I help him pull on pajamas and get under the covers, and I lie down beside him on the small toddler sized bed.

“What was your favorite thing that happened today?”

His little face beams and I know he’s already thought of his answer. “Soccer practice.”

“You did a great job. I’m very proud of you.”

“Do you think Dad will come watch me?”

“I’m not sure, but we can call him tomorrow and invite him.”

He nods vigorously. “What was your favorite thing?”

“I had the most delicious lemon muffin today.” I close my eyes and rub my stomach dramatically which makes Christian giggle.

“That’s silly.”

“Alright, buddy. I love you. Get some sleep.”

“Night, Mom.”

As I close his bedroom door, I let out a real sigh, feeling content for the first time all day. I did it. I survived another day. Maybe that seems melodramatic, but motherhood is rough. Going it alone doesn’t make me feel all independent woman and tough. It makes me feel tired and older than I am.

I grab the mystery box and bring it to the couch. I turn on the TV and pull up an old Saved by the Bell episode for background noise before I finally tear into the package.

The first thing that hits me is the fragrance. Peppermint, cedar, and leather. I’ve had months to pick apart the smells of Joel and as I pull away the tissue paper, it’s his scent that floats out with the thin white sheets. I reach in eagerly and pull out two large blue bottles. Shampoo and conditioner?

I hold the bottles in front of my face completely stumped. Why the heck would he send me… Oh my God. When it hits me, I can’t help but swoon a little. One of the first excuses I ever gave him was that I needed to wash my hair. Two points for originality. Flipping the top on the shampoo, I inhale. It smells amazing. This didn’t come from a department store. It looks and smells too expensive. Okay, fine, three points.

Me: Thank you for the shampoo and conditioner this will come in handy the next time I need to blow you off.

Joel: You’re welcome. Also, just a thought, another plan could be you wash your hair, get dressed up and let me take you to dinner? Araceli’s Thursday seven o’clock?

Me: I can’t.

Joel: You really can’t or you’re blowing me off again?

Me: Really can’t. I don’t have a sitter.

Joel: I am sure I could find someone for that.

Me: I’m sort of picky about who I let watch him. He’s only stayed with family at night.

Joel: And family can’t watch him Thursday?

Me: No.

Two long minutes pass and I assume he’s given up.

Joel: Alright then we’re doing this another way. Tomorrow night seven o’clock. Virtual date. You don’t even have to leave your apartment.

Me: Virtual date?

Joel: Details to come. See ya at seven, Kitty.