And yes, it’s become a routine. During the day, we set a time, usually based on Enzo’s crazy work schedule. And then we video chat before bed. Sometimes just talking, other times . . .
“And you’re going to freaking Switzerland with him.”
“Shhh.”
“You really have to tell Devon.”
“I know, I know. I’m waiting until after his birthday.”
Lisa looks at me like I’m crazy. “What the hell does that have to do with it?”
Well, when she puts it that way . . . still, I persist. “Devon loves his birthday. Mom makes a big deal of it for like two weeks.”
“Yeah, I know. Always wished I could be adopted by her.”
I almost say,But at least you have two parents, and then realize how quickly that will kill the mood. I rarely feel the urge to talk about my nonexistent father, and this is no exception.
“Say the word and she’ll have a month-long birthday celebration for you too.”
Lisa looks pleased by the idea.
“Speaking of your mom, what’s going on with her new boy toy?”
I give her a scathing look.
“Sorry,” she says with a laugh. “I kinda like him.”
She met him last weekend. And sure, I haven’t found any evidence to dispel his image of the ultimate nice guy, but I’m still watching for any missteps.
“Uh-huh,” I murmur.
Lisa stares at me. Hard. I already know I won’t like what comes out of her mouth next.
“I think you may be jaded.”
Here we go.
“Lisa, I’m not jaded. I’ve just never met anyone that nice. There must be something wrong with him.”
“Or not.”
“Yeah, and he’s divorced because he’s the next Mr. Rogers.”
“Geez.” Lisa takes a drink and glances over at one of Devon’s friends. Aaron is a good guy, but he’s not really relationship material. If I had to guess, I’d say Lisa’s on-again, off-again boyfriend is moving toward off-again. I honestly can’t keep up. “You’re tough. But I get it.”
I shoot her anot nowlook.
“In other news, your phone just buzzed.”
How did I completely forget to look? The thing’s been attached to me for weeks. I snatch it off the bar just as my brother sidles up next to us.
“Whatcha doing?”
He’s more than a little tipsy. Thankfully, Devon is one of those drunks who turns into the life of the party.
“Just talking about how I wish I was in your family and still got big birthday bashes and Easter baskets well into my twenties,” Lisa quips, thankfully taking Devon’s eyes off my phone. If he’d looked down just a second earlier, he would have seen Enzo’s message pop up.
A close call.