Page 94 of The Art of Dying

“Try us,” Gina said.

“So,” he said, chuckling nervously. “About a year ago, our lab contracted with OCPK, an Oklahoma think tank. It’s essentially for the purpose of developing policy on civil and environmental infrastructure. We’re running their samples now, and it’s been very interesting.”

“Oh,” I said, hoping I didn’t look as confused as I felt.

“We had a genius living across from us this whole time, Gina. Didn’t even know it,” Grant said, gently smacking Tobin on the shoulder.

“Whoa!” Dylan said. “What is it?”

“It’s, uh… it’s a science kit. There’s a book with all kinds of different ways to carry out experiments. Some you’ll need your mom’s help with.” Tobin looked to me. “You can call me if you need help. It goes without saying that I love this stuff. It’s really just an excuse to love science again.”

Grant and Gina exchanged glances.

“Well, I am definitely not scientific, so help is always appreciated,” I said.

The kids played with Dylan’s new toy while the adults stood around the kitchen island, wine glasses in hand. For a science nerd, Tobin was hilarious. As much as I appreciated Grant and Gina, it was nice to have a conversation with someone who wasn’t paid to do it.

An hour before bedtime, we pitched in with clean up and then I rounded up the kids to head home.

“I can help carry some of this,” Tobin said, already gathering party supplies in his arms. “It’s on my way, anyway.”

“Thank you,” I said.

“It was nice to see you again,” Tobin said to Grant and Gina before opening the door for me.

We walked to my house, handing a few things to Tobin to free my hands to turn the key in the bolt lock. Once open, the kids ran inside in front of us, and I called to Dylan—by his middle name, of course—to shower and get ready for bed while I put things away.

Tobin put everything in his arms on the kitchen counter and let his hands fall to his thighs. “I have a confession.”

“Uh oh.”

“I looked you up on social media a while ago. Now,” he held up his hands, palms out, “before you get creeped out, I was looking for interests. Things to talk about. But turns out you don’t exist.”

I laughed once and looked down. “I don’t exist?”

He shrugged one shoulder. “On social media, anyway. So, what do you do on your days off?”

“I’m a stay-at-home mom, so… no days off.”

“That’s good. Good for the kids and helping them adjust to life without dad. I’m happy for you that you’re able to do that. So, what do you do for fun?”

“We go to the playground. The dog park. The library. I take them to that pizza place sometimes with the mini rollercoaster. They love it there.”

He smiled. “You’re a fantastic mom. Seriously. But what do you do for fun? Any hobbies?”

I hesitated. “There’s just not… there’s no time for me right now.”

“This is the part where I tell you how you can’t pour from an empty cup.”

“It’s just the way it has to be.”

“Grant and Gina seem to really love your kids. Surely they’d watch them for an hour a week so you can get a break?”

“That doesn’t really work with their jobs.”

“Well, again. You’re a super mom. I’m impressed. I mean that. I guess I’d better get going.”

“It was really nice of you to bring presents and help me get everything home.”

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