Squeeze the Day

🍋E I G H T🍋

"THIS IS UNEXPECTED, though I can't say I'm truly surprised." Shane's lips were in a full blown smirk when he opened the door. He was dressed in red plaid pyjama pants and a grey t-shirt, looking like he was ready for bed. I almost might've felt bad for disturbing him, but he was Shane. I had no pity for him.

I was seriously not in the mood for his antics tonight. "Can you let us in?"

He pretended to think as he tapped his chin. "For a small price."

I tapped my foot impatiently, my arms already numb from carrying Oliver. "Well?"

"A kiss," he said with such a serious expression I was scared he wasn't joking.

I swallowed. "Wh-what?"

Shane shocked me by bursting into my laughter. "Oh my God, your face!"

I felt my cheeks heat up in embarrassment. "Can we come in or not?"

He opened the door wider, granting us entry. I walked past him, using Oliver's little body to shove him in the process. When I felt movement in my arms, I realized he was awake.

"Max..." He began. "Did you get my—"

"Yes," I cut him off. He only asked about the stupid brownie half a dozen times on the walk here.

"Hon, who was at the door?" Cher's voice called out as she descended the staircase. Needless to say, she looked surprised to see us. "Max, is everything alright?"

"I just came to get something." I took a step toward her, somehow managing to lose my footing in the process. My head snapped up as I felt myself falling backwards, Oliver still in my arms. Before I could feel the harsh impact of the ground, a pair of hands grabbed my waist from behind, steadying me.

"I'd rather my house not be a crime scene," Shane taunted. I was taken aback by not only his reflexes, but the fact that he didn't let me tumble to my doom. He seemed sadistic enough to enjoy watching me suffer. What had me even more shocked was when he took Oliver out of my arms.

"Set him down on the couch," Cher instructed. Clearly none of them trusted me with the child. She looked at me expectantly. "What did you come to get this late?"

"I'm so sorry." It didn't dawn upon me that it was mannerless for me to show up unannounced, and I felt bad that I probably disturbed her sleep. "I just came to get my phone. I think I left it in Shane's car."

Cher looked at her son tiredly, waiting for him to confirm or deny. "Yeah, I have it," he answered uncaringly.

"Well, can I have it back?"

"I don't know, can you?"

I gritted my teeth in frustration. If his mom wasn't present, I would've kicked him where it hurt.

"Shane, give Max her phone," Cher said as she held back a yawn.

"You guys are no fun," he said in a bored tone as he handed me my phone.

"I guess we'll be leaving. Sorry for disturbing you."

"You should be," Shane said at the same time Cher said, "Don't worry about it."

I went to the couch where Oliver was sleeping, and I gently nudged his body. "Come on, Ollie. Time to go."

"No," he whined. "I don't wanna get up."

"Oliver," I said in a more strict tone. "Up. Now."

"Don't force it," Cher said. "You two can spend the night here so you don't have to ruin his sleep."