Page 13 of The Things That Hold Us

“You’re all set, and hey, take care of this teapot–I’ve grown pretty fond of it.”

“I will, I promise. It's going straight home and on my shelf.”

“Good.”

“Thanks miss! Have a good day!” she calls as the door shuts behind her.

Hm. That didn't help much. She didn't mention a dad, just mom. But that doesn't mean anything. I’m not even sure why I care so much. It wouldn't matter if he has a kid, anyways. For one, it wouldn't bother me. And two, I have no intentions of seeing him again.

The rest of the day goes by in a blur. I don't know why it's bothering me so much, wondering if this guy is married and has a kid or not. Maybe he’s just a family friend? Slim chance but a possibility.

I close up and walk to the coffee shop where Cassie is waiting for me. She wants to run birthday decorations over with me, even though I told her to surprise me.

I’m almost to the coffee shop, when my phone rings.

Right on time.

“Hi mom.” I answer, not even having to look at the caller ID to check because she’s called me every day at this time for the last two years.

“Hi sweetie, how was your day?”

I give her the run through of my day, tell her about the charismatic little girl, and tell her that I am now about to walk into the coffee shop to meet Cassie.

I pull the door open and see her already sitting at a table with two coffees and a muffin.

Oh boy, this isn't going to be a quick thing.

“Oh, well that sounds like a fun-filled day. I can’t wait to see you girls next week. It's going to be like a big adult sleepover. I’ll even make margaritas!” she says.

I laugh, “Cass, mom says she's gonna get you drunk when she comes.”

She does a ‘yippie’ clap, then yells, “I’m ready, Mama Helena!”

“Oh are you with her now?” my mom says, “Let me say hi!”

I roll my eyes, and hand Cassie the phone.

“She wants to say hi.”

Every few seconds while they talk, Cassie looks at me with a mischievous grin, and I instantly regret handing my phone over. My mom and Cassie have grown close over the years, and I love it but when they get together it's pure chaos.

“Alright, we’ll see you then,” Cassie says, then hangs up.

I look at her confused, and hold my hands up.

“She had to go but says she loves you. Now, party. How do you feel about music? Dance pop or country?” she asks.

“Um. First of all, I really feel the love in this relationship. Second, ew. Neither. Do not ask me to choose music because you know I’m no good at that.”

Her eyes roll as she waves her hand and gives me my phone back, “Fine, fine. I’ll pick, but you can't complain.”

“I won’t.” I promise. Then I add, “Have you figured out food? Cause that I’ll definitely help choose.”

She pulls up her phone, “I was thinking of having Shaun’s Tacos cater? I know how you love your tacos.”

Shaun’s Tacos is my absolute favorite restaurant and she knows this.

“That sounds perfect, but the real tacos, with cilantro and onion, not those fake ones.”

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