“Did they seem okay with it?” she asked.
I had overheard enough and stuck my head outside. “Hey, guys. Come on in.”
Sam opened the door, and Karie walked in. She was a tall, beautiful young woman. She had her mother’s looks and her father’s height. She was almost as tall as Sam. Her thick black hair hung in glossy waves down her back, and her light almond eyes searched mine for signs of disapproval. She had on denim shorts and a T-shirt, and she still looked like a model.
“Hi, Jule.” She had called me Jule almost from the get-go. Not Julie or Jules—just Jule. “How are you?”
I gave her a hug, and I felt her relax. “I’m good, sweetie. It’s nice to see you.”
“You know this isn’t how I wanted to tell you. Sam told you that, right?”
I assured her that he did. “Sweetie, it’s okay. If you two are sure about this, we’ll figure it out. But let’s wait until we get to your parents’ house. That way you don’t have to hear this conversation twice, okay?”
She nodded, but still looked worried.
I tried to calm her fears. “Karie, relax. I’m hoping the two of you thought this through before coming to us, right?”
“We did,” she said in a small voice.
“Well, okay then. It’s going to be fine.” I gave her another quick hug and went upstairs to grab my shoes.
Carey was at work, but Jimmy and the girls were coming with us.
I popped my head into the girls’ room. “Hey. You guys have your suits?”
Both girls pulled up their shirts to show me that they did indeed have their bathing suits on. I gave them a thumbs up and told them it was time to go.
I could hear Jimmy downstairs talking to Sam and Karie, so I just went into my room to grab my shoes. On my dresser, I saw a picture that I had taken of Brian with Anthony and Ben. Three years ago, we all decided to do a group vacation. We ended up settling on a cruise. The kids loved it! But one night we decided to dine in the adults-only steakhouse, and I snapped a picture of the guys at the bar. They each had a tumbler of Scotch in their hand.
I touched the photo, tracing an outline of Brian’s face with my finger..
“Sam is dating Karie.” I smiled. “I didn’t see that one coming! But, Brian... oh, they look good together. They fit. You know? Like us. When you stood next to me, I felt like I fit right into you. Sam and Karie fit.”
I wished Brian could see his son and Karie. I shook it off and grabbed my flip-flops. I debated whether or not I wanted to bring my bathing suit but figured I could send Jimmy home for it if need be.
* * *
“Okay, let’s do this!” I said to the kids that were assembled in my family room.
They all nodded and filed out of the house. I was the last out and locked up. The three younger kids were already well on their way to Bee’s house. Karie and Sam waited for me.
“Sam told me about the... well, he said it was a cat,” Karie said to me when I had caught up with them.
“Honestly, I don’t know what it was. It might have been a cat.”
“That’s crazy. I don’t remember hearing about any other instances like that. Gotta keep an ear out,” Karie said.
“My boss agrees with Mom,” Sam noted. “Said that wild dogs have been known to come into people’s yards—especially if they’re thirsty.”
“Well, we don’t have Homer anymore, so there’s no water bowl out back, but who knows?” I shrugged. “What else could it be, right?”
Karie nodded her agreement. “I’m sure you’re right. As weird as it sounds, this wouldn’t be the first time something like this happened.”
“My thoughts exactly,” I told the kids as we finished the short walk. “And we’re here! You ready?”
Sam and Karie looked ill. I think the idea of telling her father scared her, but I think Anthony would be okay with it, just as Bee and I were. That is, if the kids could convince him that they had actually put some thought into what they were doing.
“Mom? Dad? We’re here!” Karie called out as she opened the door.
“Back here!” Came the booming reply. “Kitchen!”
We wound our way to the back. Jimmy and the girls had bypassed the house altogether and had opted to just go through the gate to the backyard. I could see them playing in the backyard with Ant. The kids were already soaking wet, having hit the pool as soon as they could.
