CHAPTER 16 - TOMORROW

Earlier the next morning, Bobby got a call from Skip requesting him to come in to complete a couple of more forms. They agreed to meet in Skip’s office around 3:00. About mid morning Bobby called Alex but had to leave a message. As time drew close for him to leave he still had not heard from her. But he would try again later. He had completed the paperwork in about forty-five minutes and called again as he left the campus. Still no answer; he thought he would go by her place and make sure everything was okay.

When he stepped up on the porch he heard the familiar theme of Sesame Street; he smiled knowing she had her nephew over. He knocked and the little boy answered the door just as Alex rounded the corner from the kitchen. Bobby stood smiling at the boy and Alex invited him in. “I tried to reach you earlier,” Bobby said. Alex replied, “I went over to pick him up. His mom and dad needed a date night so I volunteered to baby sit.” “Need help?” Bobby queried. Alex raised an eyebrow, “Can you entertain him while I prepare dinner?” He squatted down and introduced himself. The boy studied him intently for a minute then looked at Alex. “Its okay,” Alex told him, “Bobby is a friend of mine.” The boy was smiling when he turned back to Bobby, “Want to play?” As Bobby straighten up the child grabbed his hand and began pulling him toward a mountain of toys. “Good luck,” Alex smiled as she turned toward the kitchen. “Please stay for dinner; there’s plenty,” she threw over her shoulder as she rummaged through the refrigerator.

Alex could hear the boy giggling with glee as he and Bobby raced toy cars with Bobby providing all the sound effects. A few minutes later she realized it had gotten quiet, very quiet. “When kids get quiet-” she thought as she took a peek she saw Bobby’s hulking frame sitting cross legged on the floor, the boy sitting across from him mirroring his form while both working intently on one of the cars. She had to smile.

When she called them to dinner, the child ran to her. She looked around and Bobby was ambling toward the kitchen; behind him toys were scattered across the living room. Alex could not resist the opportunity that was before her, “Bobby Goren, pick up those toys!” He looked at her and blinked. “Now!” she demanded. Looking back, he muttered under his breath, “Jeez!” By the time he was finished Alex had helped the boy wash his hands and he was sitting at the table. When Bobby entered the kitchen the child pointed to a chair next to him and demanded, “Sit here.” Bobby sat and making a face, leaned over to the child and whispered, “I think bossiness runs in your family.” Although he had no clue what it meant, the boy giggled uncontrollably. Alex crossed her arms and stepped over next to Bobby. He raised his eyebrows and looked at her innocently.

After dinner Bobby cleared the table while Alex readied the boy for bed. As soon as he got his pajamas on, he took off to the living room. After Alex tidied up the bathroom, she strolled to the living room to find the boy contently snuggled in Bobby’s lap as he read to him. She curled up next to the boys; watching the little boy’s eyelids grow heavy. In just a few minutes he was sound asleep. Bobby quietly closed the book; he and Alex watched the sleeping child. Finally Bobby asked, “Where is he going to sleep?” “Put him in my bed,” she said. Bobby looked at her, “Oh. Well, okay.” What was it she heard in his voice? Disappointment? Resignation? “His folks will be here in little while to pick him up,” she explained. Bobby cradled the sleeping child gently and carried him to the bedroom and laid him down carefully so as not to wake him. Alex covered him up and kissed him softly on the forehead. When she turned, Bobby was propped against the door facing with his arms across his chest. He smiled at her, “He’s a neat kid, Alex.” She nodded and they returned to the kitchen. They said little as they finished cleaning up. Bobby broke the silence, “Why don’t you come over Saturday evening? If you are game, I’ll cook.” “Sounds good. What can I bring?” Alex responded. He smiled and put his arms around her pulling her close, “Just you,” and he kissed her on the tip of her nose.

They heard a timid knock on the front door. Alex looked at the clock, “His folks are here.” As she gathered the boy’s belongings, Bobby carried the sleeping child to the car and strapped him in. He looked at his watch; it was getting late. He recalled she had told him she had an early day at NYC registering for classes. Mentally he signed deeply. When they returned to the house, he went no further than the door. Alex turned and slid her arms around him as he enveloped her in his. They stood holding each other; Bobby looked down at her, smiled, and kissed her, “Dress down Saturday. We are staying in.” Silently he added, “All night.” He kissed her again and headed to the car. Alex watched him drive away. She was smiling as she locked up and readied herself for the night. She crawled in to bed remembering how Bobby looked in tonight’s domestic scenario. “He is a good man,” she thought as she curled up. The last thought before sleep overtook her was, “I bet he has a king size bed.”

By Lynn.