Let's Be Crazy (Oh Captain, My Captain 4)

We walk over to the door, and the kids are waiting for us. Brooke tells them about their playdate, and they jump up and down with glee. We get the kids to calm down and get them to our cars. I quickly send a text to Brooke with my address and listen to Sadie go on about Reed coming over. I can’t remember the last time she was this excited. Unless it involved ice cream or chocolate.

When we get home, I do a once-over on the house to make sure that it’s presentable for company. Sadie changes out of her school uniform and asks if Reed is here yet.

“No, it’s only been three minutes.”

“I’m going to watch SpongeBob then.”

I load the dishwasher and wipe down the counters when the doorbell rings. Before I can say a word, my six-year-old screams like she’s at a One Direction concert and bolts for the door. When she becomes a teenager, I’m going to be in a lot of trouble. Reed and Brooke walk into the house, and I welcome them. Before I can ask her if she wants something to drink, my cell phone rings.

“Hello?”

“How are you doing today, Lexie?”

“Who is this?”

“Ashton Campbell.”

My blood begins to boil. I can’t believe that he has my number. I whisper-yell at him, so Brooke doesn’t hear me. “How the hell did you get this number?”

“It wasn’t that hard. I’ll keep my source a secret and safe from your fury, if you don’t mind.”

“I’ll be sure to kill Tiffany when I see her. What do you want?”

“I just wanted to see how you were doing today and if you’ve changed your mind yet.”

“No, I haven’t, and you can stop sending flowers and gifts.”

“Someone should do something nice for you. That’s all I was trying to do, aside from wanting you to go out with me. I haven’t even begun to really convince you, Lexie.”

I take a deep breath. “Look, Ashton. Thank you for the gifts, but I’m not going to date you. So, if you don’t mind, I have company over, and I need to entertain. Delete my number, okay?”

“I’m only asking for one date. Think about it, and I’ll save your number.”

I end the call. I make a mental note to kill Tiffany when I see her tomorrow. I go back into the living room, where Reed and Sadie are laughing at the TV. I don’t know what it is about that show, but kids love that high-pitched-nails-on-the-chalkboard voice.

“Brooke, I’m so sorry. I had to take a call.”

“It’s not a problem.” She’s sitting on the arm of the couch. Her hair is in a high bun, and she looks like she belongs on a catwalk with her skinny jeans and pink blouse.

“Would you like some tea?”

“Love some.” Brooke follows me into the kitchen.

I’m not sure what to say as she stands next to me.

“Are those pictures of Sadie?” She points to the fridge.

“Yes.” I smile at the photos. “Those are some of my favorites of her.”

Brooke inspects each one. “They seem to grow up so fast. I mean, one minute I was complaining about swollen ankles, then Reed was two, and now he’s seven. It seems to go so fast.”

I nod, understanding her statement. I feel like Sadie is growing up too fast, and I’m worried that I can’t stop it. She’s a little kid. She needs to enjoy her childhood. The kettle begins to whistle, and Brooke goes into the dining room.

“This is a nice house.” Brooke sits down at the table.

“Thanks. We’ve been here for a few months, so we’re still adjusting.” I hand her a cup of tea and take the seat next to her.

“I know. We’ve been here a couple years now, and I still feel that way.”