Right Next Door

Chapter 11

Aaron

“Miss Dawson gave me a gold star for the day,” Aaron yelled as Maggie buckled him into the car seat.

“That’s great, buddy. I’m so proud of you.”

The little boy fiddled with the kaleidoscope he’d made in class that afternoon. “Mom can we see if Mr. Brandon can come over and have pizza with us?”

“I will text him to see if he has plans, Squirt. It’s pretty short notice so don’t get your hopes up.”

“Alright, I won’t. But it would be awesome if he could come over. Maybe he would like to play in the backyard with me and Dolly.”

“Maybe so, but first we need a nap when we get home, right?” He met eyes with his mom in the little mirror at the front of the car.

“Ugh, I guess so! But make sure you text him and tell him I want him to come over, OK?” He pleaded with his mom and then switched gears to read the book she’d tucked in to the side of his chair. “Can we have ice cream tonight? I’m hungry!”

  

Maggie

Maggie: Aaron’s asking if you would like to have pizza with us tonight…I’m asking too.

As she waited on a response from Brandon, Maggie tucked Aaron into bed for his afternoon nap and then gathered up clothes from his room to start a load of laundry. About 45 minutes later her phone chirped with a text alert.

Brandon: Only if there’s extra pepperoni and I can pick the movie.

His response made Maggie smile, and she thought carefully about a message back to him.

Maggie: LOADS of pepperoni if you’re good. :) I’ll let you deal with Aaron on the movie. Bring ice cream and he’ll let you do whatever you want.

Brandon: …I’ll be good. Maybe. What flavor?

A slight shift on the couch woke her up but she was so disoriented she couldn’t gauge her surroundings. The credits of the movie were rolling and she saw a tall figure carrying Aaron into the hallway.

“Wait. Brandon-,” she whispered but he ignored her.

By the time she made it to the other end of the hallway she could see Brandon gently bending over her son, making sure the sheet was lying loosely over his shoulders. She saw him smooth Aaron’s hair down and pause before standing and quietly walking out of the bedroom. 

Turning, Maggie decided to give Brandon a little room in the dark hallway but waited for him at the other end near the opening to the living room. 

“Thank you. I hadn’t realized I’d fallen asleep.” She leaned against the wall, unintentionally blocking his exit out of the hall.

“Don’t mention it.” He looked nervous, rubbing his palms together and exhaling in a rush. 

“I had a great time today. I’m sure Aaron did, too.” Now he was mirroring her stance against the wall in front of her.

“Me too,” he responded quietly. “Maggie?”

“Yea?” She tilted her head and leaned forward slightly, starting to think something was wrong. A second later his hand was curved around her neck and he was kissing her. 

Brandon

Brandon hadn’t felt this good in a long time. Things were going great with Maggie and he had almost completed all of his house projects in between paying gigs with his dad.