Page 86 of Best Frenemies

“You likeThe Little Mermaid, Katy?” Gracie asks, while a yawn makes her mouth go wide.

“I love it. It was the first movie my dad took me to when I was your age.”

“Really?” Gracie yawns again. “That’s so cool.”

“Gracie, honey, are you sure you’re going to be able to stay awake?” I question, making her small features turn up in a glare.

“Uncle Mackie, I am not tired. I want to stay up until my mom and dad get here.”

My niece says this every time I watch her, and every single time, she’s out like a light before ten. And since Lizzy and Tom aren’t supposed to pick her up until after eleven, I’m certain the little boss isn’t going to last. The proof is in multiple pudding cups, but telling her so isn’t worth the argument.

I grab the remote and find the already purchasedLittle Mermaidon Prime. Despite the $10.99 cost I had to endure, we’ve more than gotten our use out of it. I swear, over the past year of occasionally watching Gracie on the weekends, we’ve seen this movie no fewer than fifty times.

As the movie starts to play, Gracie settles in closer to Katy’s lap while she expertly braids her hair. I can tell by the way my niece’s eyes start to look heavy that we’re barely going to get “Under The Sea” before she’s conked out.

Even with the adorable braid complete, Gracie doesn’t leave Katy’s lap. Instead, she cuddles closer to her, gently wrapping her arms around Katy’s shoulders.

The sight of them cuddled up together reminds me of why Katy is such a good teacher. She’s patient and kind to her students. She’s supportive and reassuring while still managing to get them to work hard.

And when it comes to spending time with my niece tonight, she’s been nothing but sweet to her. She’s played games and joked and given in to all of her bossy little whims, just like I do. An outsider would think Gracie is Katy’s niece with how tender and caring she is with her.

One day, she’s going to be an amazing mother.

I don’t know why, but that thought makes my chest feel tight and my heart feel oversized.

Instantly, I get up from the couch and head into the kitchen to grab some water and stretch my legs. I even manage my short break without any questions because neither one of the girls notices my departure. Both of them are too focused on Ariel swimming on the screen.

By the time I get back, my head feels a little less fucked up, but the sight of Katy and Gracie now fast asleep on my couch—still cuddled up together—makes my chest feel all tight again.

This time, though, I can tell the tightness doesn’t come with any pain.

At half past eleven, three knocks sound on my door, and I hop off the sofa on quick feet to answer it.

“Hey,” I greet with a whisper when I open the door and find Tom and Lizzy on the other side.

I silently gesture them into the living room, where Katy and Gracie are still sound asleep on my sofa.

“Busy night?” Lizzy asks and I nod, smiling down at the cuddle buddies.

“Pizza, ice cream sundaes, a dance party, a marathon game night, and they could only make it through half ofThe Little Mermaid.”

“Sounds like quite the party,” Tom comments with a grin. “I bet Gracie was in seventh heaven.”

“She definitely had a good time.”

“Should I try to get the little monster to the car?” Tom asks, and Lizzy nods immediately.

“I’m so tired I can hardly see straight. I’m not used to nights out anymore.” She cuts hard eyes to Tom. “You’d better not wake her up.”

“No pressure or anything, huh?” Tom teases and slaps an affectionate hand to my back. “Thanks for watching her, Mack.”

“Anytime, man.”

He heads over to the couch and carefully lifts Gracie up into his arms. Katy doesn’t startle at all, and my niece only lets out a little annoyed groan before settling her head against my brother-in-law’s chest.

He doesn’t waste any time heading out of my apartment, and I follow his lead to the front door. Lizzy, on the other hand, stops beside me as Tom walks toward the elevator, and I look down at her in confusion.

“I thought you were so tired you had cataracts or something?”

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