Page 36 of Ice, Love, & Other Penalties

Indie: As much as I enjoy discussing my father and his music (not), I have to let you go. Get some sleep and safe travels.

Ty: Thank you, at least tonight I’m sleeping in the same time zone. I’ll let you know if I can’t pick Myra up from school. You can always drop by any day before Tuesday. You still owe us brunch.

Indie: Tomorrow is Saturday. Remember I gave you Gabe’s address? You’re supposed to swing by and get Myra from his house after two.

Ty: Right, you found another way to avoid me.

Indie: No. Your daughter has a playdate, you’re welcome.

Ty: We’ll go with your version, but I’m sure I’m right.

Chapter Nineteen

Ty: Your brother Gabe is identical to Jude but . . . they seem so different. How’s that possible?

Indie: Twins are two different people—not clones. But … if you must know, one takes life too seriously, the other one likes to do the opposite of his twin. It’s weird, but deep down they’re both amazing brothers. So, I take it you picked up Myra from the playdate and now you want gossip? Though I’d love to chat, I’m busy.

Ty: So you say. Your brother said you were just hanging out with your sisters or cousins.

Indie: Girls’ weekend is important. So if you have nothing more important to say, let’s chat another day.

Ty: I reached out because you never responded to my ‘I landed’ message. Also, I wanted to discuss your brothers—it was a shock to see how much he looks like Jude. And this might be overstepping, but why does Cora call him Uncle Gabe—I thought he was her father?

Indie: That’s something my brother doesn’t share so . . .you’ll have to forget about that. Your text . . . I sent you a message before telling you that I had dropped Myra at Gabe’s. I think that was plenty of communication between us.

Ty: So we’re back to one word texts or ignoring me. Got it. So, if Myra wants to invite Cora for a sleepover . . . How do I handle it?

Indie: Tell her Cora isn’t allowed to have or go to sleepovers until she turns seven.

Ty: Is that some shit you’re making up or a rule?

Indie: A rule—unless it’s to her cousin’s house, Cora isn’t allowed.

Ty: Should I impose that rule too? At some point Myra will have more friends and what if they invite her to sleep over?

Indie: I don’t know . . . Do you want her to go to someone else’s house?

Ty: I never thought about it until today.

Indie: Maybe take this slow. She might not be ready either. Start with playdates with friends or . . . I should find you a book. Socializing at a Kindergarten Age.

Ty: I don’t think that’s a real title. I would’ve read it by now.

Indie: You read parenting books?

Ty: How do you think she’s survived for the past five, almost six years? I didn’t have the best example so . . . I had to learn the theory and practice hoping not to fuck her up as much.

Indie: You’re a good dad, Ty. Give yourself a little more credit.

Ty: I feel like I’m failing.

Indie: Speaking of she’s almost six, what are your plans for her birthday?

Ty: Not sure yet, I still have a month to think about it.

Indie: November 15th is pretty close. If you need help organizing a party, let me know.

Ty: Thank you for the offer. To be honest, we’ve never celebrated big. We’re usually on the road or between games. I usually get her a cake and take pictures.

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