Page 39 of Dreaming Without Heartache

Maisie squeals as she claps. “Can we get some cotton candy, Aunt Allie?” Her enthusiasm is contagious.

“Definitely!” I hold back a smile.

“And a corn dog? I really like those with lots of ketchup!”

“Let’s just have dinner there,” I suggest.

“Yay!” Maisie squeals again. “Kara, doesn’t that sound so fun?”

“Yeah.” Kara laughs. My heart fills at that sound, and I have to walk away. I’m scared that Kara will do a one-eighty if she knows I’m enjoying it.

I clear the dirty dishes while Maisie rattles on and on about the carnival. It’s hard as an adult to remember that these little things mean so much to kids. Adults need to take a page from their book from time to time and find the moments that matter and let them happen.

“Maisie, do you want to invite a friend to go with us?”

Maisie looks at Kara, who nods her head encouragingly. Maisie’s a reserved kid but still young and learning. “Nah. I have to be available to ride with Kara and a friend will want me to ride everything with them.”

“Okay, honey. If you change your mind, let me know.”

“Is Uncle Steven going with us? I miss him.” Maisie takes a big gulp of her juice.

“Should we call him and ask?” I miss Steven too. He’s never been this into a guy before where he didn’t come around or call.

“Yes!” She nods her head vigorously.

“When you’re done eating, I’ll let you call him.”

“Done!” She hops down and rushes over to me, wiping her mouth on the back of her hand.

“Me too,” Kara says as she pushes back from the table. “I’m going to shower.” She doesn’t look my way before heading upstairs. I don’t expect it anymore. I still hope for her affection.

I look down at an antsy Maisie waiting not so patiently. I find Steven’s number and hand her the phone. I grab the rest of the dishes from the table as I hear Steven answer loudly and cheerfully.

“Want to go to the carnival tonight?” Maisie says immediately. She moves her body side to side in excitement. “I’ll let you ride with me on a ride, but I promised Kara to ride with her some too.”

I place the dishes in the dishwasher while listening to their conversation. I can hear Steven ask what time. He’s loud on the phone and completely weak when it comes to Maisie. She has him wrapped around her little finger.

“Here.” She hands me the phone. “He’s coming!” She does this cute little dance before running off.

“Hey, stranger,” I say into the phone as I laugh at Maisie’s silliness.

“I’ve missed you too,” Steven says. “So, we’re going to the carnival tonight. Are we double-dating?” I can almost hear his grin.

“How are you and Luke? Feels like love is in the air.”

“Don’t you dare avoid my inquiry. I’ve been told things.” I can hear Steven shift the phone.

I laugh. “Sam and Olivia are going with us. Are you bringing Luke?”

“No, he has poker with his friends. I’m working with that.” Steven sighs. “So, Miss Hot Pants, you and Sam, huh? I thought you said you were just friends. Mm-hm.”

“Spill it! What do you know?” I wipe down the table to have something to do. I need to know what Sam’s said about me.

“Why should I tell you when you haven’t told me anything?” He’s sassy as ever.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Mr. Missing in Action. You’ve been off falling in love and threw me in the trunk.”

“Love is a strong word. I’m in heavy-like territory. But we are talking about you, not me. Also, I didn’t put you in the trunk, Ms. Thang. Just the back seat.” He chuckles. “It’s for a good cause. This man is so hot!”