alexander's brief visit home

"I think I might come home this weekend."

Alexander calls around 7pm on Friday.

"I won't be here. I'm going up to the Cape. When were you planning on coming?"

"Tonight."

Oh, this weekend! 

"That'd be great. Let me know the details when you know."

I'm working all weekend but maybe we can have a nice dinner together. Or see a movie. Or watch some TV. Something. 

Within the hour the plans morph from I'll be taking a ten o'clock bus in and going straight to Tory's to I'm not sure I really want to rush and get in late to Let me figure this out and I'll call you back to Now Tory isn't free to I'll come tomorrow, but I'm not sure when I'll see you.

Today is a busy day at work. Lots of volume but few dollars. Mostly everything is 75% off. Expensive designer tops are selling for under $50. Almost nothing ends up being taxed since few purchases are over the $110 threshold. It's a great day for buyers; a bad one for sellers.

Jane Fonda and her granddaughter come in. We all casually walk by her to catch a glimpse. She's 78 and looks amazing.

A few hours pass and someone else surprising is on the floor. Alexander.  It's around two and he's come directly from the bus station to Saks to say hello. I offer to shop with him but he doesn't have time (or, more precisely, doesn't have interest). He swoops in and swoops out; I see him for about five minutes.

I get home around eight and Alexander has already left for the night. I don't bother staying up, as I know he'll be home long after my bedtime.

Around three my son comes in. My sleep is never deep until I know he's arrived home safely. We talk for a few minutes. 

When I leave this morning Alexander is asleep in his bed. Not on the sofa surrounded by an empty pizza box. I kiss him good-bye, and wish him a safe trip home.

Maybe next time I'll get more time with him. In the meantime, I'll take what I can get.