Page 59 of The Manny

“What?”I asked sharply, turning just in time to see Thomas making shushing gestures at Mia.

Mia didn’t seem to get the message though because she continued, “Yep. I didn’t think I could do it because you’re so grumpy…” Her little voice faded away as she took in my expression. “But yesterday, you were different.”

“Was I?”

“Uh, huh.” She nodded. “So now I’m ‘posed to get a treat.”

“I see.” I wasn’t sure what to say. I was floored that Thomas had asked her to do that.

Thomas’ cheeks were pink and he grimaced. “I swear I meant well.”

I narrowed my eyes. “By bribing her?”

“It was for a good cause. I just wanted you two to have fun.”

Shaking my head, I said, “Thomas, would you mind walking me out?”

He sighed and got up slowly. “Okay.”

I walked toward the doorway of the kitchen. “I’ll see you later, Mia. Have a good day, okay?”

“Okay, Uncle Jack.”

I waited for Thomas by the front door, and when he came out of the kitchen, he looked sheepish. I wasn’t actually mad. I was more embarrassed that he’d felt the need to bribe Mia. Did I really come across that ill-tempered?

He stopped in front of me. “Please don’t be mad. My intentions were good.”

Just a few weeks ago, I’d probably have been furious at him for meddling. Today, I didn’t feel angry. I believed he’d meant well. I believed his reason for bribing Mia had come from a good place. He was a kind person. As I watched him shifting nervously in front of me, my heart seemed to squeeze with some unfamiliar emotion. Affection? I wasn’t sure.

“I’m not mad,” I said quietly.

Surprise washed across his face. “Really?”

“Mia said I’m grumpy.” I frowned. “Is that how I come off?”

His gaze flickered. “Well…”

“You can be honest.”

He bit his bottom lip. “I think that you’re much better lately.”

How very diplomatic you are Thomas.

“So then that’s a yes?”

“You’re more reserved than grumpy.”

“Hmmm”

“You’ve made it very clear you are who you are,” he said softly. “Since when do you care what I think?”

“I don’t.” I hesitated. “And yet, I do.”

He watched me, his expression muddled. “I’m not sure what that means.”

I sighed. “Mia was friendlier with me today.”

“Oh, that’s good, right?”

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