Page 34 of Perfect Strangers

She beams. “He’s an angel. Such a sweet boy. I read him a bedtime story. He’s sound asleep now. I’ll see you in a few days. Okay sweetie?”

“Yeah mom. See you. Thanks for tonight.”

I pull her into a hug, giving her a soft peck on the cheek. She squeezes me tight before she exits the apartment. I lock up and glance out the window as I watch my mom get into her car and drive off into the distance.

I peek into Crew’s room to see him asleep, with an arm hanging off the bed. My feet quietly tiptoe over to him, lifting his arm back on the bed. He nudges, moaning in his sleep. Soft mumbles escape his mouth as he dreams of sweet nothings.

I bend down, giving him a kiss on the forehead. “I love you.”

My sweet little boy breathes deep as he sleeps peacefully. “And soon, you’ll get to meet your father and I know, he will love you too.”

What do you cook for someone who’s a chef?

Damn, I should have just ordered from some fancy restaurant. I look down at my attempt for dinner and feel utterly disappointed in myself. Well, this will have to do.

Next time, I’m definitely ordering take out.

Crew busts into the kitchen filled with excitement. “Mommy, that smells good! What did you make?”

My lips curve into a smile. “Chicken parmesan. Well, at least, my frightful attempt.”

Crew wraps his arms around my legs. “I’m sure it’ll taste good. You cook nice.”

“Thanks sweetie. Now go finish getting dressed for our guest.”

Crew returns to his room leaving me to finish up the meal. I take my homemade salad out of the fridge to drizzle it with a little bit of Italian dressing. The sweet aroma of oil and vinegar fuels my senses as I pour the dressing.

Crew returns all dressed up. “How’s this Mom?”

I take a quick peek at him to see him wearing a nice pair of navy blue pants with a bright colored shirt and a set of suspenders. To top it off, he has a clip in bow tie. “What are you doing? Pulling off a famous musician?”

He clasps the suspenders. “It’s my Bruno Mars look.”

A chuckle escapes my lips as I glance at the clock. Major should be here any minute. My nerves stay dormant but I could feel them threatening to creep back any moment.

“Now Crew, I want you to be on your best behavior. This is a good friend of mine and I want you to be respectful and nice when he arrives.”

“Yes mommy.”

Just then, a soft knock taps against the door and Crew races to answer it. He yells through the apartment door. “Who is it?”

I rush over to answer it just as Major announces his name, answering Crew’s question. I pull the door open to find Major, filled with nerves. A look I’ve never seen from him before. He greets me with a smile and that’s all.

I step back allowing him to walk inside, inviting him in. Crew bounces from behind me, eager to meet our guest for the evening. Major stands in silence as he locks eyes with his son. I watch closely as the two of them scope the other out, wondering what’s the deal.

Major bends down to Crew’s level and reaches out his hand. “Hello. I’m Major.”

Crew hesitates for a brief moment before shaking his hand. “Hey, my name is Crew. Are you my mommy’s date?”

11

Lost & Found

A burst of laughter erupts from my lips as I stand there watching Crew and Major together. “No sweetie, he’s not my date.”

Crew shrugs. “Hmm, okay. You wanna see my new video game I got?”

Major smiles. “Of course.”

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