Page 49 of DadBod

ROME

What the fuck was I thinking?

Having Elizabeth in my home?

Seeing her asleep on my sofa. Shit. I wanted to pick her up and carry her to bed. My bed.

No. I need to knock that shit off. It’s just… knowing she’s here and I’m not makes me a little crazy. I want to be here too. With my family. It’s why I decided to promote Jeriann. She was the only one that had any chance of success managing that particular mix of personalities. Her no-bullshit attitude is why I chose her, plus she’s a damn good waitress. She knows her way around the bar too. I think she could mix faster than me. Jeriann doesn’t know shit about wines, but I can teach her some of that in time.

I haven’t made Jeriann’s promotion official yet. I’m waiting to see how she does. Tomorrow night, I’ll sit back and let her run the show, jumping in whenever I’m needed. The staff will figure things out, but I’ll still announce it at the next staff meeting, making sure there’s no confusion.

Opening my front door, I step out onto the porch. I fucking hate the fact she’s taking mass transit home. Maybe if I bought a second car?

She’d probably refuse to drive it home.

I could make something up. That it was for the kids. Or I needed her here earlier. I’m sure I could convince her a car was the best thing for me and my kids.

Reaching back, I text my business manager, but a thought occurs to me. Finding Elizabeth’s contact information, I type: Do you have a driver’s license? I stare at the screen on my phone, hoping she replies right away.

Elizabeth: Michigan. Expired. Why?

Me: I was thinking you may need to drive the kids around at times.

Elizabeth: Chicago has the best public transportation system this side of the Mississippi.

I give this a little thought. I need to come up with something. I may need you to run errands with the kids. Pick things up like groceries, laundry, etc. What if I need a lift to the airport? God, I’m really grabbing at straws here.

Elizabeth: Are you going out of town?

Me: No. Just want to think ahead. I’ll pay for you to get your Illinois license just in case.

Elizabeth: …

Those three little dots start moving across the screen. I stare at it like an idiot, hoping she agrees.

Elizabeth: Fine.

Me: Great. Thanks.

Finished with that conversation, I click on my business manager’s name: Need to buy a second car. Something safe. All-wheel drive. Big.

I only wait a minute or two, when I get a thumbs up emoji. On it. I’ll send you some options tomorrow. I know a guy.

I smirk at her words. She knows a guy.

Shutting the front door, I turn and look back into my house. Elizabeth is right, it’s all very white. Adding some color would certainly liven up the place, and my mother told me to make it my own when I bought it from them after my divorce was final. Having Elizabeth in this space adds something too. Something that’s been missing for years.

I look at my watch and make my way up to Cal’s room. I’m sure he’s up since it’s not a school night. His door is open a few inches. I can see the light on beside his bed. He’s reading a book, his favorite. “Hey, pal.”

“Dad!” Calvin jumps out of bed and rushes to me. “You’re home!”

“Yeah, thought I’d come home and spend some time with you guys.” And Elizabeth, but I couldn’t very well ask her to stay.

Right?

“Sweet!” Calvin’s an excitable kid, but it feels good that it’s directed at me.

I look at the book resting on his lap. “Whatcha reading?”

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