Page 14 of Challenge Me

“And seven months.”

“And seven months. Everyone is going to tell you this, and you’ll probably ignore it, but it gets worse when you’re old like me.”

“And Mom.”

“And Mom,” I laughed. “But she has some superpower that makes her better at everything.”

Mal was silent for a minute, and I watched as she added more cars to the lineup. She must’ve had hundreds in her collection by now.

“It was easier,” she said finally, her voice flat in a way that made it hard to read her meaning.

“What was?”

“When we all lived here.”

I looked down. Not for the first time, I was flooded with guilt that came in too many colors all at once. “I know it was, but we’re figuring it out, right?”

She nodded again. I was used to her silence, even before the divorce. Sometimes it was strategic. Other times, it was simply how she felt most comfortable.

“Tell you what,” I said, “we can add the worksheet to your calendar on Monday, but you have to promise me you won’t put it off again.”

“Hate math,” she muttered.

“Yeah, I know. What do you say?”

Her lips pulled to the side as she thought about it.

“It’s today or Monday,” I reminded her. “No other options.”

With a little grunt, she nodded. “Monday.”

“Great.” Slapping both my thighs, I stood. “It’s lunchtime. And no, you won’t get out of eating your cucumbers. I’ve already given you a pass on math.”

Her nose stayed wrinkled as she placed three more cars. I watched as she counted them. When she was satisfied, she jumped to her feet and ran ahead of me into the house.

“Ugh, phone!” I heard her call.

I walked faster toward the kitchen. Her hands were over her ears while the phone rang. I grabbed it off the counter and was about to deny the call until I saw the name.

“Hey,” I answered, putting it to my ear. “Did someone die, or do you miss me already?”

Trav chuckled. “At least you’re in good spirits.”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Well, there could be many reasons, but one in particular.”

“Does he not know?” Roman asked in the background.

“Hey, Roman,” I said.

“Hey, man. Been busy over there lately?” His voice sounded teasing but oddly cautious.

“Just finding new ways to bribe my kid to eat her vegetables. You’ll understand one day.”

“Yeah, I just might.”

“So, what are you two implying I should know?”