Page 13 of Damien
Most young college freshmen would be too busy to hang with a family, but I think the fact that we offered home-cooked meals on a regular basis that kept him out of the campus cafeterias might’ve had something to do with it. Though in all fairness, he’s been an amazing friend to both Vince and me through the years.
“No kidding. You’ve got an amazing kid.” He stops to watch her play with her friends before catching me off guard when he asks, “Did you have fun the other night?”
“Uh…” That look on his face makes me think there’s more to this than a casual conversation. “It was great to hang out with the girls.”
“I don’t suppose you get out much, do you?”
He knows this. Why is he asking?
Oh, shit. He’s not working up the courage or opportunity to ask me out, is he?
Immediately, my mind goes to Damien… Was he doing the same thing?
Shaking my head to both answer his question and stop myself from thinking about Damien, I remind him, “I’m pretty busy with Jules, but every once in a while, I need a night out with my friends. Though I paid for it in the morning with my lack of sleep.” I laugh it off before changing the subject when Julia and her friends race out of the kitchen. “Do you wanna help me wrangle these girls, so we can start on presents?”
Ryan’s almost a foot taller than me, so I have to strain my neck to see the shocked expression on his face. He may like Julia but has no clue how to handle her. I quickly put him out of his misery. “Don’t worry, I’ve got this.”
To the room, I announce, “Hey, Jules, ready for presents?” Then I announce to the small crowd still gathered in my kitchen. “Let’s head to the living room.”
Within a few minutes, everyone’s gathered around to watch the birthday girl open her gifts. She squeals with delight as she opens each package. The look of pure joy is infectious as I glance around the room. Each person in some way or another smiles and laughs with her silliness. I can’t believe how close Sydney’s roommates Chloe and Abby have become to us in recent weeks. They’ve accepted me into their tribe as if I’ve been there all along.
Even my friend Margo has made the trip down from Seattle. She’s been the one person who hasn’t given up on me when my priorities changed from boys and makeup to diapers and bottles. She has declared herself Julia’s adoptive aunt from day one. She could’ve blown me off or let our friendship drift apart, but no matter what’s going on—she’s always been there for me and my daughter.
As a mom, it’s weird having Julia become so grown up and independent. This is the first year I’ve been able to sit back on the sidelines and watch her open her gifts with everyone else. Since Vince is closer, when she picks up a new gift, she asks him to read who it’s from.
Margo slides up to my side and asks, “Hey, Momma, how are ya holding out? I still can’t believe she’s five already. Wasn’t she just born… like yesterday?”
“Yeah…” I sigh. “Thanks again for coming down.”
“Uh… nothing would keep me away. I know her official birthday isn’t until the twenty-third, but I’m glad you opted for a weekend birthday party. I would’ve skipped class to be here, but now I get time with my bestie, too.” She pulls me in for a side hug.
“Uggh…. It’s been forever,” I admit, hugging her back with one arm. “I can’t wait to catch up.” Margo had arrived at the same time as everyone else for the party, so we haven’t had the chance to chat. I’m sure we’ll stay up through the night talking… and I’ll totally regret not being able to sleep in like we did in high school. Julia’s up at the crack of dawn on a good day. But I’ll take little sleep over my best friend any day.
By the time everyone leaves and only Vince, Margo, Julia, and I remain, I’m exhausted. Thankfully, there isn’t much to clean up, and we have nothing planned for the rest of the afternoon.
As Margo and I settle in the living room while Julia plays with her new doll house in her bedroom, Vince walks in and plops on the couch beside Margo. “Whew. That was something.”
“It sure was,” I admit. “Thanks again for cleaning up the rest of the kitchen. Does Syd work tonight?”
“Yeah. She’s meeting with someone in the morning to look at renting an apartment for next year.”
Even though Margo’s here, I ask, “Have you given any thought to asking her to move in?”
From the corner of my eyes, I see Margo’s eyes raise, but she remains quiet.
Vince rests his head on the back of the couch as he sighs and stares at the ceiling. He’s such a planner and overthinker. I’m sure he’s been going round and round about this since our last conversation.
Knowing he’ll let whatever is bugging him fester if he doesn’t get it off his chest, I prompt, “What’s the matter, Vinny?”
Sighing heavily, he rolls his head in my direction. “Are you okay with it?”
“Yeah, or I wouldn’t have suggested it. But what’s really bugging you?”
His carefree expression morphs to concern. “Is it too soon?”
“Only you can answer that,” I admit honestly. “But you already spend practically every night with her. Don’t even let me start on how I’ve never seen you connect to anyone the way you do with her.”
“I love her like crazy and know she’s the one for me… but isn’t it crazy to live with a girl I’ve only been dating a few months? What do you think Mom and Dad would think?”
