Page 116 of The Fix-Up

“You should hold her,” I said to Gil. “Sit down.”

A look of pure horror crossed his face. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. I’ve never…held a baby.”

“Never?”

“Never ever.”

“Well, you’re doing it today.” I nodded at a chair. “Sit.”

Warily, he sat. I carried her over. “Cross your arms. Make sure you support her head.” I transferred Lulu over. After adjusting his hold, I stood back and smiled.

“I don’t want to drop her,” he said.

“You aren’t going to drop her. You’re doing great.”

Slowly he loosened up. Soon, the terror was replaced by wonder. “She’s so little.”

Oliver nodded. “That’s what I said.”

I’d been wrong about Gil wearing a toolbelt and cuddling a kitten because this scene in front of me was really doing things for me. I suddenly wanted to give Oliver that baby brother real fast. I picked up one of the menus and fanned my face. Ali caught my eye and smirked, like she knew exactly what I was thinking.

Mae pulled her phone out and took a photo.I’ll send it to you, she mouthed to me.

I flushed.

“While I have you here, I wanted to double-check you’ll be selling pie at the Fourth of July Festival?” Ali picked up the clipboard she had permanently attached to her these days.

The festival was one of Ali’s pet projects, a hometown celebration, and this would be the second year for it. The whole of downtown was closed off to cars, and vendors came in from as far as the Dallas/Fort Worth area. There was a co-ed baseball game and a fireworks show at night. Legacy Park would house the food trucks and petting zoo and games. To make extra sure we weren’t competing with the bigger events in Houston, we held it on the Saturday before the Fourth.

“Yes, ma’am,” I said. “Apple, blueberry, and strawberry rhubarb.”

Ali checked something off on the clipboard. “Perfect.” She turned a blinding smile in Gil’s direction. “Since you’re here, I was wondering if you’d be willing to volunteer to work security. Just for an hour shift, that’s all.”

Lulu started to fuss. Instead of panicking, Gil stood and began to sway back and forth. The baby quieted. He was a natural. “When is it?”

Ali told him the date and time slot she hoped he’d fill.

He shook his head. “I can’t. Sorry.”

“That’s right, you leave on the weekends.” Ali tapped her fingertips on the table.

“I visit my brother on the weekends.”

Ali snapped her fingers. “I’ve got it. Bring him with you.”

Gil stopped mid-sway. “It’s not so easy.”

“He’s not in prison, right.” Ali started to laugh and then slid Gil a look. “He isn’t, is he?”

“No.”

“Is he okay to travel?”

“I mean, sure.” Gil looked a little panicked.

“Then, it’s settled.” Ali stood and tucked the clipboard under her arm. “You’ll bring him. I love it when a plan comes together, don’t you?”

“He’s asleep?” Gil asked.

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