Second Chance at Love(41)
Chapter 21
New Year’s Eve Afternoon
Kyle and Ashley had played out an act of subterfuge as they convinced their grandparents, Donna and Patrick, to take them, along with Zoe, snow tubing in the Poconos the days their grandparents were supposed to stay with Karen. Their main objective was to stay far away from their mom and Mr. Dom so they could be alone. Ashley’s friend at school had told her adults had to be alone together so they can fall in love.
After their two days in the Poconos, Zoe had joined forces with them. At the tender age of eight she was very much aware that she had her grandparents, Janet and Dominic, tightly coiled around her little pinky. When Donna and Patrick had arrived at the Perettis’ a few hours earlier, the older couple had every intention of going in long enough to say their hellos, drop Zoe off, and then on their way to drop Ashley and Kyle off at home.
However the youngsters had other plans. It was their mission to do whatever they could to get Karen and Dom to fall in love. And they couldn’t accomplish this if Ashley and Kyle were at home. Kyle gave Zoe a tiny nudge with his elbow.
Just as Donna and Patrick were saying their goodbyes and ushering Kyle and Ashley to the front door, Zoe went into character. Dropping her little head, she whispered, which really wasn’t a whisper since she had meant for the adults to hear. “I’m sure going to miss Ashley and Kyle.” Looking up at her grandfather, she gave him the saddest look she could muster. “I wish I had someone to play with all the time.”
Dominic looked to his wife and then to Donna and Patrick. He had such a hard time refusing Zoe anything, just as he had been with Ava at her age. All three of the children held their breaths as they waited.
Shouts of joy filled the air when Dominic suggested, “Kyle and Ashley can stay the night to keep Zoe company.” He chuckled. “The poor little thing has been starving to be around other children. I guess it gets boring being around old folks all day.”
Donna gave the little conspirators an amused smile. They were up to something and she knew it. “I don’t think Karen will have a problem if they stay the night with Zoe.” Turning to Janet she wanted make sure it was okay. Nothing against Dominic, but more than likely Janet would be the one keeping an eye on the children. “But is it okay with you?”
“Pleaaase, Grandmom,” Zoe begged, holding her tiny hands together in prayer.
Janet put her hands on her hips, giving Zoe a loving, yet stern look. “Only if little Miss Zoe promises to keep her room clean. You left that room a mess before you went out of here the other day.” She raised an arched brow at Dominic. Keep your mouth closed. He had been ready to step in and defend his granddaughter.
Dominic gave his wife a boyish grin. Baby, I hear you loud and clear.
Inquisitive as ever, Zoe hadn’t missed the exchange between her grandparents. Laying it on thick, Zoe dropped her head, letting out a dramatic, weary sigh. “I’m sorry, Grandmom. I promise to keep my room clean.”
Janet smothered a laugh. Her granddaughter was such a character. She definitely was Ava’s mini-me. The both of them could play the drama princess role. And play it well. “Ashley and Kyle can stay.”
A thunderous cheer went up. “Come on, let’s go to my room!” The adults laughed as the children ran off. It pleased them that the children were bonding quite nicely.
“Donna and Patrick, I was just getting ready to fix lunch. If you don’t have anything to do, you’re welcome to join us and the children.”
Donna looked to Patrick, who smiled while nodding his head. “Sure, we’d love to.”
Huddled together on the floor of Zoe’s bedroom, Ashley, Kyle, and Zoe sat Indian style, talking in hushed whispers. They didn’t want Grandmom Janet to overhear them when she came up to get them for lunch. The kids had made a pact that none of the adults could ever find out what they were up to.
Kyle looked from his sister to Zoe. “Do you think our plan is working?”
“I think so,” Ashley answered. “I overheard Aunt Starr talking to Mommy about going out almost every night with Mr. Dom.”
“So that’s good, right?” Kyle’s voice held a tinge of excitement.
Zoe’s long pigtails bounced as she nodded her head. “Uh-huh. Before my mommy and daddy got married, when me and daddy came to visit, they went out all the time.” Zoe hadn’t minded though, because she was left in the care of grandparents who doted on her ridiculously.
“So that means we’re going to have to get them to go out after we go back home,” Ashley said agreeing with Zoe. “You’re mom and dad was married really fast.”