I shake my head and walk toward the kitchen, where I start packing the ingredients to prepare the pizza.
“Ignoring me isn’t going to get you off the hook. I have to make sure you’re not screwing yourself up. The last time you started dating, you married the woman. You can’t just go and marry someone you just met. Autumn is kind of like a friend of the family, so that means you might not wait three months to get hitched.”
I turn around and glare at him. “Listen, this isn’t any of your business.”
“You’re my business,” he reminds me. “If someone fucks you up, I get fucked up too by proxy—and not in a good way.”
I told him about my agreement with Autumn. Then add to the mix Matilda.
“Tsk, tsk, tsk. Fuck, she has a kid. That’s going to end up in disaster. Listen to me. You can’t have a casual relationship with a single mother.”
I glare at him and shake my head. “It’s not casual. I’ve been entertaining this since last fall when I heard Matilda call Persy asking for help. There are three or four shows where…never mind.”
He’s not going to understand it—or me, for that matter. I have to leave. Autumn needs me.
“Rewind and explain yourself or at least give me the SparkNotes.”
“I’m running late. Can we discuss this later?”
He sighs, shaking his head. “I don’t approve one bit.”
“The day you decide to stop playing around and take someone seriously, I’ll be there for you. Not judging.”
“I’m not judging. I’m trying to understand what’s happening with you. Is this serious?”
“No. It’s fucking complicated. I’m in a relationship with her, but we’re keeping it between us because it’s easier for both of us.”
He nods. “You’ve got my support, but think about the kid.”
This time, I drive my SUV, and I’m glad that I bought a car seat for Matilda earlier today. I’m not taking her out, but it’s good to have it in case of an emergency. On my way to Autumn’s place, I call Teddy. She has more experience with children than all my brothers and me combined.
“Hello?”
“Are you busy?”
“No. I’m at home watching mindless television while eating popcorn.”
“I don’t know if you’re being sarcastic or serious.”
“Ugh, you need to learn how to speak sarcasm. I’m bitter. I should be resting, but instead, I’m at home working because some people just don’t care about quality or doing their job right.”
I consider hanging up before she bites my head off. Instead, I offer my help. “Do you need any assistance?”
“No, but I appreciate the offer. What can I do for you?”
“I just called to say hi.”
She chuckles. “Sure, and I’m about to board a rocket to the moon.”
“Why don’t you believe me?”
“I adore you, but you’re not the kind of guy who calls and checks on others. You’re the text guy, and you already checked on me today. So…what do you need?”
“I offered to watch my friend’s daughter. Other than preparing pizza, what else can I do? I don’t want to bore her to tears.”
“How old is this kid?”
“She’s seven.”
“Hmm. Drawing…? I wish you had called me earlier. I could’ve gotten you some cool nail polish color so she could paint your nails.”
“Mine?”
“Yep. She’s going to think it’s hilarious.”
“I can see if Autumn has any nail polish.”
“Autumn? Is that your new girlfriend?”
“Ha! No, squirt. She’s a friend. Remember Aiden and Autumn Wickerton?”
“Of course, I do. I was hoping you’d surprise me with something like, ‘I have a girlfriend, and she’s adorable. You two can be best friends.’”
I ignore her and ask, “Any other ideas?”
“Ooh, we’re diverting the conversation.”
“Not really. I called you to get some ideas, not to gossip.”
“You’re boring, but I still love you.”
“I was hoping you’d say something like, ‘you’re my favorite.’” I tried to imitate her voice but failed miserably.
“You suck, and we don’t pick favorites.” There’s a pause in her voice. “Huh? Burke is calling me. Is it twin day?”
“You’re still my favorite sister,” I say, disregarding the question.
She groans. “I’m your only sister.”
“It’s all the same. I’ll talk to you later.”
Earlier, when Autumn texted me her address, she told me where to park. I look at her old Camry and wonder if I can convince her to change it. That’s a discussion for a later day. I grab the stuff I brought from the trunk before I make my way to Autumn's apartment. They live on the first floor.
When I ring the doorbell, I can hear Matilda’s voice. “He’s here. He’s here!”
The door swings open. Autumn is wearing almost the same clothes as yesterday. A pair of skinny jeans, this time they’re dark. She also wears a black tank top that has the logo of Silvermoon. Matilda stands behind her, jumping up and down. “Zach is here!”
“Hi, Matilda.”
“Mom says we’re making pizza.”
“Yes, we are. I think we should prepare individual pizzas, and maybe we can make one for your mom so she can eat it tomorrow.”
“Can we make one so I can take it to school?”
“Sure.”
She claps excitedly. “You can go now, Mom.”
Autumn glances at her and then at me. I can see it in her eyes. She thinks this is a bad idea.
“We’re going to be okay,” I reassure her. “Does she have a phone?”
“Don’t give her ideas,” she mumbles between clenched teeth.
She walks toward the kitchen. I follow, setting everything that I brought on the kitchen counter.
“We’ll text you often so you know what we’re up to. I promise not to fall asleep while I’m watching her.”
“Thank you for doing this. I didn’t…”
“Hey, I’m glad I can help, okay?”
She taps the fridge door. “Here is everything you need to know. The emergency numbers, notes of what to do in case of”—she waves her hand and rolls her eyes—“just read it if you’re unsure of anything. There are also some important instructions. If you need me, call me.”
I head to the door and open it wide. I’m not kicking her out, but I need to find something to do with my hands before using them on her.
“Everything will be fine. You might want to leave now.”
She walks toward me. She’s so close I can’t help but take a step closer so I can kiss her. She moves from my reach and then hugs Matilda. “Don’t raise havoc, pumpkin.”
“I promise I won’t, Mommy.”
Once I close the door, I arch an eyebrow. “So, you come with instructions, huh?”