The After Wife by Summers Melanie

Author:Summers, Melanie
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Indigo Group
Published: 2020-01-09T16:00:00+00:00

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It turns out there was no need to worry about how to fill the time while babysitting. In my entire life, I never would have guessed how long it takes to get out the door with an unmotivated child. And I know it’s my fault for saying, “No rush, my dear. We’ve got all day,” but dear lord, that girl found a million things to distract herself from getting ready to leave. First, she was sure Walt had lost his favorite catnip toy under the couch, and she didn’t want to leave him alone without having it for comfort. This led to a search for a flashlight, followed by hunting down some batteries, then finally, looking for the toy itself—which, it turns out, was on the couch the whole time, under a decorative pillow. Then, she wanted to draw a picture of Walt because the light was just right.

Next, it seriously took us over twenty minutes to brush the knots out of her hair. I ended up digging around in my medicine cabinet to find some detangler spray (and I’m definitely not leaving the grocery store without getting her some to take home). By the time she was dressed in her pineapple tank top and cropped jeggings, she was hungry for lunch, which then led to a trip to the bathroom that lasted nearly half an hour. I could hear her telling herself what sounded like a very exciting epic saga while I waited in the kitchen. I’m so desperate for plotlines, I almost put a glass against the door so I could rip off her ideas.

Finally, after two hours, we’re about to get in the car. Except now, I hear Nettie's voice. "Hello, ladies," she says, walking up the driveway. (Over the past month, instead of popping by through the trees, she has taken to going the long way, and I'm assuming it's because this is her version of being neighborly without being intrusive.)

When she gets closer, Nettie grins down at Olive. "I baked you some ‘happy first day of summer’ scones. I thought you and your dad could use them on your big road trip."

Olive rushes over and gives her a big hug. "Thanks so much." She takes the container and tries to peer through the opaque plastic. "Is it the raspberry white chocolate chip ones?"

“What else would I make but my favorite girl’s favorite scones?” Nettie answers before shifting her focus to me. "No pressure, but we’re having our annual Canada Day barbecue for our guests, friends, and neighbors tomorrow night. After dinner, we’ll have a few drinks and watch the fireworks from our back deck."

"That’s so kind of you to invite me. I wish I could come,” I say, surprised to discover I actually mean it. “But you’ll be pleased to know I'm going to spend the entire weekend writing."

"Are you now? Good for you, Abby.” Nettie reaches out and gives my elbow a light squeeze. “I knew you could do it."

I smile, even though on the inside, the bowling ball is spinning again.

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