Page 79 of When In Doubt

“Yeah?”

“Yes. I wouldn’t read too much into it.”

God, I miss her so much it hurts. But she’s right where she needs to be, even if it means that I’m doing this all alone. “Love you, Els.”

“Love you too. Now if you’re done with me, I have a baby to get back to. I got roped into watching him again.”

“Date night?”

“When isn’t it?” Even though she’s acting put out, I can hear the smile. “You call me anytime if you need me, but you’ve got this.”

“Alright, speak to you soon.”

“Bye, sweets!”

“Have fun! Don’t teach him any bad words!” I call as she hangs up.

That’s one lucky kid.

I check the time, wondering if I should just call it a night, but it’s still only eight thirty. Harvey darts across the living room, making me jump enough that my phone flies out of my hand, landing next to me on the couch with a soft thud. The screen lights up with the impact and I see that sometime during that call, Oscar texted.

Scrambling to grab the device, I open his message.

OSCAR

How’s my son?

I grin, my chest warming at seeing his name. Fuck, I am in so much trouble.

FREYA

Your son just scared the shit out of me.

OSCAR

Has he got the zoomies?

FREYA

I thought only dogs did that.

OSCAR

Harv’s in a league of his own

FREYA

I’m figuring that out.

I tap my fingernail against the side of my phone.

FREYA

How are you?

OSCAR

Good