Page 88 of Merciless Monster

I march Splash back to the house and put him into the kitchen long enough so that Angelo can hop into the car.

“We’re going to have to take your shadow to a trainer, my boy. Soon he’ll be too strong for me to handle.”

“Cool. Can they teach him to sit, and roll over, and play dead, and all that cool stuff?”

“I think you should teach him that.”

“Okay. I’ll start today, after school.”

“We’ve got plenty of treats to motivate him,” I smile.

“I’ll use a spoonful of peanut butter. Splash always tries to steal my peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.”

“He’s a real scrounger, that’s for sure. Ready to go?”

“Yup.”

“Do you have your lunch?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Okay, let’s go.”

“I’m working a little later than usual today, sweetheart, so you’ll hang at aftercare for an hour.”

“Okay. I like it there. We get to play cool games with Mrs. Martin.”

“That’s great, honey. I’m glad. Buckle up now.”

Weekday mornings are akin to being caught up in a whirlwind. I’m looking forward to the weekend so Angelo and Splash can sleep in a bit. Being a single mom is tiring and I sneak in every ounce of peace and quiet I can get. Tomorrow is Saturday. Thank God!

I head off to work as soon as I’ve dropped Angelo at school. He’s at that age now where he talks incessantly. My ears are still ringing when I get to work. Hang in there, Mia! It’s almost Miller time.

“Hey, Mia.”

“Hi, Julie.”

“Hey, hey! It’s Friday!” she says in her southern drawl.

“I was just thinking the exact same thing.”

“It’s been a doozy of a week, girl. How about joining us for a drink later?”

“I’d love to, but I can’t.”

“Oh, yeah. Angelo. I forgot. I could give ya the number of an excellent babysitter, if ya like. Her name’s Hannah. She watches my niece. Great girl. Brilliant with kids.”

The idea is so tempting. I haven't had a night out in…hell, I can’t even remember. But I’m not sure I’ll feel comfortable yet with leaving my darling with a stranger, no matter how reliable she is. I’m just not there yet.

“Thanks, Julie. That’s very thoughtful of you but I’ll give this one a miss.”

“I understand. I’ll forward ya her number anyway. Just in case you change your mind or ever need a break. Okay?”

“Thanks, you’re a sweetheart.”

“Hey, we moms gotta stick together.”

“Tru dat.”

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