Part 12

Our weekend passed rather quickly because the kids had one sport or another the whole damn time. We didn’t go out on either Friday or Saturday night, which was the standard routine for us anyway. The work week didn’t start off much better as we were all kind of busy. On Monday, Mica came to watch the kids, but Judy wasn’t home because she had to pick up our daughter from school and take her directly to her piano lesson across town. I had meetings all day, and I barely got home in time to let Mica go, which was just before Judy got home as well.

The same basic scenario played out on Mica’s next scheduled work day (Wednesday), with the exception that Judy got home before me after picking up our son from baseball practice. When I got home, Judy and Mica were sitting out by the pool drinking iced tea while the kids played. I popped my head out of the back door and said hello to everyone, and then went to my office to get organized after my meetings.

Just before 5pm, I heard the doorbell ring, and knowing this time that everyone was still outside, I got up and answered the door. Delia was standing there, which made me wonder if Judy and I had some kind of date or event tonight that I had forgotten about. I said to her, “hello Delia, come on in. I’m sorry, but I just got home from a busy day and I can’t remember if Judy and I are going out tonight.” Delia replied, “Oh, I got off a little early from work today and thought I might drop by. Is that okay?”

I led Delia into the kitchen and explained that everyone else was outside and asked if she wanted some iced tea. She said, “Sure, that would be great” and after I poured her a glass we both went to the back to join everyone else. Judy introduced Mica and Delia to each other and I couldn’t help but notice an icy vibe directed by Delia to Mica. Mica might have noticed it as well and looked at her watch and announced that it was 5pm and then asked if we needed anything before she left. Judy said we had it under control and Mica gathered up her bag and left for the evening.

Delia said, “So, that’s the new sitter, huh? I heard you guys hired her. Does that mean you’re not going to use me on weekends any longer?” If I had been drinking iced tea, I would have spit it right out. Before I could respond, Judy calmly (much more calmly than I would have been) and smoothly said to Delia “Mica is just helping out a few days a week when the kids get home. I know that you have a day job, so I never thought to see if you’d be interested.” Delia clarified her earlier comments by saying “No, I couldn’t work afternoons, but I try to be available on weekends as long as I’m not already booked. That’s why it’s good when you can give me a few weeks notice.” Judy said “We’re really happy with you and your services, so don’t worry about Mica. If you’re unavailable on a weekend, then we might see if Mica can sit for us, but it just wouldn’t be the same.” We all kind of chuckled as the tension dissolved.

Delia then said, “speaking of that, how has ‘that’ been going? Any better?” She looked at Judy and laughingly asked “Do you trust Tom with Mica running around in those little shorts and tanned legs?” I spoke up trying to stifle some nervous laughter “Me? Maybe Mica should be worried about Judy!” Judy blushed a little bit and I said, “Getting back to your question, yes, things do seem to be improving around here.