She looked at Cecelia when her giggle was joined by a deep chuckle from Marcus. What did he represent—fun, a nice person to share coffee with, maybe even something more than that?Or, like her past most serious relationship, a potential problem that ended badly, and for that reason, one she should avoid?
Chapter 3
Later that week, Amanda interrupted her phone conversation with Marcus to look over at Cecelia. Her daughter seemed to be pouting and her eyes accusing. She turned back to the phone.
“Let me call you back, Marcus.” She put the phone down.“Honey. I’m not asking your permission. I’m the mother here. I simply want you to know that I’m going out for a short time on Saturday.”
“But you said the weekends were our time. Just you and me.”
“I know I did.” But I want to see him. “I’m sure this won’t happen every Saturday.”
“I s’pose. Another meeting?”
“No. A movie.”
“Can I come, too?”
“No. This is a grown-up movie.”
“Are you going by yourself?” Cecelia’s feet scuffed along the floor.
“No. Professor Dunbar asked me to go with him.”
“A date. You’re going on a date? Can I stay by myself? No babysitter?”
“You know how I feel about that, Cece. I want to keep you safe. You’re only nine—”
“I’m almost ten.” Cecelia stood up and stretched, as if trying to make herself taller.
“You won’t be ten until your next birthday. That’s more than nine months from now.”
“But you said when I have my tenth birthday, I’ll be almost grown-up.” Cecelia shook her head and turned away from her, then stamped her foot. “I’m almost ten. I don’t need a babysitter!”
“You’re not ten yet, and don’t misquote me. I said you would be a grown-up girl. How about we compromise? You stay here by yourself, and I will ask Janet from next door to check in on you.Like we did when I went to the dean’s house right after we got here.”
“Do you have to? The last time Janet came over, she stayed a long time, instead of going home right away.” There was that protruding lip again.
Amanda reminded herself to look strong without being stern. “That’s my offer. Otherwise, I get a babysitter. Maybe Mrs. Calhoun down the street. She’ll stay the whole time. Take it or leave it.”
“She wears granny shoes. And she’s old. Why do you have to go?” Cecelia’s voice rose to a whine again. “He works where you work. You see him every day. Why do you have to see him at night—on the weekends?” Cecelia stood, her hands on her hips, the picture of resentment.
“I don’t see Professor Dunbar every day. You know he doesn’t even work in my department, and—” Why am I feeling defensive? She turned her daughter around to face her. “I will call Mrs. Calhoun if—”
“No. Go ahead and go on your stupid old date. I’ll lock the door and stay in my room. I don’t want a babysitter!” Cece’s eyes started to tear. “You never used to go on dates when we lived in Iowa City.”
“Yes, I did. Don’t you remember the campus parties?”
“But I went, too.”
Not this again. Keeping her voice calm, she replied, “Cece. I do not like your attitude. And, you know how I feel about your talking-back voice.”
Cecelia peered at her shoes as she shifted from one foot to the other. She sniffed and wiped one sleeve across her face. “Sorry,” though she didn’t sound sincere.
“Thank you. Now if you’ll move your books, it’s time to set the table.” Am I going to have to go through this every time I want adult company?
Cecelia stacked her books on the floor and set two plates on the table.Amanda spooned the spaghetti sauce into the gravy boat and placed it on the table. She smiled at Cecelia when, without being asked, her daughter brought the salad bowl to the table and took a seat across from her.
After dinner, Amanda called Marcus. “I’m sorry that took longer than I expected. If the offer is still good, I’d love to see the film. Shall I meet you there?”
“No. I’ll pick you up.”
What was it about his voice that warmed her so? “What time should I be ready?”
“How about seven?”
“Seven it is.”
“I’m punctual, just so you know,” he added.
“I like that—” she cleared her throat “—and I’ll be ready.”
“Just the kind of woman I like,” he chuckled.
“Oh? What else do you like?” Was she being daring or just curious?