Page 11 of Deprived No More

“Well, apparently, someone asked them to stop by and check on me. When I didn’t answer, they took it upon themselves to let themselves in with the spare key.”

“For fuck’s sake. I’m sorry, kitten. Are you okay?”

“Yeah. It just rattled my cage a little, but…”

The phone is abruptly silent, causing my breath to hitch. “Babe? What’s wrong?”

“It’s not here.”

“What?”

“The key. I assumed they put it back where they found it.”

“Maybe they left it inside on the counter. Listen, I’m coming home.”

“Nick. Stop. I’m fine. Your dad is leaving to pick up the kids, and I’ll only be here alone for a few minutes. And it’s Jonas and Susanna. Other than barging in and forcing me to eat baked goods, I don’t think I have anything to worry about.”

“Okay. Well, the second my last patient of the day is out the door, so am I.”

“Be careful. Don’t rush. I feel much better, and the kids will be with me. Why don’t you pick up takeout from Luigi’s on your way?”

“We just had spaghetti last night.”

“I doubt the kids will mind two nights in a row. Or order a pizza for them. I’d love the chicken piccata. I’ll text you with whatever your dad would like.”

“Okay, babe. I’ll see you soon.” Hanging up the call, I have to admit I’m relieved. Well, about Kat’s health anyway. What the hell is wrong with Jonas that he’d think he could let himself into our room? Looking at my watch, I realize I have about ten minutes until my next patient’s appointment, so I call Luigi’s to place our takeout order. Dad has always loved their baked spaghetti, so I decide to order now so I can make a quick getaway once office hours are done. I’ll ponder how to address Jonas the next time I see him on the drive home.

Four hours later, I enter our home to squeals of laughter, a bear hug around my legs from my youngest, and multiple rounds of Nerf bullets shot in my direction instead of the swords the boys were wielding yesterday. Keeping a firm grip on the pizza box and to-go cardboard container, I head toward the kitchen.

“Let me get that, Son,” Dad greets.

“Thanks. Where’s Kat?”

“She’s right behind you.” He laughs, patting me on the shoulder.

Spinning on my heel, I find my beautiful wife smiling in my direction. Closing in on her, I wrap her in my arms and place kisses on her temple. “You look like you feel one hundred percent better.”

“I do. It could be the Tylenol, but I feel like the fever must’ve broken after lunch.”

“I’m relieved to hear that. But it hit you hard, kitten. You should sit down. Dad and I can handle setting the table and getting the food on everyone’s plates.”

“Nick.” She sighs heavily, revealing how frustrated she’s becoming with my over-the-top worrying. “I’ll concede, given I don’t want to risk any of you catching something from me.”

“I’ll set the table, Daddy,” Grace interjects.

“Hi, princess. Thank you.” Pulling Grace in for a hug, I look about the room for her shadow and find Olivia playing peek-a-boo with Dad. Boy, the energy in this house is much improved over the way we left it this morning. “Boys, go wash up for supper.” I head to the bedroom for a quick change into casual clothes for dinner when the conversation from earlier comes back to mind. Could I have seemed that frantic about Susanna checking on Kat that they felt obligated to let themselves in when she didn’t answer? I probably have been acting a little unhinged from the ribbing Dad’s been giving me.

Removing my white dress shirt and dark suit pants, I drape them over the chair in our room before reaching for a pair of gray sweatpants and a white cotton T-shirt. As I return to the kitchen, I notice a shift in Kat’s expression as she rounds the kitchen island. Pulling her seat out for her, I bend down next to her ear. “What’s up, kitten?”

“What do you mean?”

“There’s something on your mind. I can tell by the look on your face.”

“Ah. Let’s just say, if the Tylenol didn’t get me feeling better, it must be those gray sweatpants.”

“What?” I chuckle.

“Oh, never mind. It’s a girl thing.”

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