the summer you noticed me ↠ conrad fisher {1}

f i f t y

"Good-morning!" I grin, shaking the bag of donuts I brought.

I made sure to check with Maria on what I can bring, but I wanted to make a good first impression on the oldest and since she's going through the day with us today she said it was very thoughtful and he would love glazed donuts.

Maria gasps, causing the kids heads to snap in my direction. "What did Mrs. Claire bring you!"

Sammy, the oldest, looks at his Mom. This is the first time we're meeting, and he looks nervous as he slowly inches towards her on the couch. The youngest, who is only eight months is sitting in a rocking swing fast asleep.

"Guys, this is your new babysitter, Claire. Claire this is Sammy and Grace. Claire is going to hang out with you guys a few days a week while Mommy is working upstairs!" Maria says.

Sammy unlatches himself from him Mom, and gives me a quiet smile. "Hi guys, I brought you donuts. Your Mom told me you love glaze?"

Sammy booked it to the kitchen table, and I let out a small laugh. "Guess that's a yes?"

—

"How was work?" Dad asks over the phone. "It's so weird saying that, you're so grown." He teases.

I'm riding my bike home, and Dad had a break in his work schedule today and asked for me to call him. He said he missed me.

"It was awesome. I picked a really good family. Two kids; four and 8 months. The mom was there today, but I think the kids are going to be really good for me. Grace is the younger one and she really is content as long as she's moving. Which makes it easy because they have a rocking swing. Sammy, is quiet. I think he'll open up over time, but I know that he loves dinosaurs."

      "Wow, so you guys will get along great!" Dad laughs. He knows how much I love dinosaurs.

     "I really hope so. I wanted a job, but mainly something to keep me busy. Conrad, Jeremiah, and Steven all are working, and Belly has debutant ball practices. I just don't want to be miserable just trying to keep myself busy, if that makes sense."

     "It makes perfect sense. This isn't a serious job, you shouldn't be miserable doing something to occupy your time. If you love your job, you'll never have to work a day in your life."

     "Do you like your job?" I ask, coming to a stop at a red light.

     "Yes and no. I love being busy, traveling, and frankly I love being in charge. There's a thrill that comes with standing in front of people in boardrooms. You have so many eyes on you that you get so much adrenaline, but all of that comes with a cost. Your Mom did what she did because I wasn't around. I missed a large chunk of your teen years that I'll never get back. I wasn't a good father or husband because of my job."

      "What Mom did wasn't your fault." I argue. "It doesn't matter how distracted you were, she could of ended things rather then cheated." I say. I don't think I'll ever forgive my mom for what she put us through, but mainly my dad.

      "I know, Sweetheart. I wasn't trying to defend her. I just know how—"

      "Nothing, Dad. Your job is the reason we have the life we have. Not having to worry about food, roofs over our head. You gave us everything."

      "When did you get so smart?" He asks, and I can see him with a small smile on his face. I miss him. "How is Conrad?" He asks changing the subject.

     "He's great, I think he's working right now but he asked if he could take me out for dinner tonight!"

      "No boys in the house with no adult," dad says sternly. I grin because little does he know Conrad has basically been living with me all summer. As much as I love my new relationship with my dad, somethings need to be kept a secret.

     "I know, Dad. I'm just about to get home. I need to shower and then get ready for tonight. I'll text you when I get home, okay?"

      "Okay, have fun. Be safe, I love you honey."

     "I love you too, dad. Talk to you later."

      I put my bike in the backyard and go in through the back door. I almost dropped my phone in surprise at what is in front of me.

      Conrad standing in the middle of my living room, surrounded by balloons and candles holding a sign that says 'congratulations on your first job!'