Page 21

I peel off my smelly, sodden clothes, and my phone falls from my yoga pants to the floor with a clatter. I pick it up and remember Loomis’s text.

Me: So happy he loves it.

He replies instantly.

Loomis: I think you’ve become his new favorite, but don’t tell Tinsley that or she’ll be devastated.

I smile, shifting my weight as I type left-handed, which is no picnic.

Me: I doubt that. Tinsley’s known him longer. She has the upper hand. But I’m very competitive, so she should watch out.

Loomis: Are you getting bored yet? I’m terribly bored.

Me: Is that why you’re texting me?

Loomis: No, I’m texting you because I like talking to you. I’m bored because I’m essentially homebound with a baby who doesn’t supply much in the form of scintillating conversation.

Me: Unlike me, of course.

Loomis: Unlike you. I’ve been doing this alone for a week since I came home from London, and I’m no closer to feeling like I’ve got this. If anything, I feel like I’m doing a worse job than before. I had my mum before, and she helped so much. I’ve been up since 4 am, and I’m bloody knackered, but Fen is like the Energizer Bunny and hasn’t stopped going. How my mum did this with three boys by herself, I have no idea, but I’ve just sent her a basket of her favorite sweets to thank her once again. And now I’m rambling.

I can’t help my laugh. He is rambling.

Me: Trust me when I tell you that all new parents think they’re messing it up. You’re doing a great job, all things considered.

Loomis: I don’t know whether you’re just trying to puff me up, but I’ll take your reassurance along with the extra espresso I just made myself.

Me: Not tea? You’re English.

Loomis: I drink tea in the afternoon. Coffee in the morning.

Me: I’m sure he’ll tucker out soon for a nap. I take it he’s feeling better.

Loomis: Yes, he’s loads better today. I was going to risk the playground later if you want to join. I’m hoping he’ll burn some of this extra energy off.

I hesitate only to remember that it’s a simple offer, and he’s my friend. A lonely friend going through an enormous crisis. Plus, I wouldn’t mind an afternoon in the park with them.

Me: Yes, I’d love to meet up with you. Just tell me where and what time.

Loomis: Brilliant. Meet us at the playground at the elementary school at one. There’s no school today as it’s some kind of bank holiday. Hopefully, it’ll be quiet.

I smile. Bank holiday? I think he means national holiday.

Loomis: If not, we’ll have to figure something else out since my disguise will be limited. I tore my fake nose last night when I was trying to remove it.

I choke out a laugh.

Me: Oh no. Can you get a new one? Perhaps a better one?

Loomis: *Eye roll emoji* I can get a better one, but it’ll be a few days before my props person can get it to me. And what was wrong with my nose? I thought you told me I was hot.

Me: I told you you had the hot dad thing going for you, not that you were hot.

Loomis: Right. That was when I was still wearing my nose.

Me: I’m just saying it wouldn’t hurt to get a better one. Maybe you’ll find you want to wear it all the time. It might improve things.

Loomis: Ouch. You’ve wounded me deeply. We can’t all be as gorgeous as you are, lovely redhead.