Page 15 of Tucker
“Good,now go inside and have a snack. I made brownies.”
“Allright!” All his disappointment over not seeing a gun forgotten, he dartsindoors.
Therest of the evening drags by. While Robin feeds the kids, helps them with theirhomework and gets them to bed, I pace the house, occasionally peeking out towatch the street. I’m out of my element around kids and I’m not sure what to dowith myself.
Finally,they all go to bed, and I sit on the couch, watching TV with the sound low. Alittle after ten my phone beeps with a text from Leah.
Leah:Everything okay?
Hmm.Maybe I should’ve mentioned I’m working all night. I’m not used to havinganyone who would give a shit if I don’t come home.
Me:Fine. Working. Won’t be home until morning.
Forsome reason, picturing her at home alone makes me nervous. It’s ridiculous.This whole thing started with her house sitting while I was gone. Why do I carenow?
Ispend a few minutes flipping through TV channels but there’s nothing on thislate. I can’t stop thinking about Leah and I wonder if she locked the house up.The last thing I usually do at night is go around and make sure the windows anddoors are locked.
Finally,I give in to the anxiety and text her again.
Me:Be sure to lock up and arm alarm.
Aminute or two passes before I get a response.
Leah:Aw, if I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re worried about me.
Thiswoman can be infuriating even by text.
BeforeI can think of how to reply, my phone beeps again.
Leah:Doors are locked and alarm is on. I’m letting Humper sleep inside with me. It’scold out.
Humperusually sleeps inside in the winter. I forgot to tell her, so I’m glad shethought of him.
Me:Don’t let him hump my chair.
Leah:He has already had a romantic time with your chair. He’s now making sweet loveto your pillow.
Damndog. She might be kidding, but it’s entirely possible.
Me:And you just watched instead of stopping him?
Leah:Who am I to stand in the way of love?
I’mwearing a stupid smile on my face and it suddenly occurs to me what I’m doing.Why am I lying on the couch texting like a teenage girl with a crush?
Shetexts again.
Leah:Ayda said to tell you that we’re having Thanksgiving at their house thisyear. So don’t make any plans.
Shit.I hate the holidays. The guys and their families always try to get me to jointhem when I’m in no mood to celebrate.
Me:Tell her I already have plans, but thanks.
Leah:Tell her yourself. What plans? Staying here and eating takeout?
Me:Go to bed, Leah.
Leah:Confession time. I’m in your tub. I couldn’t resist. It has jets.
