"That's so great!" Penelope cheered, clapping her hands and hugging Evan lovingly. He had just acquired a new skill: waving. Raising a child with autism is so incredibly difficult, but it makes those little milestones so much more rewarding. Evan was diagnosed when he was 3, so the fact that he was learning more and more each day two years later was great. He'd just recently began using PECS communication cards appropriately, making life even easier for us.
Evan giggled, skipped over to the couch and hopped on. He was always so happy. I glanced at the clock above Penelope's TV. It was almost 8 pm. Spencer would be here soon. It had been just over a week since the last Doctor Who marathon. Penelope said the team had been called away on a case, so we postponed watching until Spencer could join. I was honestly excited to see him again.
"You keep glancing at the clock," Penelope smirked at me. I rolled my eyes, smiling at her.
"I can't help it! He's just so pretty," I whined and she laughed.
"You should totally ask for his number," she suggested and I shook my head. "Why not?"
"Because I'm too chicken too, that's why." I stated before there was a light knock on the door.
"That's him," Penelope smiled and walked to her front door. I took a deep breath and glanced down at my clothing. I had worn something a little nicer this time. I was wearing my favorite skinny jeans, ballet flats and a cute baseball tee. I'd made sure to straighten my blonde hair, too.
"Hi," his soft voice greeted me once he came around the corner and into the living room. He looked amazing. He wore a lavender button up shirt, sleeves rolled up, a tie, dark slacks and converse. His hair was messy and I fought the urge to run my fingers through it.
"Hi," I smiled back, feeling anxious. I hated feeling so overwhelmed by a man. This man.
"Hey buddy," Spencer greeted Evan, squatting in front of the couch so that he could make eye contact with him.
"He just learned to wave," Penelope announced and Spencer smiled before waving to Evan, who waved back.
"Nice work, kid!" Spencer praised Evan, who giggled proudly. It seriously warmed my heart to see Spencer interacting with my son by choice. Most people will say hi, but not attempt to force an interaction, then ignore Evan altogether.
We watched a few episodes of Doctor Who before I needed to leave to put Evan to sleep. He had school in the morning, and I had work.
"Thanks for having us over again," I told Penelope while holding a sleepy Evan.
"Of course! We need to do something tomorrow night, since it's Friday." She declared and I nodded.
"Definitely," I smiled before turning towards Spencer. "It was nice seeing you again."
Spencer blushed slightly and cleared his throat. "You too."
"Goodnight guys," I stated before heading to my place. I was just starting to unlock my door when Spencer walked out of Penelope's place.
"Uh... Kristin?" He asked softly.
"Yeah?" I replied, fumbling with the keys while holding Evan.
"Need help?" Spencer asked and I laughed lightly.
"Yes please," I said, handing him the keys. I stepped aside and he unlocked my door for me. "Thanks." I walked into my place and Spencer stood just inside my door while I laid a now sleeping Evan in his bed. After tucking him in, I walked back out to my doorway.
"You um... would you like to uh... we can hang out sometime, if you want to," he stammered out, clearly nervous. As his sentence went on, the flush in his cheeks grew. I couldn't help the smile that formed on my face. God, Spencer was so freaking adorable.
"That would be awesome," I replied and he seemed relieved. "Let me give you my number."
"Okay," he said, fumbling in his pocket before pulling out his phone. I took his phone from him, entering my number in it. "I'll uh, call you." He smiled at me briefly, still seeming a little anxious.
"Sounds good," I smiled. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Kristin," Spencer replied before leaving my apartment and returning to Penelope's. I was definitely going to ask her what she thought about Spencer's behavior tomorrow. I shut my door and did a little happy dance. He wants to hang out. With me! I know I just officially got divorced a couple of months ago, but I like him. I wonder if he's talked about me to Penelope? I cannot wait till he calls me.
