“Save the rest for at home, Romeo.”
Chapter 44
Liri
I’ve been working at the bar and grill for a few weeks now. I’m earning some great tips, but Killian might kill me when I tell him I volunteered us to babysit his nieces so Dillan can take Noelle out for their anniversary. She’s hoping to get him to commit to a wedding date. I couldn’t tell her no. I am also hoping it will convince Killian to do Thanksgiving at his dad’s. He had surgery last week to have a prostatectomy. They went in and removed the prostate gland and the cancerous tissue around it.
They are hopeful that the cancer won’t return but will monitor it over time. He’s taking the next two weeks off from the bar. Him and Susie would normally keep the girls but because he is recovering from surgery, they had to say no. I haven’t decided how to break the news to Killian. Things have been going so well I am almost afraid to rock the boat in any way with him.
“Aren’t you working today?”
“Sort of. I wanted to talk to you about that actually.” I twist my fingers together and stare at the floor.
“You want to quit?”
“No, it’s not that. I um. Here’s the thing. Your brother and Noelle have been together a long time, and it’s their anniversary, and he won’t set a wedding date. Noelle is kind of freaking out that he is never going to marry her, and your dad just had surgery. They don’t have anyone to watch the kids, and she really wants him to commit to a date. She’s not getting any younger and the girls are growing up and starting school.”
“Liri, baby, breathe. One thing at a time.”
“Okay, well I told her that we’d watch them.”
“Why? It’s not your responsibility.”
“I know but she’s kind of my friend now because we work together, and your mom couldn’t do it because she is working at the bar that day to help out because your dad had surgery. And it was the nice thing to do.”
“So you work and Mom can keep the girls problem solved.”
“Problem not solved, the liquor commissioner is supposed to come in and do an inspection. I’m not technically old enough to be working there because in this state I need to be twenty to serve and sell alcohol unless there is someone who is at least twenty to supervise me, but I didn’t think you’d want to work at the bar all day.”
“This conversation is giving me a headache.” He rubs his temples.
“That’s a yes, right? Because we need to be at their house in like an hour.”
“This is going to cost you greatly,” he warns.
“Whatever you want, name it and it’s yours.”
“Ooh the possibilities.” He rubs his hands together.
**
“Our number is on the fridge in case of an emergency. We will call you to check in though. Mom and Conrad are just next door if you do have an emergency though. They already had their evening snack and they can skip their baths. I left pizza money in the cookie jar if you want to order something for delivery. Nothing too scary on TV because Hope will wet the bed. No drinks after eight for Sadie. Hope will go to bed at seven thirty. Sadie should conk out about nine and we should be back by eleven.”
“Noelle, we’ve got it under control. Have a great time.” I look over at Killian and his nieces. They are already smitten with his charm. Though he did bring them candy and Barbie dolls.
“You’re right. I’m not always like this. I’m nervous. Not about the girls, but I’m going to give Dillan an ultimatum. I hate to do it but I’m tired of waiting.”
“He loves you. It’ll be fine.”
“I hope so. Thanks for doing this and getting Killian he
re. It means so much to Dillan though he’d never admit it, but he misses his brother.”
“Glad to help. The girls are adorable, and I am excited to spend time with them.”
“Okay girls, give me hugs and kisses.” She squats down and they each run to hug her and kiss her on the cheek. “Be good for your Uncle Killian and Auntie Liri, okay?”
“We will, Momma,” Sadie tells her. Dillan gives them both hugs and then they are gone and it’s only the four of us.