Brief Encounters

Part 32

Before William came into my life, before every move I made became a subject of speculation, Idina's apartment had been my sanctuary. It wasn't grand or meticulously curated, but that was the point. It was lived-in, cozy in a way that felt effortless-like stepping into the kind of home you didn't realize you craved until you were there.

We had this rhythm, Idina and I, built on years of knowing each other in ways that only people who've shared the same backstage chaos could. She'd been there when I landed my first role, celebrating with cheap champagne and a playlist of Broadway classics. She'd also been there when I flubbed my big audition for a dream part, handing me a pint of ice cream and the kind of advice only someone who'd been through it all herself could give.

Back then, we didn't need a reason to meet up. A random Tuesday night could turn into an impromptu sleepover, complete with wine and a marathon of old musicals we could quote by heart.

Coming back to Idina's apartment now felt like slipping into an old pair of shoes: familiar, comfortable, and grounding.

I set down my bag just as a high-pitched voice rang out from the other room. "Jeanna!"

Walker came tearing into the living room, his little legs moving faster than seemed possible. Before I could react, he threw his arms around my legs in an enthusiastic hug. "You're here!"

"I'm here," I said, laughing as I ruffled his already-messy hair. His hair was softer than I remembered, and it carried the faint scent of the berry-scented shampoo Idina always used for him. "And you've gotten taller since I last saw you!"

It wasn't just a passing remark. He really had grown. The last time I'd seen Walker, his hugs barely reached above my knees, and now here he was, looking up at me with that same boundless energy but a touch more self-assuredness in his stance. Kids grow fast-that's what everyone says-but seeing it in real time, with someone I cared about, was something else entirely.

I couldn't help but think about how much had changed since then. It wasn't just Walker who was growing; life seemed to be moving at double speed for everyone around me. Idina was juggling motherhood and her career with a grace I could only admire, while I was trying to keep my own balance in a world that felt more demanding every day.

Walker, oblivious to the whirlwind of adulthood, tugged at my hand, his grin wide enough to melt the most hardened heart. For him, life was simple-colorful drawings, bedtime stories, and the occasional magic of thinking his "aunt Jeanna" could actually fly.

"Mommy said you were coming!" he announced proudly, looking up at me with wide eyes. "Did you bring the bubble?"

Idina leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed and a smirk on her face. "I told him you probably left it at the theater, but he's convinced it's portable."

"Ah, well," I said, "The bubble's very special-it only works on stage. But next time you visit, I'll let you see it up close, okay?"

"Promise?" he asked, holding up his pinky.

"Pinky promise," I said, linking mine with his.

For a moment, I let myself sink into his uncomplicated world. It felt good to be here, to be present for the little milestones, even if they weren't my own. Because somehow, in the middle of all the chaos, Walker's growth felt like a reminder: not everything moves too fast to hold onto.

Idina raised an eyebrow at me. "You realize you've just committed yourself to a full backstage tour, right?"

"Worth it," I said, smiling as I stood up. "He's grown so much since the last time I saw him."

"Too fast," she agreed, her tone softening. "And somehow, he's managed to become an even bigger Aunt Jeanna fan. He tells everyone his 'aunt Jeanna' can fly."

Before Idina could say more, a familiar voice came from the hallway. Tyson, her husband, appeared in the doorway, tall and easygoing as always, with a smile that could make anyone feel at home. He walked over and scooped Walker into his arms with practiced ease.

"Alright, buddy, time to hit the hay," Tyson said, ruffling Walker's hair as the boy giggled.

"But Daddy," Walker protested, already trying to wiggle free. "Jeanna just got here!"

"And Jeanna will be here the next time you wake up," Tyson replied, his tone patient but firm. "Come on now, let's get you to bed."

Walker pouted but ultimately relented, resting his head on Tyson's shoulder as they headed toward his room. "Goodnight, Aunt Jeanna!" he called out sleepily, his voice trailing off as they disappeared down the hall.

I waved after him, feeling a warmth I couldn't quite explain. "Goodnight, Walker," I said softly.

Idina sighed, plopping down onto the couch beside me and grabbing the bottle of wine. She poured two generous glasses, handing one to me before taking a sip from her own. "It's like we just put him to bed yesterday, and now he's almost as tall as me."

I laughed, settling into the cushions. "Don't let him hear you say that-he'll take it as a challenge."

"Knowing him, he'd climb a ladder just to prove me right," she said with a shake of her head.

Idina leaned back, swirling her wine thoughtfully. "Feels like old times."

"It really does," I agreed, taking a sip. "I've missed this-missed you."

She gave me a knowing look. "You've been busy. And not just with work."

I smiled faintly, staring into my glass. "Yeah, life's... different now."