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Tears wet her eyes. "I won't, dad. I promise."
I didn't say anything, and Hailey didn't push it.
I sighed and rubbed the back of my neck. "Did you have fun with Molly?" Hailey lit up, talking about their movie marathon and cooking accidents. Her smile returned and her eyes shone, the weight of Natasha's reappearance lifted at least for this moment.
"And Georgia and Shirley said they hear wedding bells."
That shook me. "What?"
Hailey giggled. "They're funny."
I shook my head. "Those old busybodies."
"I really like Molly, dad. Not just as my teacher."
I was relieved, not that I didn't already know but Hailey's verbal approval mattered. "Me too."
That night as I lay in bed my phone buzzed on my nightstand.
The screen of my phone lit up with a new message from Natasha. For years, I had waited for this sight and now, it was the one thing I did not want to see. I hesitated before swiping to open the text. Each letter felt like a ticking time bomb, waiting to detonate the fragile bubble of normalcy I had cocooned myself and Hailey in.
Jake, the message read, we need to talk. Meet me at our spot at 9 tomorrow night.
My heart skipped a beat as I read the words, dread pooling in the pit of my stomach. The bridge held too many memories, too many ghosts of a past I'd rather forget. But I knew I couldn't ignore it. Hailey needed boundaries and stability. I couldn't let Natasha swing in here like a wrecking ball after all these years.
With a heavy sigh, I typed out a simple response against my better judgement. I'll be there.
The send button felt like a final nail in the coffin, sealing my fate to whatever twisted game Natasha was playing. But for Hailey's sake, I'd face her head-on, even if it meant dredging up the past.
There was a time when I had dreamed of Natasha coming back. Not for me, but for Hailey. But I had long since given up on that. Too many years had passed. If Natasha thought she could come back and we'd play house, she had another thing coming.
An all-consuming urge to see Molly welled in my gut. It wasn't even that I wanted to have sex, although, I wouldn't say no. I just wanted to be in her orbit even for a minute. Everything felt better when she was in the room.
I flung the blankets off and crept down the hall. The door to Hailey's room was ajar and I pressed it open until I could confirm she was asleep. Then I silently tiptoed back to my room, feeling a bit silly. I picked up my phone relieved to see no more messages from Natasha. I thumbed open my contacts and called Molly. The sound of her voice was enough. We talked for a little while, and I was able to breathe a little easier.
"You should try and get some sleep," she breathed and I could tell she was stretching.
"So should you. Come sleep over?"
"Are you sure? I mean Hailey's there."
"She's already asleep and I get up before her. Please."
"Okay."
I hung up and trekked down to the door to let her in. The night air was cool but not cold. My smile could have lit up her path as she walked quickly across the yard. I pulled her to me, pressing her body close to mine. She smelled good and my body stirred in response.
"Are you trying to kill me?" She said with a forced strain, like she couldn’t breathe.
"Hugged to death." I laughed releasing her and taking her hand. "Come on, let's get some sleep."
As we reached the stairs. She stopped at the landing, and I kissed her. "I've missed you."
"I've missed you too."
She followed me down the hall and I pulled her into my room, locking the door behind me, in case we did more than just sleep.
To my surprise, the comfort of her presence sent me straight to sleep. I woke early the next morning, the first light of dawn illuminating the room with a soft, grayish glow. Molly's body curled against mine, her head pillowed on my chest, our legs tangled together under the blankets. Her breath tickled the fine hairs on my chest and I smiled, feeling her stir.
