us?” She was excited, vaguely I wondered what was up, “Pleaseee.” She whined in her most convincing whine.I smiled despite myself, “Andy, you know I can’t.” I shrugged to myself.“Why not?” She was pouting now. “You’re always stuck in the prison. Gage isn’t likehandcuffs or anything. He
does
sleep.”“Umm.” I tried to sound agreeing. He certainly wasn’t doing much of the sleeping thinglately, but Andy didn’t need to be bothered with my problems – it wasn’t like she’d beenirresponsible and had a baby to tie her down. “Go ahead and y’all have fun tonight. I’ll bethinking about you.” I promised.“I won’t take no for an answer, Jack, tonight you’re going with us. I’ll arrange for a babysitter if you can’t get Lisa to do it.” Andy’s voice wasn’t pleading anymore, it wasdemanding.I sighed, I didn’t have the time to argue with her, “I’ll see what I can do.” I agreedvaguely.When she hung up she sounded confident I would comply, it was Lisa she should haveconsidered – where my sister was concerned, nothing was with confidence.I couldn’t have asked for a better aunt for my son, but when it came to me – we had our differences.As if called she appeared at the door, and looked in, her eyes darting to the bed, “Oh. Ithought I heard you talking. I was going to offer to get Gage his supper.”I glanced at her, her eyes were on Gage again, I might as well get it over with.“Lis – “ I paused, she looked to me, I tried to read the expression in her eyes, but her face was blank, I had no idea if she was in a good mood, “Andy was wanting me to goout with her tonight, for some girl bonding time. I was wondering if you would mind-”I sighed, “Mind babysitting Gage while I’m out. I’ll pay you.” I added hurriedly.Lisa’s eyes narrowed, her blank expression quickly shifting to scorn, “Sure, I’ll takegood care of your son while you go play.” She turned on her heel with a shrug and left theroom.
Shoot. Why did she make me feel so guilty?
It wasn’t like I hadn’t tried to get out of going. And I hadn’t been out with Andy in forever – I stopped there, whom was I tryingto convince? Myself? I had no one to make excuses to. The only one I was talking towasn’t going to listen. I had a very poor time of convincing myself of anything.Andy showed up not long after I’d fed and put Gage to bed for the night, this was myone night off of the week and I usually put it to good use by playing catch up on thingsI’d put off because I was too busy. A very average excuse.Her electrified mood was catchy and even Lisa’s dark glance didn’t make me stop tothink twice, I gave my sister a quick hug, to her surprise, and let Andy grab my hand,towing me out the front door.“Call me if Gage wakes up and gets cranky.” I called to Lisa over my shoulder.She didn’t answer.“No, don’t call. Deal with him yourself.” Andy’s laughing voice contradicted me. I rolledmy eyes but let her pull me through the door and out to her car parked on the curb.The SUV was packed with people. I recognized vaguely everyone but the guy in thefront seat.“Who’s that?” I nodded to the dark haired, suit-wearing misfit in the passenger seat, helooked out of place with the rest of the dressed down crowd.
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