Page 29 of Spoil
I open our text thread but hear Gen’s bell. I type him the text hurriedly before dropping my phone onto the island and jogging up the stairs to Gen’s room.
“You kept me waiting. This is what you get paid to do. I ring the bell. You come.” Irritation prickles up my spine, but I push it away. She can’t help it that she’s miserable.
“Of course, Gen. What’s up? What can I get you?”
“I’m hungry. What’s for breakfast?”
“I was just about to make waffles.”
“Well, go then. What are you still doing here?”
I make a show of fluffing her pillows for her, which I know placates her, and promise to refill her ice water.
When I get back downstairs, Danny’s already in the pantry, struggling with the very heavy and very full container of flour.
“Whoa, there, girl. That thing’s as big as you are.”
“I just wanted to help, Mommy.” Pride fills my chest. The thoughtfulness of our little girl is amazing. This. These are the moments I want Daniel to experience. He’ll understand then.
Speaking of, I open our text thread again. I hadn’t had a chance to look at his last message when I asked the question, so when I scroll back up I can’t help but laugh.
Daniel: I might be paraphrasing here: (And let me know if you don't have a printer; we have one at the club) You're it for me, Nell. You're end game. I want to date you. I want to be your boyfriend, fiancé and husband. I want the two of you to move in with me. I want to make you that stay-at-home-mom I've always wanted and pop out however many more kids you want.
Daniel: I want to feed you and spoil you and provide for you. After you, if could never be anyone else. But I understand if this is too much for you right now, and you want to try on bits of what I want, or none of it at all
Me: do u like waddle
Daniel: Waddle?
Daniel: I confess my feelings to you and you're asking about waddling?
Daniel: Like ducks?
Daniel: I do like ducks
Daniel: Are you having a stroke? Wait. Did you stroke out and now you're on the floor not responding?
Danie: NELL
Daniel: NELL!!!!
Daniel: I'm about to send an ambulance to your address
Daniel: Who's watching Danny while you're unconscious?!
Daniel: Wait. You wouldn't answer that…you're unconscious! Shit!
I laugh and shake my head.
Me: Stop! Stop! I'm fine. Was just typing too fast and then had to take care of Gen
Me: We're making waffles. Danny was asking if you like waffles
Me: I meant WAFFLES, not WADDLE
Daniel: Woman
Daniel: You have no idea how close to a heart attack I want
