“It’s not,” he said, laughing at himself. “But it’s edible.”
I ate a couple bites before I couldn’t eat anymore. Sean really was an awful cook, but it was sweet of him to try. He insisted I sit and relax that morning, not letting me do anything other than sip my coffee and move from the table to the living room.
“So,” I said when he joined us in the living room. “Why the sudden insistence that I do nothing?”
“Not nothing,” he said. “Just less. Sundays are supposed to be your day off, remember?”
“I do,” I said with a nod. “But I’ve never taken one off before.”
“Exactly,” he said. “Which is why you should. You work really hard, and we all appreciate it.”
“We do!” Tommy said, nodding enthusiastically.
“You need to rest sometimes,” Sean said. “I knew you wouldn’t, unless I made you.”
“Thank you,” I said, and I meant it.
Sean was right, I wasn’t the kind of person to just take a day off work unless I was really sick or there was some sort of emergency. Besides, the kids never felt like a job to me.
Still, as I sat there watching Sean play with the kids, I knew he was right. They needed some time alone as a family, and I needed time to myself. I realized I hadn’t seen Janie in a while and that it was probably time I call her to check in.
“I’m going to shower,” I said, standing up and stretching. My robe came open slightly to reveal my underwear, and Sean’s eyes lingered on my exposed skin. I raised my eyebrows at him and covered up quickly. He looked at me with desire as I walked past him and slid my hand along his back.
Once upstairs, I jumped in the shower and took my time. I washed my hair and even conditioned it, which wasn’t something I usually made time for. After that, I shaved my legs and washed my body, reveling in the feeling of the soft soap. It felt amazing to be alone, not worrying about having to hurry up in case the kids needed me.
I got out of the shower and got dressed in comfortable clothes before I called Janie, putting the phone to my ear and listening to the rings.
“Hey!” she said when she answered. “I haven’t heard from you in ages. What’s going on?”
“I have the day off,” I said. “Want to grab some lunch or something?”
“Hell yes,” she said. “Where to?”
“Your choice,” I said.
“Sal’s,” she said, and I laughed, knowing that would be her answer.
“All right,” I said. “I’ll meet you there.”
I finished getting dressed and pulled on my shoes before I hurried downstairs. Sean was already getting the kids lunch: sandwiches and chips. It was an easy lunch, and I smiled as he set their plates in front of them.
“Afraid of poisoning them?” I asked playfully.
“You’re hilarious.” He rolled his eyes and then scanned my outfit. “Are you going out?”
“Yeah, I’m meeting Janie for lunch,” I said. “If that’s okay?”
“Of course, you don’t have to ask.” He laughed. “Remember, it’s your day off. You could drive to Denver if you wanted.”
“Not likely,” I said. “Just lunch.”
“Have fun,” he said.
Tommy and Sarah waved goodbye as I made my way toward the front door. I thought about driving to Sal’s, but the weather was so nice that I decided to walk. It was only fifteen minutes away, and I enjoyed the silence and the summer breeze.
It surprised me how much I was enjoying being alone. I’d had so much fun with the kids lately that I never imagined taking a day for myself, but Sean was right. I really did need it. I leaned my head back and let the wind whip through my hair. When I made it to Sal’s, Janie wa
s already there, sitting in at our usual table.