Ask Me Why(68)

One of the spots is clearly occupied, an open magazine and glass of iced tea waiting. I make my way to the opposite chair. Mary remains standing, wringing her hands together. I’m sure she’s ready to leave.

“Shame about the weather. You’ll have to stay inside with Ollie. He was looking forward to showing you his sandbox.”

I grin up at her. “Next time.”

Her sharp gaze locks onto mine. “Certainly.”

“Is there anything I need to know?”

She waves me off. “Ollie is easy to please, as you know. Just hang out and play with him. He’ll love every moment.”

That loosens the remaining knots tightening my chest. “I’m looking forward to that. How about dinner?”

Mary begins gathering her stuff off the table. “Brance should be home by then. But you can check the fridge. Feel free to help yourself to anything.”

I drum my fingers on the wood. “Great. Simple enough.”

She pats my shoulder. “Thanks for doing this. You’re becoming quite the staple around here.”

“It’s nothing serious. I’m not trying to invade your space or anything.”

She laughs. “Please do, dear. These boys need you. Far more than you think.”

I gulp audibly. “Um, all right.”

“But remember, you’re not just getting involved with Brance. There’s Ollie to consider. He cares a great deal for you.”

I’m unsure if she’s talking about Brance or Ollie. It doesn’t matter. “We’re just…friends?”

Her lips purse. “That sleep together?”

I choke on the suffocating air in my lungs. Mary quirks a penciled eyebrow. I’m sure my face is the color of a stop sign. Maybe that’ll halt this conversation. If only I could run and hide without being suspicious.

“Well, um, I guess?” My voice is a meek whisper. Mary resembles my overly religious grandmother in this instance. Am I being scolded?

She clucks her tongue. “Ollie isn’t blind, Braelyn. He’s very aware of what’s happening between you two. That child is so desperate for a mother. Well, that’s not true. He’s not looking for just anyone. Ollie is hoping you’ll be filling that role. Very soon.”

I blink the moisture from my vision. Oh, that sweet boy. “He’s mentioned things along those lines. I try not to feed his comments.”

“But your actions aren’t discouraging him.”

I tug at the collar of my shirt. Is it hot in here? The pressure suffocates me. “I never meant to complicate things.”

“I believe you, dear. Unfortunately, it’s far too late.”

I avert my stare. “So, what now?”

“You have to make a choice, dear. I’d recommend making it soon.”

Mary’s words go along with my spiral earlier. How long does Brance plan for this to go on for? What are we doing? Just messing around? My heart is starting to nurture some pretty serious feelings for that man. Try as I might, remaining unaffected isn’t possible. I figure that concept was created for robots. Or Brance.

At my silence, she prods further. “Ah, what’s the saying? Shit or get off the pot?”

My shoulders shake with a laugh. “Really?”

She sends me a knowing look. “Don’t judge this old bird by her fading feathers. I can keep up with the times.”

I don’t doubt her for a moment. “You’re quite surprising, Mary. I appreciate that.”

“Well, thank you.” She glances at the clock. “I must run. Just think it over, yeah?”

“I will.” I nod and stand from the table.

“Thanks again, Braelyn. Ollie is waiting for you upstairs. I held off calling him down so we could chat.” She winks. Sneaky old lady.

Mary collects her bag, strides to the door, and leaves my sight less than a minute later. She can hustle when necessary.

Thoroughly reprimanded, I trudge up the steps. I barely make it to the landing when Ollie zooms into the hallway.

“Miss Braelyn! You’re here.”

He rushes at me, and I crouch down. I wrap my arms around him, hugging him close. This is just what I needed.

“Can we play now?”

“Of course, sweetie. What should we do?”

Ollie taps his lips, a recent habit. Pretty sure he picked that up from me. “How about Legos? Or Uno?”

“Why not both?”

He bounces on his toes. “Yes! This will be a great night.”

My stomach grumbles. “What time do you usually eat?”

“Around seven. My daddy makes me dinner.”

“Okay, we’ll wait for him.”

Ollie turns around and races into his room. I giggle, following his trail of dust. He’s already sprawled on the floor when I walk in.

“I’m building a huge fire engine. Will you help me?” He waves a colorful pamphlet at me.

“Of course, sweetie. I’ve never made one before.” I ease myself down next to him.

“Me either. It’s taking me a long time.”

I study the progress he’s made so far. It looks like the base frame, maybe a space for wheels. The basics might be complete. It’s hard to tell with these small blocks.

Reaching for a few loose pieces, I try to find where they belong on the vehicle. “Let’s see how far we get.”