He stares at me blankly through the mirror. “We're going to the party house, aren't we?"
"Yes, we are."
"Then we'll see her. That's where I go to see her."
I don't argue with him. It's no use. Ethan is strong willed and will have the last word. He's my son, he got it from me.
I honk at a car moving like a snail in front of me. "Why don't you like Marie?"
"I don't hate her."
What a smart ass. "I didn't ask if you hate her. I asked why you don't like her.”
"Hmm. I don't know. I don’t hate her though."
I stop at the red light. "Which is great. Because you shouldn't hate people, okay?"
He nods in agreement. "Then why do you hate Aria, daddy?"
I wasn't expecting that question. "Who told you I hate her?"
"You…you won't let me play with her."
"That doesn't mean I hate her."
"That’s good. Because you shouldn't hate people,okay?"
I chuckle as the light changes to green.
When we pull up to the house, Ethan rushes out of the car as Amy opens the door.
"Hi, Connor. You look better today."
"The stress has gone down a little."
"A little? Isn't the nanny doing her job?"
"She is, but Ethan isn't taking to her."
"Still?"
"Still."
"Where's Aria?" Ethan asks as he looks around the living room. He runs to the sliding door that leads to the back and tries to open it. "Is she out there?"
"Aria doesn't live here," Amy says.
"Can we go see her where she is, daddy?"
I sigh and take a seat.
"Would you like to eat first?" Amy asks him.
He nods, goes to the dining table and hops into a raised chair Amy had put there for him.
Amy laughs and goes to the kitchen.
"What about your other business? Doing good?" Charles asks me when we’re finally eating.