“Hey, lady.” Anthony said to me, and I gave him a quick hug. “Hi, Sam.”
Sam shook Anthony’s hand. Though I don’t think Anthony realized it yet, Sam was now shaking the hand of his girlfriend’s father as opposed to his Dad’s friend.
“Hey, Daddy.” Karie waited for her turn, and when Sam took a step back, she hugged her father and planted a kiss on his cheek.
“Hey, baby girl. How’s work going?” Anthony asked. Things had been tense between Karie and her father, but lately it seemed as if things were returning to normal. There seemed to be an easiness between the two of them that hadn’t been there for the last two or three years. I’m sure her going back to school had something to do with it.
“Work’s good! I got a promotion.”
“You did?” Bee jumped in. “To what?”
“Assistant Manager.”
“You’re still at Applebee’s, right?” I asked.
“Yep. Almost three years now. It isn’t so bad. Tips have always been good, and the GM is great. She really treats her employees well. So when the Assistant Manager announced she was leaving, they asked if I wanted the job.”
“That’s great,” Anthony said to his daughter. “Better hours?”
“Much! I’m basically the day manager—from open until about 5. No more late nights, which makes taking classes much easier... or it will.”
“Well. Good job, Karie. I’m proud of you,” Anthony praised her.
I caught the smile on Karie’s pretty face.
“So what do we owe this visit?” Anthony said as he grabbed a beer out of the fridge. “J, you want one?”
I shook my head. “I’m good. Thanks.”
“Well, Dad.” Karie sounded uncertain, and Sam took her hand. “There’s something we want to tell you.”
The fact that Sam was standing so close to his daughter and that he took her hand for moral support wasn’t lost on Anthony, but he said nothing and just nodded at her to continue.
“I told you I was going back to school, right?”
Anthony nodded, and she continued, “Well, one night I ran into Sam, and we just started talking, and well... we just sort of—”
She was at a loss, so Sam filled in the blanks, “We just clicked, sir. We started talking, and before we knew it, we were calling each other and spending more time together.”
“Okay. And?” Anthony seemed to want more.
“Well,” Karie said as she looked up at Sam, “we just wanted you all to know that we feel strongly enough about one another to make it official. We’re dating, and we hope we have your blessing.”
“That’s it?” Anthony seemed braced for impact.
“Umm... Yes, sir.” Karie was confused.
Anthony was silent for a minute. The two kids started to squirm under his gaze, and then Anthony just burst out laughing.
“Are you kidding me?” Bee scrutinized her husband. “What’s your problem?”
Anthony took a deep breath. “Oh, please! You’ve been acting like someone shot your mutt. Jules, you come over all somber,” he fired off, and then pointed to the two kids. “And the two of you... The way you came in here, I thought you were about to tell me you were pregnant or something. You’re dating! Pshh.”
He grabbed the platter full of burgers and went outside, still chuckling to himself. I looked at Bee, who stared back at me. Then we both turned to the kids.
I was the first to start laughing, but soon the three of them joined in.
“Yeah, maybe we did make that into a big deal,” I said.
“No!” Karie said, suddenly se
rious again. “We just wanted to be sure you were all okay with it! We didn’t want this to affect your friendship.”
“Honey,”—I gave her a hug—“we’re good. You guys just be smart, and everything will work out in the end, okay?”
She hugged me back and said they would be careful. Sam took the salad bowl from Bee, and Karie got the dressing and ketchup from the fridge.
The rest of the night was great.
Though Ant did push his sister in the pool. That caused a bit of a damper when she threatened to squash him “like the little bug he was.” We laughed, ate, and had a blast. The only thing missing was my husband.
Chapter 16
1995
“Umm, excuse me? This is the daycare, right?” I heard a very unsure voice ask me, and I looked up from my paperwork.
I looked around the room. Toys filled every corner, and there were miniature tables and chairs spaced throughout the room. The walls were brightly colored and had posters of literary characters on them. And let’s not forget the sign that said “DAYCARE” on the door.
