Tug (Irreparable 3)

“I haven’t really thought about it.”

“You need to.”

“I like Maria.”

“I know, but you have more than her to consider here.”

I find myself rolling Javier’s toy train up and down my palm while I process her words.

“You encouraged me to make things work with her.”

“I did, and I want you to, but carefully. And just so you know, Javier should be in the back seat if you’re going to be driving him around.”

“Why?”

She gives me an exasperated look. “Because it’s the law.”

“Oh. Thanks. I didn’t know.” I don’t bother to tell her that Drew rides in the front seat as well.

“That was awesome,” Javier shouts as he and Drew return from the rope swing. They climb into the backseat of my car.

“Why don’t you bring Maria and Javier to the barbeque tomorrow?” Tori suggests. “If you’re serious about her.” She winks.

“I’ll see if she can make it.”

“Good.” She hugs me.

“Thanks, Tor.”

Drew and Javier giggle in the back seat the entire drive. They storm through the front door and pound down the hallway to the guest bedroom. I glance at my phone and notice at least ten texts from Crazy Red. If I could, I’d kick my own ass for the arrangement I made with her. I knew she was the clingy, possessive type, and I went there anyway. I text Maria, and let her know I have Javier and can’t wait to see her.

She texts back immediately.

Maria: I along with my kitty can’t wait to see you, too.

I chuckle and set my phone down on the kitchen counter.

The boys and I hang out for the evening, chowing on pizza and playing video games. Watching Drew and Javier, I realize Tori’s advice about getting attached might have come too late.

I tuck them into the guest room bed for the night. As I start to turn out the light, Javier asks, “Can you read us a bedtime story?”

“Yeah, can you, Uncle Tug?”

“Did either of you bring any books?” They both shake their heads. “Sorry, guys, all I have is a few cop novels that I know your mothers will frown on me for reading to you.?

?

“So make one up,” Javier suggests.

“Yeah, make one up,” Drew agrees.

Make one up. Hmmm … an age-appropriate story, for boys. “I’m betting princess fairytales are out?” They both make a face and nod. The only things kids have any life experience with is bodily functions, which are always funny. I decide to roll with it. “Okay, then,” I say, and sit on the bed next to Drew.

“This is a story called, ‘Who Made the Giant Pile of Purple Doo-Doo?”

“Purple doo-doo,” they scream in unison, and break out into adorable laughter.

“Yes, it is very serious stuff, now. Prince Javier and Prince Drew have to find out who made the giant pile of purple doo-doo.”