36 SIGNS
FINN
When I get home from work, there are signs of Aimee all over my house. Every fucking light in the house is on. The furnace is turned up way too high. And the smell of something cooking permeates the air.
I kick my shoes off and set them in the shoe cubby.
I had to work late and Aimee offered to pick up Vivian from soccer. When I pulled into the driveway, I was struck by how snug the house looked. Usually, when I get home, it looks cold and lifeless. But tonight, the windows glowed and it somehow seemed, I don’t know, lively somehow.
“Aimee?” I call out as I walk through the house. The living room is empty. But there are signs of Aimee there, too. Particularly, in the way the throw pillows have been mashed into the cushions. When she sits on the couch, she likes to build a little nest around her body. The improper use of throw pillows makes me twitchy. But it’s fucking adorable.
I walk down the hallway, expecting to round the corner and find her doing something unexpected in my kitchen. But when I round the corner, I’m greeted by the sight of Vivian. She’s perched at the bar, pouring over a school book. Her hair is set into French braids.
“Hey, Viv.” I give one of her braids a gentle tug.
“Oh hey,” Vivian says, barely glancing up from what appears to be homework.
“I like the hair.”
“Thanks.” She throws a braid over her shoulder. “Aimee did it.”
I shake my head and smile. Of course she did.
“What’s that smell?” I ask, lifting my nose to the air.
“Aimee made dinner.” Without looking up from her book, Vivian gestures to a casserole dish on the stove. Bless that fucking woman. Like I said, she’s left little signs of herself all over my house. All over my life. All over my heart. Why isn’t she here ?
“Where is she?” I ask, glancing into the empty TV room off the kitchen.
“She had to go,” Vivian says. She turns the page and her gaze rises to the top of the textbook.
My chest deflates a little. I prop my hands on my hips and eye the casserole dish that’s been thoughtfully covered with foil. There’s not a single dirty dish in the sink.
I don’t have to cook tonight. I don’t have to clean. I’m not entirely sure what to do with myself. I’ve gotten so used to her being here. This doesn’t feel right. I don’t like it.
But also. I’m noticing Laurel’s absence less and less. And I’m not sure how to feel about that.
“So,” I glance at Vivian, “what do you think about her? About Aimee?”
“She’s cool.” Vivian’s gaze doesn’t falter from her textbook.
“Yeah,” I say. “She’s cool.” She’s very cool.
“So.” I lean against the counter and cross my legs. “Want to go outside and shoot hoops before dinner?”
Vivian’s attention snaps up from her book. “Wait. Seriously?” she asks.
“Yeah, sure,” I say. “Just gotta change.”
Vivian’s eyes widen and she flashes a giant mouth full of braces at me as she slams her book shut. “Meet you outside!”
Finn
Hey, darling. Thanks for dinner.
Aimee
Don’t burn it.
Finn
Come on. It’s me.
Aimee
Point made.
Finn
Brat. You want to come over later?
Aimee
Alicia and I are having girls night! I’m two glasses in. I’m trying not to brag about how good you are with your tongue.
Finn
Aimee. Christ. You better not. I have to see your sister at PTA meetings.
Aimee
I know. That’s why I’m talking about your penis instead.
Finn
Aimee!…You better be saying something good.
Aimee
Kidding. Or am I? *Winky face emoji*
Finn
Come here and let me put you over my lap.
Aimee
Tempting…I might be able to stop by later.
Finn
Nah, enjoy girls’ night. I can share you. For one night. I think. Just text me before bed and flash me through the window.
Aimee
Have you been a good boy?
Finn
Never.
Aimee
Can I come over tomorrow night?
Finn
Ma’s making me host family dinner. I can never get the assholes to leave at a decent hour.
Aimee
She’s making you?
Finn
If you knew my mom, you’d understand.
Aimee
Ok, then…afternoon quickie?
Finn
I don’t plan on being quick with you.