Chuck was my security for the day. I was told that I had to take Little David and Coby with me on my ‘playdate,’ as Peggy called it. Mom informed me that I was the one who missed my kids, so I could take them for the day. I think the two of them ganged up on me so they could get some alone time.
When we got to the condo, Pam met us at the door.
“How did you know I was coming over?” I asked.
“Ashley told me, and I watched for your car,” she explained.
I gave her a hug and a kiss.
“I’ve missed you,” I admitted.
“Me too. Now let’s get out of the cold.”
As we grabbed little ones and rode the elevator up, we caught up. Pam told me Tracy was both excited and worried because she would be going to State this coming semester. She’d been held back a semester when she had her bout with depression.
“Tracy knows we’re all right here,” I said.
“She does. She’s also excited about going to LA. As am I. I can’t wait to show her around,” Pam said.
“Where I’m staying is five minutes from Pepperdine. I think you made a great choice in schools. I wasn’t aware it has a religious bent, though.”
“That surprises you?”
“I just never thought of you as the religious type.”
“They do have students who aren’t. Just like Notre Dame isn’t all Catholics,” she reminded me. “Plus, don’t you think I would be safer there?”
“That’s a good point. A good religious boy is what you probably need.”
“Unlike that last one I dated who got me pregnant.”
“Touché,” I said as we reached the condo.
Scarlet answered the door. Little David and Coby saw their buddies and wanted to be put down. They were fussing because they thought Pam and I were taking too long to get their coats off. As soon as I put Coby down, he crawled over to Carol and grabbed the toy she was playing with. My daughter didn’t hesitate; I was impressed when she pushed him over and took it back. I just shook my head and figured they would work it out. In the end, I was just happy to see my little girl was standing up to my son.
Dawson raised his arms, so I picked him up. Someone was tired because he laid his head against my chest.
“Adrienne wants some pictures,” I said as I handed Pam my phone.
Pam took some candid shots and then joined Ashley and Scarlet in the kitchen. There was a knock at the door, and I let Chuck in. The traitor would rather spend time with the girls than with the kids and me.
An hour later, Pam came out to check on me. I was on the floor with Carol on my chest, and all the other little ones piled up around me, sleeping. She took a picture and walked back into the kitchen to show everyone.
As I lay on the floor, I felt the sun from the window warm me up. This was precisely what I’d been missing: time with my kids ... napping.
◊◊◊
Brook and Halle had bailed on me today so they could help organize the party for tonight. It was going to be held at my dad’s country club in their ballroom. So, I had the whole afternoon to spend with the little ones.
Scarlet came out of the kitchen.
“Come have lunch. They’ll be out for another thirty minutes, at least.”
I carefully slid Carol off my chest, and she didn’t even stir. I wish I slept as soundly.
“We were just talking about men,” Ashley said to catch me up on their conversation.
I looked over at Chuck, and he didn’t seem too traumatized, so it hadn’t been a man-bashing session.
“Did you know that for the first time ever in the United States, over 50% of women are single?” Scarlet asked.
“What is it with men?” Ashley asked and looked at me.
I held up my hands.
“Surely, you don’t expect me to defend all men.”
“You are a man, aren’t you?” Pam asked with a smirk.
“Easy, killer. I’m not the enemy,” I reminded everyone.
“Do women even want a relationship?” Chuck asked.
For some reason, they all glared at me.
“Hey, I’ve got a girlfriend,” I said, and then got smart and looked at Chuck. “Why do you say that?”
Chuck realized I’d diverted their glares to him.
“Look. Back when our parents were dating, the roles of men and women were well-defined. Nowadays, women are much more independent. It has gotten to the point where if a man acts like a man, he’s accused of being politically incorrect. We’re constantly reminded that men are the problem, and we’re not needed—and in a lot of cases, not wanted.”
“I’m, like, totally cool with the casual thing,” Ashley said.
“Says the girl who’s been planning her wedding day since she was six years old,” Scarlet quipped.
“See, that’s just it. Women give off mixed signals,” Chuck said. “You don’t want us, you don’t need us, until you do. Then you’re confused when we try to keep it ‘casual’ and don’t want to get serious. I wish you would all make up your minds.”
“You’re serious?” I asked.
