We get home and I'm a little stressed, but why?
I know Tuc. We've met, he's great! Why am I so stressed about meeting him? I decided I should just calm down and draw. Not feeling particularly apt to ask for some paper, I look to sketchbook on my iPad. I switch it on and there were the usual notifications; a spam email from Pinterest, a calendar reminder that Father's Day is tomorrow, a text from a discord chat-
Father's day?!
Oh crap!
I don't have a gift or anything for Andrew or Tuc and it's not like I can go get something without asking.
I was absolutely devastated, crying alone in my room, while Andrew watched real house wives in the living room, and panicking about what to do in order to not get given back.
Okay think, think. I could draw them something? No, no that's dumb. I could do something for him, like sort his closet? No it's definitely perfect already I mean, he's Andrew Rannells.
I could.. think... BAKE! I can bake! Okay. I'll talk to Tuc when he gets here and ask him to take him for lunch and I can watch the kids and- no he wouldn't leave his kids on Father's Day. I'll have him take them too so I just stay home. No that'd be weird too... I'll fake sick, Perfect! I'll say it was those fries, even though it definitely wasn't.
With my perfect plan in place the only thing left to do was delete that email, respond to the group chat, and find an amazing recipe!
-
The next day rolled on in and I was ready. I slept in until 10, since it was such a comfy bed. I heard Andrew on a video call in his office so I made sure to be quiet until he finished.
He came out about 20 minutes later and knocked at my door. "Come in!" I shouted, trying my best to sound just the right amount of sick.
Entering he said, " good morning Riley, Tuc should be here in 10 minutes with the kids. They'll be staying for the week, leaving on Saturday. Oh and there's cereal in the pantry so let me know if you need anything." He said and went to exit my room.
"Actually!...Andrew," he turned back to face me. "I don't think those fries agreed with me too much, I'm feeling pretty sick. I think it's just a stomach bug though, nothing contagious." I gave him my best puppy dog eyes to seal the deal and he bought it, bringing me water and crackers, telling me to stay in bed until I felt better, and not to worry about the company.
I was in business!
-
I heard the door open and an eruption of hello's flooded the foyer. I got out of bed and my room, and went down stairs.
"Hey, Riley! Great to see you!" Tuc gleamed as I descended.
"Are you sure you should be up?" Andrew asked, and explained my bilious state.
"I just wanted to say hi," I insisted.
"Riley," Tuc started. "These are my twins, Catchen and Curtis! Guys," he turned to them. "This is Riley, Andrew adopted her!"
"Oh my gosh," Catchen.
"Woah, your so tall," Curtis.
"How old are you?" they broke out at the same time.
"Hey guys, I'm 14," I laugh. "It's nice to meet you!"
"We're ten," Curtis.
"You too!" Catchen.
"I can tell we're gunna be great friends," do they only talk in chunks like this?
"Hey, Curt, Catch, why don't you guys go bring your suitcases up?"
"Come on, I'll help!" Andrew egged on. The three of them left, leaving Tuc and I alone in the foyer.
"Hey, Tuc?" I said feeling all that nervousness come flooding back.
"Ya!" He replied happy to talk.
"First, happy Father's Day-" I granted, getting it out of the way.
"Thank you!" He thanked sincerely.
"Second, I wanted to surprise Andrew but it's not like that comes easy in my current situation, so I was hoping to bake something. For this, however, I need your help. Could you suggest you all go to lunch and I'll stay home because I'm 'sick'?" Again with the puppy dog eyes.
"Aw Riley, that's really sweet! Of course I'll help!"
"Ow, thank you so much Tuc!" I beamed, giving him a good hug.
Just than, Andrew came down stairs and I let go.
Oh ya, it's all coming together!
