Latest-Hookup smiled in satisfaction, clearly unaware that Blair wasn’t telling the whole truth. Blair forced herself to focus on the conversation (instead of other things) as they ate their meals. She did a good job of it until she felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. She snuck a peek and found that it was a text from Erin. That’s weird. She never texts me after babysitting hours. She brought her phone into view so she could read the text more closely. Before opening it, she smiled at Latest-Hookup. “Sorry. I have to check this. It’s about work.” Since they had yet to discuss their careers, Latest-Hookup had no idea what that meant.

I’m really sorry to bother you on a Friday night, but I was just wondering if Nolan ate anything with you other than the macaroni and cheese today. He’s claiming he didn’t, but he’s also thrown up twice.

Of course this kid chose to keep a secret when his health was on the line. He had an ice cream sandwich. I’m sorry. He’s very persuasive. I had no idea it would make him sick. If I did, I wouldn’t have given it to him. I promise.

Within seconds, Erin’s reply came through. That’s okay. I’m just happy to find out there’s a reason for it. He gets sick if he has too much dairy in one day. After eating my mac and cheese, he really shouldn’t have anything else, especially not an ice cream sandwich :-p. Not your fault though. I forgot to tell you.

Blair’s heart dropped. Erin might not be blaming her, but she still felt bad. Her favorite little boy was throwing up because of a mistake she  made. Is there anything I can do?

Blair didn’t even bother looking up as she waited for Erin’s reply. Luckily, it didn’t take very long to come through. Nope! You’re good! He’ll be fine by the morning.

“Everything okay?” Latest-Hookup asked, her face one of concern when Blair finally looked at her.

“Yeah. All good. Sorry.” She shoved the phone into her pocket, but that didn’t stop her from thinking about Nolan and Erin. They were probably going to have such a hard night, and even if Erin claimed it wasn’t, it really was her fault. “Actually, no. I need to leave and take care of something. I’m sorry.” She quickly stood up and threw more cash on the table than was necessary to pay for the meal. “I hate to run out on you like this, but it really can’t wait. I had a great time though. Truly.”

“Well, if you get done with whatever work thing you have to do and want to meet back up for some fun, just let me know. I’m also free tomorrow night for that.”