Chapter 9
Tobias
“Don’t shake your head. And stop with the guppy-out-of-water thing. We’re going out tonight. Sort of one last hurrah before the TV crew starts filming on Monday. Go get a shower because, frankly, you stink.”
Neely blushes as I stare at the questionable stain on her shirt. TJ must have spit up on her again. She looks deranged. Her glasses are so smudged, I’m amazed she can see out of them. She’s also only wearing one sock on the toes of her left foot while drowning in a pair of basketball shorts that look suspiciously like the pair I was looking for the day before yesterday.
“I-I can’t go out. I have TJ, and I am not taking a baby into a bar. What would people think? Besides, he just got out of the hospital.” Neely gives me a worried look that clearly says idiot as she lifts him from his bouncer and cuddles him against her chest.
I pinch the bridge of my nose. I knew this wasn’t going to be easy. I don’t know how anal she was with him before I met her, but since TJ got sick, Neely’s done nothing but hover and stress out over the littlest things since I moved them in with me. Not that I haven’t enjoyed the time together, getting to know both of them. My house has never been cleaner or smelled so good.
“Neely, TJ has been out of the hospital for three weeks. He’s doing great since the blue light therapy, and they figured out a formula that works. He’ll be fine for a few hours.”
“A few hours? Tobias, we can’t leave him home on newspaper in the bathroom like he’s a puppy for crying out loud!”
When TJ begins to fuss, I pluck him out of her arms.
“Hey!”
“Now you’re being ridiculous. You are not getting out of going. You need a break, and so does he. I’ve lined up a sitter to keep him overnight, so we won’t disturb him when we get home.” Turning away, I smile against TJ’s soft little cheek. Three… two… one…
“You did w-what?! Y-You expect me to trust some random stranger to look after my baby while I go have a good time? I cannot believe you. Give him to me, right now!”
I wince at the decibel of her screech. TJ’s bottom lip juts out, but I’m able to soothe him by whispering nonsense about how silly his momma is being. When he settles, I turn to Neely.
“Do you trust me?” She nods, albeit there is hesitation in the movement. “Connie is a registered nurse with years of experience. I’ve known her all my life. She’s also Brady’s mom, and Brady is back in Wintervale for his rotation. He’ll be available if needed. It’ll be okay, okay?”
“All right.”
“Good, we’re dropping TJ off in an hour, so that means you have less than fifty minutes to get ready… and try to put on something cute besides my shorts while you’re at it.”
“An hour? Are you crazy?”