Page 31 of I Knew He Was Trouble
“Oh, I miss you too, baby girl.”
I can tell my sister is putting on a brave face but will likely blubber like a baby after we get off this call. It’s hard to imagine how much I’d miss Evie if I didn’t see her for three months. I can’t imagine being apart from your own child for that long.
Tess puts on a smile I can tell is forced. “Are you having fun with Uncle Ty?”
“We’re going to have a day of fun, but he won’t tell me what we’re doing.” She pouts.
“That’s the fun of surprises, sweet girl.” Her smile turns genuine. “What did you do this week?”
“I had school and got to play and cook with Ms. Kelsey. I went on a walk with her and Winston and Uncle Ty, too.” She looks down thoughtfully before facing the camera again with a wide smile. “Oh, I went to dance! Ms. Ava let me audition for a solo in our fall performance even though I missed a few classes.”
Tess lifts her brows, and I know she’s looking directly at me. “We’ll come back to the whole Ms. Kelsey point.” Her grin returns. “But first, I want to know about school. Are you doing all your homework?”
Evie nods. “Ms. Kelsey makes sure I do it every day and checks my work for me. She said you’d be proud of my A’s. I can write the whole alphabet now too.”
“That’s my smart girl. And you’re back in dance?”
“Dance is so much fun.” Evie twirls the ends of her hair. “Are you mad that I have lessons again? Uncle Ty said he didn’t mind taking me.”
“I’m not mad. I know how much you love to dance. That’s very nice of Uncle Ty to take you.”
“Ms. Kelsey will take me most of the time. Ms. Mallory took me one day, but Uncle Ty picked me up.”
After a few more minutes of them catching up, Evie proclaims she has to use the restroom and sprints away.
I feel my sister’s attention hone in on me, and I rub the back of my neck. “How’s the medical center coming along?”
“Oh no, you don’t. You’re not getting off that easy, brother.” She gives me what I can only describe as an older sister look. It’s similar to the look your mom gives you when she walks into the kitchen and catches you with your hand in the cookie jar. “We’re not anywhere close to done talking about whoever Kelsey and Mallory are. Has my dear brotherfinallybeen going on dates?”
I huff out a laugh. “Kelsey is Evie’s new nanny. I told you about her—she picks Evie up from school, watches her until I get home from work, and occasionally takes her to dance lessons.”
“Where did you meet her?”
“She’s my next-door neighbor. She has three roommates, including Mallory.”
“Oh, I love that trope!” she exclaims. I have no clue what that means, but I don’t think I want to ask. “And are you spending time with Kelsey outside of her nanny hours?”
I grimace. “Definitely not.”
“Oh, so she’s out of your league then?”
“What?” My head rears back. “She’s—” I don’t know how to finish that sentence. Objectively speaking, Kelsey is beautiful. I would be lying if I said otherwise. Her hair is the color of warm caramel, and her hazel eyes take on a different shade depending upon whatever color her outfit is.
“She must be gorgeous to make you speechless.” She interrupts my thoughts of Kelsey, which is probably for the best. Only now, I don’t know how to respond to Tess without getting her hopes up that she has a new sister-in-law on the horizon.
I decide silence is the best route. My sister opens her mouth to speak again when Evie returns to the table. She smiles widely at her mom on the screen and proclaims, “I pooped.”
Tess laughs. “Good job, Evie girl.” She glances at her watch and frowns. “My lunch break is almost up, so I need to get going. I’m proud of how well you’re doing in school, and I can’t wait to find out if you get a solo in dance. Have fun with Uncle Ty today.”
“I will. Love you, Mama. Are you having fun in Africa?”
“I am. You’re sweet as sugar for asking.” Tess discreetly wipes away a tear. “I love you more.”
“I love you most.”
I nudge my niece’s arm. “Why don’t you go get your shoes on.”
“Okay, bye, Mama.”
