Love's Autograph Read Free Page B

take her on the date, not that chick from work.
    “ Umm, yeah well, I just came from a date,” Ellie answered.
    Ria tugged on her necklace, “Well, I hope my date goes well.”
    “ How could it not? You look amazing,” Ellie answered.
    “ Thank you,” Ria said as her face turned red. Elle smiled at how her comment affected Ria.
    “ So, umm, she has already had dinner. She's in her pajamas. She goes to bed at 8:32. She has a watch alarm that will go off. She doesn't like to be told when to go to sleep. If she wants, she might allow you to read her a book.”
    Ellie answered, “My pleasure.”
    “ And umm… there is food and drinks... oh but no alcohol. I shouldn’t have said that. I'm sure you wouldn’t drink, would you... I'm sorry, it’s been a long time since I left her with someone other than family or her regular sitter.”
    Ria is absolutely adorable. I could kiss her right now.
    “Not me, I'd worry more about my family. She's in capable hands. Roxie wouldn’t have vouched for me otherwise. I'm assuming she vouched for me?” Ellie asked.
    “ Oh, yes, she said that you were great with kids and I already see that you are,” Ria said.
    “ What else did she tell you about me?” Ellie asked.
    “ She said that you were one of a kind and very sweet,” Ria said. “What did she tell you about Maggie?”
    “ Not much,” Ellie said.
    “ Maggie is on the spectrum, autism spectrum. Did Roxie tell you that?”
    “ No, she didn't, and I don't see how it makes a difference. We'll be fine.” Ellie said.
    “ Mom, it has been way more than a minute I am sure,” Maggie said. “You are not on time. I'd like Ellie back.”
    “ See, she's very literal,” Ria whispered to Ellie and winked. “Okay, off I go,” Ria said as she walked to the living room and gave Maggie a kiss. “Goodnight, Maggie. I'll not be home until late.”
    “ It does not matter, I will be sleeping,” Maggie said. “We have notebooks to read.”
    “ You'll be okay?” Ria whispered to Ellie.
    “ We'll be fine,” Ellie answered. “Oh, here,” Ellie handed Ria the flowers. “Give these to your date.”
    “ No, those are yours,” Ria said.
    “ No, that's fine. I'd love for you to use them. You've been waiting a while for this date,” Ellie said.
    “ Sure?”
    “ Yeah, no worries. You can't go on a date empty handed,” Ellie said.
    “ Perfect, thanks. You have my number right?”
    “ Yes, go and have fun,” Ellie answered. Ria walked out the door with flowers in hand. Ellie watched Ria leave and stared as it shut behind her. She heard the ping of the elevator. She sighed.
    “ Ellie Jane, likes to be called Ellie,” Maggie said.
    “ Yes,” Ellie answered.
    Maggie said, “We have a lot of notebooks to read. 8:32 is my bedtime. Not much time left.”
    “ Okay, what are these notebooks?” Ellie asked. Maggie spent until 8:25 p.m. showing Ellie all her notebooks with cartoon information. She had notebooks on disguises, dialogue and funny signs. Ellie's favorite book was Maggie's book of questions.
    Why does gravity not work all the time? It does not work until they notice it.
    Why can't they get along?
    Why does the mouse live in a house with a cat?
    Why doesn't my mom like Eggers Element?
    Did Pixie Hamster get speech therapy like me?
    When it was time for bed, Maggie stopped mid-sentence and wished Ellie a good night.
    “ Good night Ellie. I can put myself to bed. I know that I need to go to the bathroom, wash my hands, brush my teeth, and turn off my light. Please do not come into my bedroom unless there is a fire or some other emergency,” Maggie said.
    “ Goodnight Maggie. It was wonderful meeting you. I'll be out here watching television or hanging out or something until your mom comes home,” Ellie said.
    “ And not drinking alcohol, remember what mom said,” Maggie said.
    “ Juice and soda it will be,” Ellie answered. Maggie tilted her head to the right at Ellie's statement.
    “ Did you mean for that