One week later, Olivia sat in Fitz driveway. He wasn't home, and she was calling him again. He wanted to keep Karen every day after school. They both worked 7:00 to 3:00. He said paying for aftercare was a waste of money. He could keep Karen until 7:00. That would give Olivia enough time to grocery shop, cook dinner, clean the house and finish any work she took home from her office. It still wasn't long enough for Olivia to get everything done, but she appreciated having a few hours after work to herself. Fitz prepared Karen's afternoon snack and helped with homework. Olivia gave Karen dinner and handled the nighttime routine. Now he wasn't answering the phone.
"Mom where's dad?"
"I don't know."
"He's right there!"
Karen pointed to Fitz car waiting on the street. Olivia moved her car, so he could park.
"Olivia, I'm sorry I can't keep Karen today and probably not tomorrow."
"Why not?"
"I have a new project at work and a few people on my team quit today. I'm doing most of the work. I really have to concentrate, and I can't do that with Karen needing my attention.
"What? You wanted me to stop giving the daycare money because you wanted more time with Karen. Now you're telling me I have to handle everything from 3:00 until 9:00 until you finish your work? You do realize I take work home and I cook dinner."
"I'm sorry Livvie. I have to have everything finished by next week Friday."
"That's all of this week and next week. So much for co-parenting."
"Mom, am I going with you or dad?"
"You're going with grandma until 7:00."
"How do you know your mom isn't busy? This is really last minute."
"She's retired. I'm sure she can make time for Karen for a few hours."
"Livvie, Karen is our responsibility."
"That's funny because you expect me to figure out how to handle everything while you get to have peace and quiet for a few hours. When are you going to be responsible?"
"I'll compromise. Let me work until 7:00, and then I'll come to your house and take care of everything. You can finish your work without interruptions, and then I'll go home after Karen is asleep and stay up a few more hours working."
"Thank you."
"Why can't we all live together?"
Olivia let Fitz answer that question. He could have stayed longer after their one night of lackluster sex.
"Because we can't right now."
"Are we going to all live together when the baby gets here?"
"You have to ask Olivia that question."
"Your dad could spend more time with us at our house, but he doesn't. I don't know why." Olivia said, with a smile.
"And you know the answer to that Olivia."
Olivia let him win. She didn't want the conversation to keep going in front of Karen.
"I'll be waiting for you Fitz. I hope you don't stand us up."