Worthy (Part 2)

Rain and Movies

I woke up early today to clean up a little for Ellas play date.

This is the first time we've ever had new friends over.

I'd never brought a woman home. Ever. Not that this counted, Charley was only coming to make sure I wasn't kidnapping her kid. But, I was still nervous.

We were out in the garage getting everything we needed for fishing when the girls pulled up.

Charley was in shorts, and a black top that made her hair seem brighter, and boots.

Ella ran over to hug Danny the second she got out of the car.

Ella: Daddys gettin fishin stuff, you can use my Frozen pole, its my favorite. It has Elsa on it.

Me: Baby, why don't you go get Danny your other pair of boots to wear?

Her eyes got all big and excited

Ella: I can show you my room!

They ran off, leaving Charley and I in awkward silence.

She walked over and glanced at the fishing pole choices

Charley: Is there catfish in there?

Me: I'm not sure there's anything in there.

I chuckled. We had gone fishing billions of times and never caught a thing, but Ella always wanted to try.

Charley: Why do you have a catfishing pole?

Huh...She knew her poles.

What? That sounded dirty. I needed to stop hanging out with Tyler.

Me: My dad has a boat, sometimes we take it out, and I use that.

She nodded and looked around the garage like she was making an escape plan.

Happy came casually strolling out of the house, into the garage and sat at Charleys feet. He looked up at her with a smile and a "why aren't you petting me" face, she smiled back at him.

Me: That's Happy.

She scratched his ears, and the girls came running back in.

We went around back and hopped on the Four wheeler, Ella on my lap, Danny on Charleys. I was sure to go slow despite Ella begging me to go faster. I didn't want Charley to think I would endanger her child.

Charley got Danny set up with her pole while I got Ella set up with hers...It was a weird feeling...

Parenting next to a parent who was also parenting? I don't know....

We fished until the girls were bored, which wasn't long. And headed back, just in time for the pizza guy.

Ella was having such a great time with her friend. Charley still seemed a little uncomfortable, but I knew she was happy Danny was happy. She seemed like a good mom like that.

While we were eating, it started POURING outside.

Like lightning, thunder, "I gotta go Julia, we got cows" kinda storming.

Every time it thundered, the girls would jump and giggle

Charley and I were looking out the back sliding glass door

Charley: We should probably go before it gets any worse.

My heart slammed against my chest, my breath got caught in my throat, and my hands got clammy. Before I could stop the words, they just tumbled out of my mouth.

Me: NO.

Charley looked at me like I had grown an extra head. I didn't blame her. I was surprised by my outburst too.