Page 63 of Deprivation

“Not really. How about you?”

“Oh, not much. Probably taking a trip down memory lane. This was a very emotional day for your mother and me.”

“I know, Dad. I couldn’t be prouder to be your son. Thanks for starting my day off right.” I smile through my exhaustion. “Want to grab dinner later?”

“Sure, if you don’t have other plans. Maybe we can meet early so you have the rest of your evening free,” he suggests.

“I don’t foresee anything popping up. But I’ll pick you up at 5:00, and we can decide where we want to go then.”

“Okay, Son, I’ll see you then. Please try and do something that makes you truly happy today,” I hear right before he hangs up.

Ending the call, I ponder what would make me truly happy. I come up blank. Sadly, all I want is to get laid.Hell, it’s been a while.Maybe Dad’s right. I’ll meet him for dinner and then head out and get some action for my big day.That would truly make me happy.There’s no sense hanging on to anything with Katarina. That dismissal was made crystal clear last weekend with her text,“Dr. Barnes.”

* * *

Kat

Having the day off and nothing planned has made me restless. So restless I offer to go over to Rachel’s to watch the kids so she and Steven can have a night out. I miss the little buggers. After the incident with the s’mores and sandwiches at her party, I’m a little shocked she’d allow me to be alone with them, but she jumped at the chance. According to Mom, Steven works all the time, and she rarely has a night out.

Getting into the car, I head for Rachel’s. Maybe I can parlay her obvious excitement for adulting into allowing pizza for dinner? Thinking back to her party, I grimace. She promised it’d be an early evening, as Steven is leaving in the morning to fly out of town on business. How much trouble can I get into?

* * *

“Okay, Kat, so the numbers are on the counter if anything should happen.”

I look down to see their cell numbers, Mom’s number, and their doctor. “Rachel, you know I have all of these numbers in my phone already, and I’m a PA in an ER for God’s sake. I don’t need to call anyone’s doctor.”

“Yeah, yeah. It’s just habit. I write it out for any babysitter who comes.”

I look at her, skeptically. “Well, just go, would you. If you guys don’t leave soon, it’ll be time to come back already. It’s pizza and a movie. What could happen?”

The uptight couple heads for the door, and I head to Jenna and Luke in order to choose a movie for the evening. Pizza should be here any minute.

* * *

It’s almost an hour intoBoss Baby, and while the kids are steadily giggling on the other end of the sofa, I can barely keep my eyes open. Of course, they don’t keep soda or anything else caffeinated in this house. Maybe I should go splash some water on my face. Looking at my watch, it’s only 8:30 p.m.Gah! When did I get this old that I’m falling asleep at 8:30?This is laughable considering my need for sleeping pills.

As I come around the corner toward the den, I hear more chortling. Coming closer, I notice Luke is holding my phone up to his face, and Jenna is looking over his shoulder, covering her mouth with her hand.

“All right, hand that back, you little pickpocket. Just watch the movie. It should be over in a few minutes and then you guys are off to bed.”

“Ah, man,” they chime in unison.

* * *

Who knew putting those two to bed would be like wrangling wild monkeys? I have underestimated Rachel’s life. I love ‘em, but they’re a handful. Plopping down on the couch, I pick up the remote to channel surf but don’t see anything of interest. About that time a text shoots through from Rachel.

9:10 p.m.

Rachel

Rachel: We had a great time, thank you. We’re headed home now.

A smile crosses my face, knowing I’ve done something nice for someone today. As I look back down at my phone message app, I realize this isn’t the only text I’ve received this evening.Holy mother of pearl…

7:40 p.m.

Nick Barnes

---