Page 68 of Waiting for Gilbert

PERRY COMO—SILVER BELLS

Here’s the problem: I haven’t spoken to Gilbert since Thursday when he pulled me into the office and Diana ran him out. Now I can’t get him out of my head. I’m 68% sure he was flirting with me in that hallway. That’s not a grade to post on the fridge, but it’s passing. It’s a clear sign that I need to study before the next test.

I replay the exchange and remember how the sides of his eyes crinkle with his smile and he bites the end of his tongue while trying to poke me. I feel his arms hold me tight. They are solid. Warm. I smell his unique blend of sawdust and aftershave. The zing of pleasure plants a smile on my face. He whispers, “I’ve captured you,” and I’m melting.

Can we be more than friends? Am I more than just some girl he hangs out with because I live next door? Did I misread the signs? Watching him perform at the mall and not be allowed to talk was like baking and photographing an eggnog pie and then being commanded not to eat it. What kind of cruel world is this? I’m Winnie the Pooh sitting under the name of Sanders with his fist knocking against his head. “Think, think, think, think.”

I detect a trail of breadcrumbs. It’s quite possible Gilbert isn’t directly opposed to becoming more than friends. Oh, the uncertainty! I will not be the one to mess this up. I signed a one-year lease. I’m adult enough to be cool. I will not make this weird two weeks into my contract.

I deleted Friendly Fish over burgers with David. His advice actually. “I recommend canceling your subscription if you’re going to reject men before dinner. Save yourself the angst. And theirs.” Smart fellow, that one. “You tried it. Check it off one of your lists. The man you’re after isn’t on the app.”

David was pretty great all told. He didn’t seem upset about the failed date. We talked about this and that and other unimportant things and parted ways. I was perfectly on time to pick up Mark from the airport. We had a delightful drive back to Hadley Springs despite the new snowfall. Then I ended up staying at Diana’s last night because I fell asleep on the couch.

Which brings me to my current dilemma. It’s six twenty-two a.m. and I have to pee like a mother. Can’t do a thing about it because I’m the favorite of all favorite aunts. I’m the Queen of Queens.

Jack and Lisa crowd my lap. Leo and Lance squish into the corner beside me with Landon on the other. My feet are further trapped by Lauren, who sits on the floor leaning against my calves. We’re watching the Christmas edition of everyone’s favorite baking show.

Shuffles of slippered feet draw my attention to the arched entry of the kitchen. “Morning, family.”

“Mark!” A chorus of shouts drown the TV. Leo’s elbow knocks the side of my face when he leaps from the couch. “Mark! Mark, Mark, Mark!” They’re like yapping dogs. I’m left with a bruised ego and a whimpering Jack.

“What are you fussing about, baby cakes? You’ll get your chance.” I hold in my chuckle at Mark’s intake of breath. He raises his coffee mug above the mayhem and holds his other hand out protectively.

“Stop.” The gremlins immediately obey his command, and I’m torn between a flash of jealousy and wanting to instantly follow his orders myself.

“Line up.” They do.

“No, in order of height. No talking.” And they do!

“Hmm.” He’s Captain VonTrapp inspecting the line of children. “Jump three times. Spin in a circle. That’s two circles, Lance. Enough. You may give me a high-five but if you spill this coffee on her new carpet, you will make your mother cry and nobody wants that over Christmas.” He walks down the line like bejeweled royalty and they gently tap his outstretched hand. “You’re going to get dressed as quietly as possible—like sneaky secret agent ninjas—because if you wake your parents our whole day is ruined. Once you’re dressed we’ll go for a walk to look at the snow… and maybe I’ll buy you donuts.” He holds a finger to his lips. “On your mark, get set, go!”

Well, there goes my throne. “Here.” I lay Jack on the carpet. “Watch this one while I pee.”

“Can he have donuts?”

“What?” I turn back in shock.

“Kidding.”

I hum inquisitively. I don’t think he was kidding. “Just… sit there. I’ll be right back.”

When I return, Mark is thumbing through my phone with a bemused smile.

“Hey!” I snatch it from him. “Snoop. How’d you know my passcode?”

“I could tell you, but then I’d have to kill you.”

“You’re the worst.” I punch his arm as hard as I can.

“Ow! Coffee! Watch it. It’s not my fault you’ve used the same four numbers since middle school.” He taps the side of his head and clicks his tongue.

A text comes through and I look down.

Gilbert: Hey Champ, can you call me?

I quickly scroll through our conversation and notice he’s sent three messages that I hadn’t seen yet. Mark must have been reading through days worth of texts between the two of us just now. Unwelcome heat runs up my neck and face. Seeing these innocent words through my cousin’s eyes confirms the suspicion that Gilbert and I have most definitely been flirting.

I call Gilbert and straighten my spine. I’m allowed to enjoy the company of a friend. There are no rules I have broken.

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