Page 66 of Nanny for the Doctor

I pull my jeans on, tugging my T-shirt over my head and readjusting my ponytail. I don’t usually wear makeup anyway, and now I’m extra glad I opted out since we’ll be getting in the pool.

As I walk out, Henry is in my fridge, rummaging around like a looter.

Sneaking up behind him, I whisper in his ear, “What are you doing?”

Henry jumps, and I giggle as he has to steady himself by gripping the refrigerator door.

“Mae!” His eyebrows are up to his hairline. “I was thirsty. And all you have is water.”

“This is true. But I’m all done, so let’s head back, and we can snag something at your house before we leave.”

Henry keeps me entertained with his assessment of my apartment while driving back. I’m particularly tickled when he says my decorating style reminds him of a “hippie,” which is pretty accurate if you consider all the macramé and upcycled furniture.

As we drive past a sign on the highway, I notice a warning about an accident on the exit just before the one we need, and I silently hope everyone is okay.

Besides a bit of a backup thanks to the wreck, we get to Reed’s quickly, where I’m sure I'll find Henry something to drink as we wait for Reed to come home.

We shouldn’t have to wait too long after six, which Reed has been doing an okay job of abiding by for his arrival time. But as the minutes tick on, and Henry and I have played one too many games of War, I glance at the clock. It’s seven.

“Mae?” Henry eyes the time with me.

“Yeah, buddy?” I smile, trying to hide my frustration.

Henry looks at the fridge. “I’m really hungry. Can we just eat something?”

“Yeah. I’m hungry, too. I’ll fix up some noodles. Sound good?”

Henry nods, walking over to the TV and turning on one of his favorite cartoons. He won’t say anything, but I canfeelhis disappointment.

His faith in his father has just gone down another notch.

As the pasta boils, my cell rings on the counter, and I pick it up to answer.

“Well, hello. Let me guess. You got held up.”

I know my tone is short, but I’m just as upset as Henry.

Reed sighs. “I’m sorry. I got help up at the ER because there was an accident. Two cars hit head-on. Drunk driver.”

Remembering the highway sign, I exhale sharply. “Oh, man. I actually saw the warning about that on the I-15.”

“You did?”

Turning off the gas, I cover the noodles so I can drain them, putting Reed on speaker.

“Yeah. Henry and I were coming back from grabbing my bathing suit. He finished up his homework, and I thought it might be fun to go swimming at the Y. If you make it back soon, you’ll still have time to join us.”

I pour the noodles into the colander waiting in the sink, and the steam rushes into my face.

“I’m still slammed here, and it doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. Friday nights can be crazy. I can’t take off yet. But I'll be sure to compensate you for staying late.”

A few boiling droplets sprinkle onto my skin, stinging something fierce before I wipe my arm with a towel.

Reed’s not coming.

“Don’t worry about the pay, Reed. We just wanted to have some fun with you, but it’s fine. I’ll put Henry to bed tonight.”

“Mae—”

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