Kids Always Tell the Truth
“Of course, I’d love to. But, do you mind dropping by Billy’s place first, it’s a stone’s throw away from your sister’s. I promise we won’t be late to your sister’s housewarming. It’s just, my best friend’s daughter is having a birthday party today and I promised—”
Anna stops my excuses with, “Liam, hey. Sure, no problem. See you seven-ish, then?”
“Thanks, Anna,” I reply with a smile.
I drop the phone on the bed and hit the shower. Breakfast is a banana and a protein bar as I jog to the hospital with one shoe untied just barely making it on time. Lunacy must be the theme today. The day passes by like a fast-paced action movie minus the explosions, thankfully. I feel like I’ve been tearing off one surgical gown only to be scrubbing in and replacing it with another in some manically moving assembly line. This day. One second, I leave the apartment to go to work on a high and full of energy and the next I’m heading home in the dark, my energy levels well near the red line, only to find Anna and Freddie laughing at our kitchen counter. “Shit,” I murmur under my breath. I’m late, Anna’s already here. I have less than 10 mintues to grab a shower and make myself somewhat presentable or we will be late to Billy’s.
I drop my backpack on the floor, still shaking this day off, and walk over to the kitchen. “Hey, I’m so sorry I’m late. It was hectic and we had a late admit and . . . Wow, you look—” I say as I finally really look at Anna.
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Anna says with merriment.
I shake my head, better focusing. “You look really great.” Christ, does she. Attire wise it’s pretty basic, tight black jeans and a tight black one of those tank tops that close around the neck. Forgot the name of the damn thing . . . Alter-something. But with a body like Anna’s it looks lethal. Also, it’s the first time I’ve seen her with noticeable makeup on. Holy hell. It’s not just sexy, it’s borderline illegal. The whole smoky eyes never looked so damn sensual. I’m dying.
And so is my roomie by the look of it. Freddie is seconds from drooling. Can’t blame him, really.
“I’m just gonna grab a shower and we’ll head out, okay?”
Anna nods. The way she looks at me – I feel much taller than my six feet.
I gesture with my hand to my sturdy vehicle. “Anna, Thanos. Thanos, Anna.” And open the door for her.
“Nice to meet you, inanimate object,” she sasses. I grin and drop my eyes to my phone as it dings with an incoming message. I read the text from Freddie, rounding the car for the driver seat.
YOU FUCKING IMBECILE. HOW ARE YOU NOT ALL OVER HER? YOU HAVE SEVERE BRAIN DAMAGE. Are you gay, man? Cause that’s the only reasonable explanation I can come up with. And if you are, it’s okay, we’ll support you. I’ll even join a support group to help you come out to the world. No harm in embracing your sexuality. But if you’re not, then YOU’RE A FUCKING IMBECILE WITH SEVERE BRAIN DAMAGE.
I snort a laugh. “Just Freddie, reminding me of something,” I casually say, pocketing my phone. Reminding me that he’s an idiot. I crank the car and we’re off to Billy’s.
“How old is she? Billy’s daughter.” Anna asks when we arrive. We shuffle out and I beep the car closed.
I grab the gift out of the back seat and pocket the key fob. “She’s three.”
“Quite the present for a three-year-old.” Anna eyes the huge wrapped gift in my arms.
I shrug. “Goddaughter.”
Anna seems to like the answer what with the way her eyes caress me.
I knock once and open the door, not waiting for anyone to answer. “Hey, where’s the birthday girl?” I call out.
Anna and I grin at each other to the sound of quick, light footsteps nearing followed by an elated, “Uncle Yiam!” Not long after the little nugget arrives in a sweet little, puffy white dress, her brown curls decorated with a unicorn birthday crown, and her chubby little hands spread wide. She hops into my extended arms and I lift her and twirl. Her giggles are the sweetest thing.
“Hey nugget!” I hug her tightly. “Happy birthday!”
She gives Anna a side glance and then her little eyes land on the huge present. She smiles at me. “Where’s my present.”
“Izzy, you don’t go asking for presents, that’s not polite.” Casey, in jeans and a white tee, says as she nears us.
“I’m not asking, mommy. I was just—”
“Here you go, it’s from Anna and me.” I say, sliding the gift forward.
“Hi, I’m Casey.” Casey leans a little to shake Anna’s hand, her sleek ponytail swaying with the tilt.
“Anna, nice to meet you,” Anna counters with a soft smile.
Casey gives her a wide smile, her green eyes dancing. “Heard so much about you. I’m glad to finally meet you.” She turns to me. “C’mere, you.” She hugs me tightly. “Billy told me you got it. Congrats. I’m so happy for you. I know how much you wanted it.”
Anna looks at me curiously. Oh, right. I didn’t tell her that I got accepted to Doctors Without Borders. Nor did I tell her that in less than a month I’ll be off for a while. It wasn’t intentional – not telling her – but now it feels like it’s a big deal.
I nervously thank Casey and turn to Anna who is eyeing me curiously. Guess there’s no time like the present. I bring my hand to the nape of my neck. “Oh, didn’t I tell you, I got accepted to Doctors Without Borders?”
Anna’s smile is a fake one when she says, “No, you didn’t. But, wow, I’m happy for you.”
The awkward moment ends with Isabella’s yelp. “Unicorn!”
“You nuts, man?” It’s Billy, stepping closer, drying his hair from a shower with a towel. “That thing’s massive! Really? Talk about spoiling my only spawn rotten.”
“Liam, you really didn’t have to, it’s too much!” That’s his wife backing him up.
“I only have one goddaughter and she wanted a unicorn.”
“Uncle Yiam is the best grownup!” Isabella says and squeals when I tickle her.
Smugly grinning at the other not best grownups, I say, “Kids always tell the truth.”
Anna rolls her eyes at me, however in utter amicability.
As I help Isabella climb the white, ride-on, horned huge-ass toy, Billy greets Anna. “And you must be Anna.” Hands shake. “I’m Billy.”
“Oh, I thought your name was Francis, that’s how Freddie and Liam—” Anna feigns confusion with wicked glee in her humored eyes.
I snort laughter, crushing on her even more.
“Ha, ha. You’re one of them now?” Billy shakes his head humoredly.
Anna grins. “Nice to meet you, Billy.”
“Cake!” Isabella orders next with her sweet voice.
“She insisted we wait for Uncle Liam with the cake,” Casey says, leading the way to the dining room.
“Man, you really didn’t have to. These things cost a fortune. We said something small!” Billy says walking next to me.