Page 43 of The One I Want
“I made a Grinch! He looks so good. Just like the cartoon one. Not the real life one. But he’s drying right now, so I’ll show you when you get back.”
His enthusiasm is contagious. “Sounds good.”
The kids continue to go on and on about their craft day, which also included a taco bar for dinner.
“Sounds like you guys had a packed day.”
“We did,” Hank said. “Betsy says we can watch a movie and make hot chocolate with marshmallows, but she knows we’re going to fall asleep, so she said to call you before we started.”
I laugh. “Well, I’m glad you did. I love you guys.”
“We love you too, Daddy.” That comes from Magnolia, but they all say it in their own way.
“Hank, Magnolia, how about you two go help Betsy with the hot chocolate? I need to talk to Emerson.”
The two don’t think anything of it, leaving me alone with my oldest as they tell me goodbye one more time.
“You guys had a big day.”
“It was. I used a hot glue gun, which I’m probably too young to use, but Betsy said that if she could handle it, so could I.”
“I’m just glad you didn’t burn yourself.”
“Dad? Did you really tell me to stay on to talk about crafts?”
This kid is too smart. “What if I did?”
“Then I’d say we need new things to talk about.”
I don’t say anything, wondering how I’m going to ask my eleven-year-old the thing I’m about to ask her.
“Dad, if you’re going to ask about Betsy, then just ask.”
“Why do you think I’m going to ask about Betsy?”
She gives me a look that screams “Are you kidding me?”
“I noticed this morning that you two didn’t really talk before you left. And tonight she just handed me her phone to FaceTime. She usually hangs out with us and will say hi to you. Did you make her mad? You better not have. There are very few people that all three of us are going to like and if you mess this up—”
“Whoa, there,” I say, trying to calm her down. “We had…a misunderstanding.”
It’s the only thing I can think of to call it. I don’t know if that’s the best word, but I can’t think of a better one.
“Are you two fighting?”
I shake my head. “No, sweetie. We just need to talk when I get back. I promise. Everything will be fine soon.”
“Okay,” she says, her voice clearly worried. “Should I put in a good word for you?”
I laugh. “Can’t hurt.”
“I love you, Dad.”
“Love you too, Emerson.”
We hang up the phone and I take a second before I head back into the room. Except when I open the door, everyone is starting to stand and gather their things.
“Taylor,” Coach McAvoy calls out. “Come see me before you leave.”
