Tyler doesn’t respond immediately. His gaze sweeps over every inch of my face, as if to commit it to memory.
“Yep, real life,” he finally says.
He packs up his stuff while I deflate the air mattress, rolling it up for the storage bag. Before he leaves, he tells Abby goodbye and does a fist bump with Jay. I can’t figure out why this all feels so weird, so final. I know I’ll see him in a few days for the New Year’s ball. It’s probably good he’s leaving before I get too attached to his solid presence, to having him hold me while I sleep.
I walk him to the door and he pulls me to him, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. I think I hear him take a deep inhale, like he’s breathing me in the same way I do every time he’s near.
Releasing his hold, he says, “Listen, you might not see me for a couple days. I need to get some work done and make some arrangements to have more of my belongings shipped here.” He pauses, like he wants to say more, but then his eyes shift from mine, and he simply says, “I’ll see you on New Year’s Eve, sweetheart.”
I watch as he descends my steps, and heads to his vehicle, already missing him.
Closing the door, I head to the laundry room to distract myself from thoughts of all things Tyler, how he’s fit in seamlessly with me and my kids from day one and knows what we need without our asking. He just jumps right in to do it. What I can’t stop thinking about is how the heart that I thought was out of order is definitely feeling…something.
As I’m passing through the kitchen I spot the coffee mug he uses and I snap a picture of it, sending it to Tyler.
The cup already misses you.
No dots appear, but this doesn’t surprise me. I’ve noticedTyler seems to be more of a talk on the phone type of guy. Placing my phone on the counter, I spend the next hour folding laundry. I’m pretty sure I’ve folded the same towel three times to keep my hands busy.
When I pass through the kitchen to take the basket to Abby, I see that I have a text notification.
Tyler
The cup or you?
Maybe a little of both?
To torture myself, I go to my art room where the scent of him lingers in the air. My eyes immediately land on a hoodie draped over my chair, and without thinking, I greedily tug it over my head, pulling the hood up so I’m enveloped in his smell.
I snap another picture for him, now wearing my new hoodie.
Like my new hoodie?
Tyler
Like the woman wearing it more.
I feel myself grinning like a lovesick fool. Placing my hand to my mouth, the evidence is there, my lips stretched into the biggest smile. Biting my cheeks, I attempt to temper my smile, but it’s useless. Totally and completely without my permission, I might have developed a crush on my daughter’s father.More than a crush,my brain says. And mentally Ishushmy brain.
The rest of the week drags on at a snail’s pace. Tyler calls each evening to check in, asking about my day and telling me about his. I absolutely don’t tell him I’ve worn his sweatshirt almost constantly. The scent is beginning to fade, and I also don’t ask ifhe could please wear it again, then return it to its rightful owner. Which would now be me, of course.
Finally, it’s New Year’s Eve. Austin and Penny are still in Texas, and Lisa and Greg decide to head to the mountains. Therefore, I arranged for Abby to spend the night with Amelia and for Jay to stay with the neighbor. Odds are, Tyler and I will be out late.
Because I know how much Tyler loves my curls, they’re hanging loose down my back. My makeup is perfect, and I smile when I spritz my perfume on my pressure points. The other day I used my key to Austin and Penny’s and dug through her closet for a dress. And, lord have mercy, did she have them. I slid dress after dress down the rod, none quite right, until I got to the last one. A strapless midi dress, pretty darn close to my favorite color. My fingers immediately went to touch the jacquard pattern embroidered in a floral design on the fabric. Penny’s foot is a size bigger than mine, but I found some nude strappy heels that would give me some added height.
Now, standing in front of my full length mirror, I take in my appearance. Though I’m not what anyone would call skinny, I’ve grown to like my body. It’s weathered many storms and I can find appreciation for my curves.
I grab my phone from my nightstand and shoot a quick text to my group chat with Penny and Cassie.
Fit check.
Penny
Cassie
Lucky Tyler. You’re hot as fuck, Jo.
Penny
