Page 87 of Not Looking
I took the stairs two at a time as I rushed up. I dressed, then made my way back down.
She nodded once she saw that I was decent, rose from the table, and crossed to the front door. The kids and Russy ran back in, the little girl carrying a basket of eggs.
“No broodies today, Tio Randy!” she declared as she carried the basket to the kitchen. She set it on the table, then seemed to see me for the first time.
She blinked.
The little boy stopped behind her, with an equally confused expression. “Who are you?”
Jessie seemed momentarily unsure how to proceed. So before she had a chance, I strode over and crouched so I’d be at their eye level.
“Hi,” I started. “I’m Craig. I’m a friend of your uncle Randy.”
“Tio Randy’s friend?” the boy asked.
I nodded. “That’s right.”
“Why are you here so early?” the girl asked. “Did you have a slumber party?”
Jessie made a shocked, choking noise.
I chuckled. “Something like that.” I put on a more serious face. “Now you know my name, but I’m still a stranger. So ask your mom if it’s ok if you tell me yours.”
Both kids blinked at me, and Jessie let out an exasperated sigh. “Go ahead.”
“I’m Michelle,” the girl said.
I smiled and turned to the boy.
“Marco,” he said, a bit more shyly.
“It’s nice to meet you both. I hope you’re hungry, cause breakfast is almost ready.”
“Pancakes?” Marco asked, bouncing on his toes slightly.
“No. Biscuits and gravy, and scrambled eggs.”
“Oh.” He pouted.
“You like eggs, right?”
“Yeah…”
“Do you like biscuits and gravy?”
“Yeah…”
“So are you sad because you don’t like the food, or because you wanted something sweet?”
“Wanted something sweet,” he admitted, fidgeting and turning his toes inward.
I laughed. “That’s what I thought. But eating good food will help you grow up big and strong like your mom.”
“Ok…”
I stood and noticed Jessie staring at me. The venom in her gaze had lessened.
“Let’s wash our hands while Craig finishes breakfast,” she declared.
