Page 61 of Husband of the Year
Illona plugs herself in to watch an episode of her new favorite show about a tween witch and I pull out my phone to a barrage of missed notifications.
Sarah: Do you want mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese with your meatloaf??
Sarah: Bruce at Hannigan’s was very helpful and friendly. Nice man.
Sarah: Do you have a loaf pan? Casserole dish? A bundt pan? I can make it work.
Sarah: Sorry, I know you’re working. Found a loaf pan by poking around.
Sarah: What time do you expect to be home? For dinner, I mean? Same time as yesterday? You didn’t mention any meetings after school, but I know you have them sometimes.
Sarah: Did you see my note in your lunch? If not, it read: Reach for the stars, Marvin!
Sarah: OK, no more texting. I’ll see you soon. Love you!
Sheldon: I know Olan is away, but we should probably meet anyway. Tick, tock. We don’t want to lose momentum. How about Saturday morning at Schmear and Far? I hear you love their bagels.
Sarah: One more text. Your house smells like my meatloaf. Bye!
Oy. My mother never texted me this much from Arizona. Apparently, being here has opened the floodgates on communication. Deep breaths. I remind myself to stay open to her overtures. In a moment of weakness, overconfidence, delusion, or perhaps a mix of all three, I create a new group text.
Marvin: Sarah, this is Sheldon. Sheldon, this is Sarah Block, my mom. I’m going to bring her on Saturday to our wedding planning session. We’ll see you at 10 .
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
“Daddy!”
Illona’s face lights up like the moon when she discovers Olan on my phone’s screen. To ensure he could be a part of her tuck-in routine, we scheduled our chat to coincide with her bedtime, and he asked me to not tell her—he wasn’t positive the timing would work out and also wanted to surprise her.
The pure joy on her face makes my heart melt and I hand over my phone so she can have him close.
“Princess. There’s that beautiful face I miss. Are you keeping Marvin and Gonzo in line for me?”
“Of course I am,” she says. “And Sarah too. I helped her make dinner tonight.”
My mother leans over Illona’s shoulders and waves at Olan.
“Olan! How lovely to see you. I hope you’re doing okay. Your daughter is well taken care of. We made lasagna. I know you’re not vegetarians, but I used turkey meat anyway.”
Illona squints her eyes and tilts her head in confusion, but my mother is too focused on Olan to notice.
“It’s a little healthier,” Sarah continues. “Illona made the salad allby herself. She’s got amazing knife skills.” Mom wraps her arm around Illona’s shoulder and squeezes her.
“That’s my little chef,” Olan says.
I can’t see Olan’s face from my view by the kitchen island, but I’m fairly certain he’s smiling, and having him here, even only virtually, and for a short time, settles my soul.
“Are you enjoying your visit, Sarah?” Olan asks.
“I am. The highlight is spending time with this one.” She kisses the top of Illona’s head. “And my son, of course. I never tire of his face.”
“It’s a good face.” Olan lets out a small laugh. “Well, thank you for coming. I know it’s hard with me being away and it sounds like you’re offering much needed assistance.”
“Anything for my family,” Sarah says, and she shoots me a wink and a soft smile.
“Well, we need to be getting you to bed, young lady,” I say, knowing Olan has a limited amount of time.
“I can put myself to bed, thank you very much,” Sarah says. “But thanks for noticing the new beauty cream I’ve been using. Look, less fine lines.” She pulls at the skin around her eyes.
