Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 56295 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 281(@200wpm)___ 225(@250wpm)___ 188(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56295 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 281(@200wpm)___ 225(@250wpm)___ 188(@300wpm)
I didn’t respond, not because I didn’t want to. It was time to get the show on the road in the form of drop-offs, then I was driving, so texting and being behind the wheel was a hard no. By the time I picked my phone back up, it seemed weird to text back hours later, so I left it alone, figuring the words spoken out loud to him would be better than through a text.
“Madre, we’re home!” I’m still on my bed, flat on my back, phone in my face, so lost in my own world I didn’t even hear Sherry and Conrad pull into the driveway.
“In my room!” I holler back, unwilling to get up and greet them. Plus, there’s nothing better than the girls piling in bed with me while we have a much-needed conversation.
“Mom, guess what?” Rory walks into my room, dropping her backpack to the floor, sliding out of the shoes I wore last night. Apparently, sweats, a shirt, and clogs were the style today. It was good to know the reason, too.
“Oh, I don’t know. Did you talk to a new boy, or did you ace your test?” I sit up, scooching until my back is at the pillows, knowing I’ve got three seconds until she’s jumping and wrapping her arms around me.
“I aced it. Boys are disgusting. I’m done with them. Aunt Fif and Nix gave me the scoop on how they’re nothing but rodents at this age. I didn’t miss a single freaking question!” Emmy is doing a dance, excited for her big sister, waiting her turn to talk to me about her day. We all know how important this test was for Rory.
“I’m so proud of you, baby girl.” I squeeze her to my body, holding on for a bit longer. There will come a time when hugs won’t happen a lot, and until that happens, I’m going to hold on a little longer.
“Thanks, Mom. Why are you in bed? You’re never back here during the day,” Rory asks.
“Yeah, Mamacita, what gives?” Emmy climbs in. Rory moves to one side to make room, and my arms wrap around both the girls, wondering how this is going to go and if it’s going to bring more heartache.
“Well, that’d be because I got every chore and errand done, then I got to relax. This having two days off in a row is like living a life of luxury.” Easing them into the Phoenix-and-Mom talk is probably better than blabbing it out right away. That way, I can get a lay of the land.
“How was my Emmy’s day?” I kiss the side of her head, then do the same to Rory, not leaving either one of them out.
“Fabulous, like always. You know, doing all the extra things for my teacher, taking attendance, walking kids up to the office while making it look fashionable.” That’s my Emmy, always proud of any accomplishment.
“I’m so proud of my girls. You two are taking the world by storm. There is a subject I’d like to talk to you about. One that the two of you have full control over if it happens or not.” They both sit up, moving so they’re facing me, which means they’re no longer in my arms. That kind of stinks, but eye contact has always been our thing, too. The interest in their facial expressions has me on the edge of my seat, well, bed really, but that’s hard to do when you’re smack dab in the middle.
“Don’t leave us hanging in suspense, Momsies!” Emmy says.
“Yeah, we need to know,” Rory agrees.
“I want to know your opinion on me getting back into the dating world.” I wince, not stating who it is I’d be dating until I know the answer.
“Oh my gosh! No way. Boys are gross. Look what that jerk wad did to my sister. I mean, unless it’s a man like Nix, I don’t think it’s a good idea.” I look at her. Shock is more than likely written all over my face. Clearly, he’s made quite the impression on Emmy. I’m not surprised by that either, though, not really.
“Seriously, Nix is the shit, excuse my French, Mom.” Rory rolls her eyes because she knows I’m the queen of cussing in the worst of times, sometimes even in the best when it’s called for. I don’t chide her about it often as long as it’s used sparingly and not the worst of words. “He is, though, honestly, better than Dad ever was. Nix spends time with us, he helps us with homework, is always at our games or competitions, cooks like a world renown chef, and is an absolute smoke show. The girls at school go freaking stupid. I mean, he is handsome, but then there’s that weird feeling because you know he’s like the father we never had. Sorry, Emmy.” That’s a lot to say for the girl who usually thinks before she speaks, choosing carefully in case she inadvertently hurts feelings.