One

WE WERE QUITE THE CREW at the Gala opening of PCAD’s student exhibition. I’d walked in with two little boys and eight stunning women. We were head-turners, for sure, but we happened to stumble in just as art critic Bob Bowers was talking to a group about our paintings. It wasn’t just about my painting. He pointed out the great interplay between it and Kate’s charcoal.

When I looked at my eyes in Kate’s drawing, I could see all the depression, the hope, the love, and the doubt I’d experienced this year. Standing where I was, I could even see her reflected in my eyes. Beneath the eyes were the shadowy shape of two fingers, pointing to them. “Look here,” they seemed to say.

I might have stood there for an hour with an arm wrapped around Kate and the rest of our entourage near us if it hadn’t been for the small voice that broke through the surrounding din.

“Mommy, I feel sick.”

With four little words our evening went to hell. They were barely out of Damon’s mouth before dinner followed them. Lissa bent to take care of him as I ran to the janitor’s closet for cleanup supplies. Mop, bucket, rags, water, and some of that foul-smelling cleanser that’s guaranteed to make anyone sick who isn’t already.

Allison managed to step out of the way of her “date” quickly enough to avoid getting anything on her. Lissa rushed Damon to the restroom and I got back to the exhibit in time to hear Drew say, “Meddy...” and then throw up in the opposite direction. Amy was not as lucky as Allison and found herself standing in a liquid lake. Melody carried Drew to the ladies’ room as I flung rags onto the mess on the floor.

“Oh god, I feel...” Amy looked faint and Sonia slipped in beside her to prop her up. Before she walked away, I managed to lift each of her feet and thoroughly wipe her shoes and toes. Sonia motioned for Allison to help her and the trio moved out of the room rapidly. I looked around. Kate had gone with Melody, so my selection of assistants had instantly been reduced to Sandra and Bree.

Bree took one look, said, “Gah-ross!” and walked away. I was surprised to find Sandra down on her knees in her evening gown, mopping up the rags and dumping them in a plastic bag. I grabbed the mop and started quickly cleaning the floor.

“Sandra, you don’t have to do that. You’re all dressed up. I can take care of it.”

“I’ve got five little brothers and sisters,” Sandra answered. “I’m used to cleaning up this kind of shit. We’ll have it all taken care of in a few minutes.”

About that time Jack arrived.

“You’re a little over-dressed for janitorial work, Tony,” he said.

“Jack! You just missed the excitement. Both boys just threw up.” He went pale.

“Where are they? Are they all right?”

“Women’s room with Lissa and Melody,” I said. Jack was gone in a flash.

Sandra and I finished cleaning up the floor and put out a “Wet Floor/Piso Mojado” sign. I wheeled the cleanup supplies back to the closet. We didn’t bother trying to rinse the rags, but just tied the garbage bag shut and I took it out back to the dumpster while Sandra held the door open so I wouldn’t get locked out. The whole thing had only taken about ten minutes and we headed for the restroom.

Crying boys, girls in formals, two guys in tuxes. You get the idea. It was chaos. The poor little guys were bad and getting worse.

“Jack, we need to get them to the doctor. Damon is burning up with a fever. How could I have missed him getting sick?”

“Both of them,” Jack said. “We should head to Children’s.”

“We’ve got the limo outside. We can take you,” I offered. Damon had grabbed one of my hands as soon as I walked through the door. Jack was holding Drew, but the younger boy hadn’t let go of Melody.

“We’ll take my car,” Jack said. “That way you aren’t stranded.”

“It’s okay. Melody and I will come with you,” I argued. Jack turned to me.

“Listen, Tony. I appreciate your help and Melody’s quick actions, too. But it’s a big night for you and you shouldn’t leave the party before it’s even started.”

“But...”

“Tony,” Jack spoke sharply, “these are Lissa’s and my kids. It’s our responsibility, not yours.” I stepped back, about ready to blast him. How dare he insinuate that I didn’t care? Lissa was my girlfriend, not his wife.

“Sweetheart,” Lissa said, “Jack’s right. I know how much you and Melody love Damon and Drew, but this is something their parents need to take care of and you should be out with your friends. Don’t forget, you’re leaving Sunday and everyone will be gone for the summer long before you get back. Help us get the boys to the car and then come back and enjoy yourselves. I’ll let you know as soon as we find out what’s going on.”

I bit back my response. Lissa didn’t need another little boy to distract her. She needed a man. Her husband. I picked up Damon in my arms and carried him to the car. Melody extracted the promise that they’d call as soon as they knew what was going on.

Melody and I walked back into the gallery. Other than the yellow sign on the floor and a lingering smell of disinfectant, the party was going on as normal. I caught a glimpse of Bob Bowers entertaining his group in front of the mural and supposed that Jack was right. I should introduce myself. We spotted our remaining dates in a corner by the punch bowl, listening avidly to Allison.

Chapter 2 »