announce, opening the door.
“Hi, Luke.”
“Hi, Fiona.” I sigh as I walk in. I’ve been meaning to talk to the babysitting agency about replacing Fiona with another babysitter, but I keep forgetting. She’s a great babysitter for my son, but her crush on me makes me feel uncomfortable, especially since I’m probably old enough to be her dad.
“Everything went well,” she says twirling her hair as she speaks. “I was just helping Mikey with some of his homework.
At the sound of his name, Mikey looks up from his spot, seated on the floor.
“Hi, buddy.” I go to him holding up the bag. “I have a burger from Frank's for you."
Mikey nods and then goes back to the book.
“Thanks for staying,” I tell her and she blushes. “How much am I owing you?”
“Oh, just a fifty,”
I hand her over a hundred-dollar bill. “Keep the change.”
