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“No. I don’t have anyone to stay with Tanny, though. I don’t think I will for a while since I’m hoping to find somewhere to work soon. My parents will be shocked when they find out about everything, and plus, they’re older. I don’t want to ask them unless it’s for work. My regular babysitter just went back to college for spring semester.”
“That’s fine, I don’t leave Josiah alone much either. My mom stops by some, that’s why you saw me alone on my bike.” I nod. He continues, “How about you bring Tanzanite over? We have a trampoline, so they could play together, and I’ll cook you dinner.”
“You cook? And you want to cook for me?” I practically stammer the questions, in shock. I’ve never had a man cook for me before, and the fact he wants to has my belly flopping with excitement. My heart pitter-patters a quick beat as I gaze up at him, and he meets my stare.
“I can’t exactly take you out in public yet, and I want to make the day special for you. I could grill some steaks for us, burgers for the kids, and later we could have smores. I have a fire pit in my backyard. Unless you’re a vegetarian? Shit, I don’t know any dishes except chicken salad. Wait, no chicken.”
Grinning, I shake my head. “Not a vegetarian, I love bacon too much. Dinner and smores sound wonderful. I’d love to.”
His lips tilt up, pleased. “How’s six o’clock? I’ll turn the twinkle lights on in the backyard so the kids can see to jump.”
“Six is perfect.”
“You still have my address?”
“Yes, I saved it with your contact info when you sent it.” He’d wanted to make sure I knew where he lives in case I ever need anything. He said we could show up any time day or night and stay with him if something happened.
We stop next to my vehicle, and I hit the unlock button so Tanzanite can climb inside. Zeus opens my door, gazing down at me. His stare makes me feel all jumbled up and excited inside, and when his hand lightly squeezes my side underneath my jean jacket, it only makes me giddier. My nipples pebble with the contact and I know if I don’t get out of here asap, I’m going to want to slide down him like a stripper with a new pole. “I’ll see you for Valentine’s,” I confirm, already pressing my thighs together in anticipation.
With one last squeeze, this time lower on my hip bone, he orders, “Drive safe, gorgeous.” He closes the door with a wink.
“Does Josiah’s dad have a crush on you, Mommy?” I’m shaken out of my Zeus trance by my nosey eight-year-old. I’m left panting in his wake, and it takes me a beat to gain my wits.
I send Zeus a small wave, then turn to Tanny. “We’re friends. Friends are nice to each other.”
“Then why don’t any of mine call me gorgeous?”
“They will when you get older, trust me.” I start the SUV and slowly merge into the after-school traffic.
“We’re going over there for Valentine’s?”
“Were you eavesdropping on the entire conversation, Tanzanite? What did I tell you about doing that?”
“Ma’am. I remember. Josiah was quiet, so what was I supposed to listen to?”
I can’t help but laugh. She has a point. “To answer your question, yes, we’re going to go over there for a little while so you can jump on the trampoline with Josiah for a bit and play.”
“But he’s a boy.”
“And you’re a girl. You’re allowed to be friends.”
She wrinkles her nose, and I shoot her a look, silently telling her she better be nice. Being biased on who you can be friends with is a no-go; everyone can be a friend if they want to be. Although it’s never been the case with me, unfortunately. Mike rarely let anyone new into our lives, no matter how hard I tried. I’m tired of feeling lonely all the time. I want to actually have friends I can hang out with when the urge strikes. People to call who want to hear from me and I want to speak to. I miss those relationships I haven’t had in almost twenty years. My eyes are opening more and more with each passing day and I’m realizing my relationship with Tanzanite’s father was far unhealthier than I imagined.
“What about Daddy?”
“Well, I told you things were going to be changing, and this is one of them. We’ll be finding a new house, without Daddy, remember? But he’ll still be your father no matter what changes in our life, okay?”
“It’s okay, Mommy. I’m used to him working, even on holidays.”
I nod, wondering if he was working at all or if it was all lies. Probably other women. Tanzanite deserves so much better. How did I pick such a loser? Am I doing the same thing with Zeus? Being blind to what he’s truly like, or is he a genuinely good guy and father? I hate being confused. “I’m going to ask you a weird question, but I want you to answer anyway, okay?”
“Okay.”
“I know you’re unsure of Josiah right now, but what do you think of his dad? Does he seem like he’s the same way as Daddy?” It’s the only way I can think of to word the question so it makes sense to her.
“Well, Daddy would never bring cupcakes to school, or go on field trips. And Josiah talks about him all the time, saying he has the best dad in the entire world.”
“Wow, those are big shoes to fill.”
