WHO: Xo Valdez Munroe and Euphemia Hayes WHEN: 5/21, evening WHERE: The Hayes and Ardente SUMMARY: Xo pays back the Hayes for watching Olly while she was lost in the storm. Part: Effie WARNINGS: It’s pretty tame
“Okay, knock on the door.” Xo smiled as her son leaned forward in her arms to knock. One rap, two, and then a third. “Okay, now we keep quiet till she answers the door.”
It had all been worked out. Did she feel a little guilty about asking Hugo to watch Olly when they already had? Sure, but she had her own plans for thanking Hugo. And Hugo had said yes, so technically she was at no fault at all.
Euphemia’s heels announced her presence before she did, the rhythmic, click, click, click stopping for one, two, three seconds before the door itself clicked and opened.
She had mastered the art of smiling with her eyes, though her lips remained neutral.
“Hello, Xo. Oliver.” She stepped to the side instinctively, giving them space to come in.
“Auntie Efmia!” Olly leaned forward trying to switch arms only to be thwarted by Xo setting him down on the ground.
“You know the plan, bear. Go find Uncle Hugo.” she straightened up and grinned. “Oh good, you’re already in heels.”
Euphemia turned her head so that she could follow Olly as he entered her house, skipping out of his shoes and almost falling over but catching himself before her eyes snapped back to Xo, narrowing suspiciously. “Explain yourself.”
“Weeeeeeeell.” Xo dragged on before stepping in just enough to loop her arm around one of Euphemia’s. Sure it was a surprise but it was only half a surprise. Which mean, logically, Effie would only get half as mad! “I’m taking you out!”
“Taking me out where, exactly?” Terse though her voice was, Euphemia did not move save for her head, as her voice rose to ensure husband could hear, “Does Hugo know about this?”
“Not far. Just out! To the great sights of fall city.” Xo ran her hand out before them as if gesturing to all the amazing sights they would see. “And he knows enough to watch Olly.”
Euphemia exhaled soundly out of her nose. Relief, maybe. It was a surprise, but it wasn’t extravagant. To stay within the confines of Fall City meant it did not have to be a late night.
“Let me get my purse.”
“It's my treat so keep that in mind!” Xo squeezed Effies arm before releasing her. No meltdown, so that was a good start.
“Dinner was lovely, but I’ll remind you that it was absolutely unnecessary. I’m happy to watch Oliver. You know that.” Euphemia had insisted on leaving the tip, at least, and did so with generosity. She scarcely paused before she continued, “If you would like to come back to my house for wine?”
“That doesn't mean you shouldn't get rewarded for going above and beyond.” Xo reminded helpfully. She hadn't fought the tip because Euphemia was independent and stubborn and it was just not worth the argument. “You know I never say no to wine. But I was thinking of swinging by Amita’s to see if you wanted to pick something new up?”
“It wasn’t going above and beyond.” Euphemia rose from her chair, fitfully sliding it back under the table. She took pause at Xo’s suggestion, staring at her quietly until, finally, a head tilt and an eyebrow raise. “Are you trying to woo me, Xiomara?”
“It was too. It was an emergency situation and you and Hugo handled it. And I'm really grateful.” It seemed simple enough to babble the explanation while Effie fiddled with her chair. But her head tipped back in a laugh before she went to Effie’s side to sweep her arm into hers, which Euphemia allowed. “If I'd wanted to, Hugo wouldn't even have a chance.”