“It is.” I tried not to laugh or point out the obvious. “Can I help you?”
A young man stood in front of me. I guessed him to be about my age. He had on a baby carrier—the kind that sit on your shoulders so the baby rides comfortably against your chest. I could see that the baby was awake, his head moving around trying to see what was going on around him.
“Is that thing comfortable?” I asked him.
He shrugged and patted the baby on the butt. “It isn’t too bad. Sam likes riding around in it.”
“You should turn him around.”
He looked confused. “Like carry him on my back?”
I laughed. “No, the baby. Put the little guy in the carrier so he’s facing out. Look at him. He just wants to see what’s going on.”
I leaned over and looked at the tiny little boy. I couldn’t resist the urge to rub those chubby little cheeks, and when I did, he gave me a big grin and kicked his little legs happily.
“You’re such a big boy! Look at all those teeth!” I said, still talking to Sam.
“Well, I do try to brush at least twice a day,” the young man joked.
I stood up and blushed. I think he was flirting with me!
“I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist.” He grinned back at me. “I’m Brian Klevan, and this is my son, Sam.”
I held out my hand. “Julie, nice to meet you.”
Brian stood there looking unsure, so I went ahead. “Did you want to sign Sam up for daycare?”
“I guess so. Is that what’s supposed to happen here?” He looked so lost and confused. I had to laugh.
“Sure,” I replied. “Unless your wife or girlfriend already filled out the paperwork—”
“No. Oh no. It’s just me and Sam. Well, we live with my parents. They help out a lot. My mom usually watches him, but I thought it might be good for Sam to be around other kids. You know, to socialize.”
He babbled a bit more, but I let him talk. I sensed he needed some reassurance. He needed to know that what he was doing was right. When he was finished, he took a deep breath.
“You done?” I asked him, though not unkindly.
He started laughing. “Sorry, that was bad. I know. I’m just so lost.”
“No problem. Okay. First things first. I need your student ID.” The daycare was only available to students and faculty at the university.
He fished it out of his wallet and handed it to me. “Here you go.”
“Brian Klevan.” I punched everything into the computer. “Okay. Active. That’s good to go.”
I gathered up some paperwork and handed it to him. “Do you have Sam’s birth certificate and shot record?”
“Oh, shit.” As soon as he said it, he blushed. “Sorry. Umm, I have his shot record, but I didn’t bring his birth certificate with me.”
I held up my hand. “Not a problem. You have 30 days from the time you turn in the paperwork to get it to me. Just don’t forget, okay?”
He nodded, and I continued, “Fill out all the forms, front and back. Make sure you have an emergency contact. Someone that Sam knows and is comfortable with would be best. And then we just need a copy of your schedule.”
“And that’s it?” He asked.
“That’s it.” I told him, searching for a pen for him to use. “There is a small fee, but that’s because of Sam’s age.”
“How small?”
“It’s $45 a month for children under two,” I told him. “It’s mostly because infants and toddlers require more work, licensing fees, that kind of thing.”
“Oh! Okay. $45? I can handle that! Do I pay you?”
“No.” I handed him the two additional forms. “You will need to make the first month’s payment at the registrar’s office, and then each payment will be due on the first of the month.”
“Excellent. Thanks for your help.” He smiled at me, blue eyes twinkling. “I think we’re really going to like it here.”
* * *
“He said, ‘We’re going to like it here.’” I said this to my roommate, Amy.
“Okay. And?” Amy was getting ready to go out with her boyfriend, Ben. “Are you sure you don’t want to come out with us? It’ll be fun!”
“Why the hell would I want to be a third wheel? Sorry, watching you two go at it all night is not my idea of fun.”
“Okay. First of all, we don’t go at it all night—at least not in public. And I told you a bunch of people are going.” She finished putting her lipstick on. “Now, back to hottie dad.”
