The day went quickly after that. I had two appointments, both of which were with regulars. Regulars are ideal. You know what they want, they know what they want, you give it to them, they zip their pants. Money in the bank. It’s the new ones that require the extra time and attention. They’re so needy and every “I swear I’ve never done this before” speech is the same after a couple years. No, you’ve never done this before, but I guarantee you’ll do it again. I’ve never had a client that didn’t come back for more.

The house was empty when I returned and I quickly ran upstairs to shower. But as soon as the slinky black dress I had been wearing pooled around my feet, my cell phone rang from inside the mess that was my purse and I ran to answer it.

“Hello,” I said into the mouthpiece as I collapsed across my bread, out of breath from my haste.

“Spence, it’s me.”

“Glen?”

“Yeah, remember me? Your brother? We were raised in the same house…share some DNA…”

“I get it, I get it. This is a new number then, right?”

“I had to change my old one.”

“Why?”

“Long story.”

“Well, listen. I was about to jump in the shower. Can I call you back?”

“I promise. This will only take a second.”

“What is it, Glen?”

“I’m going out of town for a couple days and I really need a sitter for Madeline.”

“Why can’t mom or dad do it?”

“Mom’s working nights right now and Dad is totally swamped at his office.”

“And what makes you think I’m available to babysit?” I ask, looking at my watch.

“I’m just asking Spencer. I’m not assuming anything.”

“Glen, you know I’d love to do it. I haven’t seen Madeline in months, but I’m pretty swamped at work myself.”

“You know, it’s moments like this that make me wish I wasn’t a single parent. Alright, well I’ll ask Clay. He and Chelsea might be free. I mean, they’re pretty boring, right?”

“I’m so not answering that.”

“Whatever. When am I going to see you?” he asked, sounding like he might actually miss his once annoying little sister.

“I’ll try to make it to the house next week. But I can’t promise anything.”