Page 47 of When We Were More

CHAPTER 19

Henry

We finished the job at Tillie’s about three weeks ago, and every day since, she keeps popping into my head. I don’t have a reason to go to her house anymore, but I find myself wanting to. The few times I’ve seen her since aren’t enough.

I ignore that little voice in the back of my head warning me that the fact that I keep thinking about her isn’t good. She’s my friend. That’s all.

Matilda’s the one who made me realize I need to make some friends.

I guess in the worst case, I’ll have an excuse to go over after Christmas, since we’re going to start on the master bathroom remodel. Shit, Christmas is still almost two weeks away. I can’t wait that long.

Thinking about the timing of her remodel gets me thinking about cool ideas for it. She needs to decide on a design ASAP. I take a sip of my coffee, and I hear Layla’s little feet padding down the hallway. Then the bathroom door creaks open. That’s when a brilliant idea strikes me.

I pull out my phone. It’s eight-thirty a.m., Matilda should be awake. I think…

You up?

Matilda: I’m sorry, is that meant for me or your booty call?

Can’t you be both? ;) Just kidding. Don’t get mad. Are you free today?

Matilda: You are aware most booty calls don’t occur before 9 a.m. on a Sunday, right? And, yes, I might be free… Why?

Could you be at 25 River Run Dr. at 10 a.m.? No need to change your clothes, etc. Come as you are.

Matilda: Uh, yeah, that would be a problem. I’d get arrested for public indecency.

Well, now she’s got my mind imagining all kinds of things she might be wearing. Or, more accurately, what she mightnotbe wearing.

Is it appropriate for friends to ask friends what they’re wearing?

Matilda: I’m gonna say no. Remind me why I need to be at that location at 10?

For your bathroom. To see a design idea.

Matilda: Hmmm. Okay. But I’m not taking a shower first, so don’t judge me.

See you at 10.

My sweet Layla climbs onto my lap and nestles up with me. I pull a blanket up over her. We’ll need to leave in a little while to get some things I need for Tillie’s visit, but I will definitely make time for this snuggle session.

After fifteen minutes, Layla is ready to get off my lap and start her day. I send her to get dressed while I wake up Lena. At almost two and a half, Lena is to the point where I’m thinking of converting her crib to a toddler bed. I’m not ready yet, though. Soon, but not now.

A few minutes later, we’re all in the car and headed to Ella’s Bakery. Hopefully, we’re early enough that she still has some of those chocolate bear claws left. I love those things.

When we get there, Layla immediately runs to the display case and takes in all the treats. She turns to me. She’s bouncing up and down with excitement.

“Daddy, can I get two?”

“Sure, ladybug. Do you remember my friend, Tillie?”

“Myfriend, Daddy. Tillie ismyfriend. Of course, I remember her.”

“Well, she’s going to visit this morning to see what our bathroom looks like because she’s going to have hers fixed up. Like we fixed up her kitchen. Do you want to pick a few extra you think she might like?”

“Yes. I know exactly what she’ll like.” She walks over to the glass, her index finger on her lips as she peruses the options. She glances over her shoulder to look at me. “Can I get her two?”

I nod.