Chapter 19

Ty: Your brother Gabe is identical to Jude but . . . they seem so different. How's that possible?

Indie: Twins are two different people—not clones. But … if you must know, one takes life too seriously, the other one likes to do the opposite of his twin. It's weird, but deep down they're both amazing brothers. So, I take it you picked up Myra from the playdate and now you want gossip? Though I'd love to chat, I'm busy.

Ty: So you say. Your brother said you were just hanging out with your sisters or cousins.

Indie: Girls' weekend is important. So if you have nothing more important to say, let's chat another day.

Ty: I reached out because you never responded to my ‘I landed' message. Also, I wanted to discuss your brothers—it was a shock to see how much he looks like Jude. And this might be overstepping, but why does Cora call him Uncle Gabe—I thought he was her father?

Indie: That's something my brother doesn't share so . . .you'll have to forget about that. Your text . . . I sent you a message before telling you that I had dropped Myra at Gabe's. I think that was plenty of communication between us.

Ty: So we're back to one word texts or ignoring me. Got it. So, if Myra wants to invite Cora for a sleepover . . . How do I handle it?

Indie: Tell her Cora isn't allowed to have or go to sleepovers until she turns seven.

Ty: Is that some shit you're making up or a rule?

Indie: A rule—unless it's to her cousin's house, Cora isn't allowed.

Ty: Should I impose that rule too? At some point Myra will have more friends and what if they invite her to sleep over?

Indie: I don't know . . . Do you want her to go to someone else's house?

Ty: I never thought about it until today.

Indie: Maybe take this slow. She might not be ready either. Start with playdates with friends or . . . I should find you a book. Socializing at a Kindergarten Age.

Ty: I don't think that's a real title. I would've read it by now.

Indie: You read parenting books?

Ty: How do you think she's survived for the past five, almost six years? I didn't have the best example so . . . I had to learn the theory and practice hoping not to fuck her up as much.

Indie: You're a good dad, Ty. Give yourself a little more credit.

Ty: I feel like I'm failing.

Indie: Speaking of she's almost six, what are your plans for her birthday?

Ty: Not sure yet, I still have a month to think about it.

Indie: November 15th is pretty close. If you need help organizing a party, let me know.

Ty: Thank you for the offer. To be honest, we've never celebrated big. We're usually on the road or between games. I usually get her a cake and take pictures.

Indie: Then, we definitely need a party for her. Did your mother ever celebrate her?

Ty: Nope. My mother isn't good at remembering special dates. You're probably right. I'm going to need your help to celebrate her birthday. We can start organizing it next weekend and we can have brunch at your house. You owe us.

Indie: We'll see.

Ty: What about ballet lessons? Myra mentioned something about Cora taking classes and her wanting to do it too.

Indie: I can help you with that and other after-school programs. We can compile a list of activities and places where she can go.

Ty: Cool, I never thought about all that, though I should've. That's exactly how I got into hockey.

Indie: Finally, we're learning more about Mr. Brynes himself. Tell me more.

Ty: That's all you get. I have a little one to attend to and unless you plan on joining us to get our groceries and join us for dinner I'm going to have to leave it at that.

Indie: Talk soon.