Page 49 of Stay for Me
Shit. I have no idea how much he heard.
“He’s just a guy from Greek stories,” I answer.
“And he wants to kiss you?”
I smile and shake my head. “No, your aunt is a mess and likes to be stupid.”
He looks over at the phone, lips in a wide grin as he rushes to the bed. “Aunt Cybil!”
“Sebastian!”
The two of them chat, and I nibble on my thumbnail, pondering all that she said. Could I even do anything like that? I can’t see it as a possibility. There is nothing about me that doesn’t scream permanent. Not to mention, what the hell do I tell my kids? I’d be going on dates and being around Jacob when it wouldn’t make sense. Sure, they have already expressed that they want me to be happy, but it’s different for kids when it’s reality.
Then I’m a therapist in a small town, and that has a certain level of respectability. Whether or not my personal life is any of their business, people tend to insert themselves where they want.
And they love to talk about Jacob and the Arrowood brothers.
“Mom! Aunt Cybil wants to come visit.”
Oh, no. No way. I know her, and I know exactly why she wants to come. “I wish we could, but you have a lot to do if you get cast for the play.”
“But I want to see Aunt Cybil. She would be great to practice with if I get a good part.”
Cybil smiles, completely unrepentant for shamelessly using my son’s love for her against me. “I would, honey. I sure would. I can be an excellent Sandy.”
At that, I snort. “Yes, you’re very pure.”
“Daddy always said that purity is a rarity.”
“Wow,” I cut in quickly, “a daddy-ism that we can actually understand.”
“Hush your mouth,” Cybil snips back. “Listen, I have off work and Reggie is working on getting more flight hours so . . . I’m free as a bird. I would love to come see your little town and meetallyour new friends!”
Even if I say no, Cybil will get on a plane and show up. She’s insane and intrusive, and I love her more than I can say. Sometimes, when you’re a military wife, your friends become like spouses. They’re there for the good and bad times, hold you together when you’re falling apart, and that’s been Cybil for me. Maybe her coming here would be a good thing.
And then I remember what is probably prompting this visit.
“If I say no, would it matter?”
She shakes her head with a grin. “Not even a little, darling.”
“Well, I guess I’ll see you next week.”
Sebastian runs out of the room, calling Mel’s name to give her the news.
“I swear, Cyb, if you do anything . . .”
“I’m not going to do a damn thing, but this gives you several days to come up with a good excuse.” She hangs up, and I know I’m in a world of trouble.
* * *
Ellie Arrowood is the luckiest woman to ever exist. That’s all I can think as I sit in her beautiful home as her husband is washing the dishes.
Yup, he’s washing the freaking dishes.Withoutbeing asked.
“You know you got the deluxe model on husbands, right?”
She looks behind her, smiles, and nods. “That I do. He also does the laundry.”