“Oh, his name’s Brian, and his son, Sam, is adorable!” I gushed.
“And where’s Mom?”
I shrugged. “Not sure. But he very clearly said it was just the two of them.”
“Well, I say go for it. That is, if you don’t mind an instant family. Now, get dressed.”
I let her talk me into going out, though I refused the makeup she tried to force on me. “Get that crap away from me. I’m good with my chapstick.”
As a concession, I did change my shirt into a pretty one-shouldered top that Amy threw at me, but the jeans stayed.
“Here. Wear these. At least you’ll look halfway decent.” Amy thrust a pair of jeweled flip-flops in my general direction, and I took them from her.
“I thought you said we were just going out to chill.”
“We are!” She threw at me.
“Okay, so why do I need to get all dressed up?”
She rolled her eyes at me. Though we were best friends, when it came to fashion and makeup, we couldn’t be more different. I was comfortable in my casual clothes. Makeup just seemed like too much of a hassle to me. Amy,on the other hand, wore pencil skirts to class and was never without a complete face.
After a few more swipes of mascara, and yet another coat of lipstick, we were ready to go. A loud knock sounded, just before we opened the door.
“Hi, baby!” Amy cooed and flew into Ben’s arms. She gave him a very thorough kiss.
“Really?” I teased. “Now, we’re gonna have to wait while she reapplies another coat of lipstick.”
Ben smiled at me, red lipstick smeared on his lips. “But that’s why we love her!”
“Yeah, yeah,” I muttered, as Amy sauntered to the closest mirror to do exactly as I thought she would.
“Glad you’re coming out, Jules,” Ben said to me. “I like that blouse.”
“Thanks. It’s Amy’s. In fact, I think you gave her this.”
He looked at it again. “Hey, you’re right. Well, it looks nice on you.”
I thanked him again, and Amy announced she was ready. We grabbed our keys and purses—well Amy grabbed her purse, while I just stuck my ID and some money in my pocket—and locked up the door.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“Delta Upsilon,” Amy answered.
“No!” I stopped, and Ben and Amy pulled up short. “I thought we were going to a bar or a club. You didn’t say we
were going to a frat party.”
“Look, I get it,” Amy stated. “You don’t want to see Tim. But this is a big deal. Everyone’s going to be there. I promise you, you won’t even notice him.”
“Amy, it isn’t just that. Frats just aren’t my thing.” I was trying really hard not to complain.
“Look. Why don’t we go for 30 minutes? If you aren’t having a good time, I’ll walk you home.” Ben prodded.
I thought it over for a moment. “That works. But keep that asshat away from me if he’s there.”
Amy assured me that she would keep my ex away from me if necessary, and we continued the walk over to the fraternity houses. I could hear the music, and we were still a few minutes away. The thumping bass could be felt, and I heard lots of laughter. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad.
* * *
“You know this isn’t really my thing,” Brian said to the guy on his right.
“Dude, your mom’s watching Sam. Come on. You never go out. Have a beer and relax,” Joe said.
Brian had met Joe in one of his drafting classes. Joe was outgoing and loud, and that was exactly what Brian liked about him. Joe always brought Brian out of his shell, and this night was no exception.
“Hey, Ben. How’s it going?” Joe called to a guy walking up the stairs.
Two women were following the guy. A pretty brunette in a short, tight dress. And a girl with long brown hair and tight jeans.
Both the girls turned when Joe called out, and Brian saw their faces.
* * *
“That’s him!” I smacked Amy and tried to be subtle.
“Who’s what?” She was confused.
“That guy. Up there next to Joe. That’s Brian. You know... Hot Dad.”
“Oh!” Amy appraised him and gave me the thumbs up. “Yeah, he is cute... I think it’s fate. Him being here. You being here. It’s fate.”
I knew Amy was teasing me, but I had to give her the eye roll. “Or, since you said everybody was going to be here—”
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