Page 13 of The Art of Being Merry
“Yeah, okay.” They’re the only words I can push through my mouth. If I try to say more, I can’t be trusted.
4
clem
From the driveway,I dial my sister’s number, chewing on the skin around my thumbnail as I wait for the call to connect. After five rings, her cheery voice answers.
“Heya. What’s up?”
“What are you up to?”
“Currently, not much. Beckett talked about maybe running some errands. Something about me getting out of the house before my ass permanently molds to the chair.” Her laughter echoes across the line through the speakerphone. “What are you doing?”
“Heading to Target to shop.”
“Oh, nice. With the boys?”
“Uh, no.” It’s not that I’m nervous to tell her Dax is watching them, but I can’t predict what her reaction will be. “So, um, Dax is babysitting.”
“Dax. As in Beckett’s brother? My brother-in-law. That Dax?” Surprise laces her tone.
“No, Dax Shepard.” I roll my eyes at the ridiculousness of that being true. Though the current reality of Dax Nicholas isn’t much less absurd.
“But why Dax? I could have come over and stayed with them.”
“He offered. Pretty much insinuated I take my time and notrush my trip. My children are presently snuggled up on the couch next to him. It’s so weird, Willa. An alternate universe has overtaken my house.”
“Whoa. Don’t go all ‘Willa.’” Our combined giggles surround me in the quiet van. “I’m still stuck on the fact he offered. To willingly stay at your house with your kids while you weren’t there.”
“I mean, same. Had I not been in the vicinity when he suggested it, I wouldn’t have believed it came from him. But he’s here. Showed up early this morning with bagels and coffee.” At the mention of it, I remember I didn’t finish the delicious hazelnut drink. Oh well. Guess I’ll warm it when I get home.
“Still the same Dax we’re talking about? Big guy. Six two. Medium brown hair. Eyes of melted caramel.”
“Melted caramel? He’s not a character in one of your novels.”
“I stand by it. Tell me I’m lying.”
I close my eyes, visualizing the hue of his eyes. A person’s eye color is the first thing I usually notice about them. I liken it to being artsy, trying to capture the color on a canvas. When I picture him, she’s not wrong. Her description accurately describes the color of his eyes. I covertly stared into them enough to know.
“Yep, that’s him.” Shocking to both of us, I can’t dwell on it. I’m not concerned with his actions, just stymied. An idea hits. “Hey, want to come to Target with me? Figured I could do some shopping while I was there.”
“I kinda want to come up with an excuse for needing to go to your house to see what he’s up to.”
“Willafred, no. You will not do that.” Hopefully, my voice is stern enough to squash her idea.
“Of course I won’t. I said I wanted to, not that I’m going to. Would you have time to stop by the bookshop, too? I have more signed copies for Alanna.”
“I think that’s doable. Like I said, he told me not to rush.”
Except I’d feel guilty if I were out too long. The boys seem comfortable enough, but I don’t want to put them in a position to miss me. Especially Jace. I’ve never left him with a babysitter other than my parents and Shania, and the times with her were always short.
“Getting dressed now. Swing by and grab me in a few. Bye.”The line cuts off before she allows my response. Guess she figures one isn’t needed.
“I still can’t believe Dax is at your house” is Willa’s greeting when she climbs into the passenger seat of the van. In place of a coat, she wears one of Beckett’s zip-up hoodies. How she doesn’t freeze in weather like this is beyond me. In fairness, she’s lived in Vermont four years longer than I have, so maybe she’s adjusted to the cold. I’m not sure I ever will.
“Let’s not keep rehashing it. He’s there. Move on.” If I don’t shut her down, she’ll bring it up every chance she gets.
“Okay, sure. Sorry. Didn’t realize it was such a touchy subject.” By the way she hides her smirk behind her hand, she doesn’t believe her lies. She buckles her belt. “You’re the one who first brought it up.”
