I smile back at her, happy to see her so in love. It’s been a while since I’ve been in a committed relationship, let alone in love like that. A pang of loneliness hits me as I realize I miss having someone to share my life with.
“Catherine, are you okay?” Erica asks, noticing the sudden change in my demeanor.
I shrug and offer her a halfhearted smile. “I’m just happy for you,” I tell her.
“But as happy as I’ve been, there’s still a lot to worry about,” she says, her eyes scanning the crowded play place. “I don’t want things to get complicated between him and Oliver.”
“I get that. But you can’t control who you have feelings for.”
Erica looks at me, her eyes full of doubt. “But what if things don’t work out? What if it ruins their friendship? I don’t want to be the reason for that.”
I place a comforting hand on her shoulder. “I understand your concerns, Erica. But you can’t let fear hold you back from happiness. It’s important to follow your heart and take a chance. And as for Oliver and Fred, they’ve been friends for a long time. I’m sure they’ll work things out, even if it doesn’t work out between you and Fred.”
Erica sighs and leans her head back against the bench. “I just don’t want to mess things up. I care about Fred too much. Jeez, never in my life did I think I would say that.”
“I know,” I say with a reassuring laugh. “But you can’t always predict what will happen in relationships.”
I consider my relationship with Oliver, and how, just a couple of months ago, we were constantly bickering. Now, my mind is full of thoughts of how good his touch feels, and how much I want him, even at this moment.
“Sometimes things work out and sometimes they don’t,” I continue. “But you won’t know unless you try. Give it a chance.” I nudge her gently. “If it doesn’t work out, then it doesn’t work out. But you have to be honest with yourself and with Fred, and communicate your feelings with him.”
Erica nods slowly, taking in my words. “You’re right. I just don’t want to mess things up with Oliver. He’s been such a good friend to Fred.”
“I know,” I say with a small smile. “But Oliver is a reasonable guy. If he sees Fred makes you happy, then hopefully he’ll put his feelings aside.”
Erica’s eyes light up at the thought of being happy with Fred.
“Maybe I’ll just keep our relationship a secret for now,” she muses, her gaze drifting to the kids playing in the bounce house. “At least until we figure out how to tell Oliver.”
“I get it,” I say aloud, startling Erica out of her reverie. “I understand why you want to keep things quiet for now. It’s not about being ashamed of your feelings or your relationship. It’s about wanting to protect it and savor it with no outside influences.”
Erica raises her brows. “You’ve gotten wise ever since you became a nanny.”
I let out a laugh. “I guess hanging out with kids all day has rubbed off on me.”
We both chuckle, and the tension between us seems to dissipate.
“I’m glad we could talk about this,” Erica says with a small smile. “I feel a lot better.”
“I’m always here for you,” I reply, placing a hand over hers.
Erica nods, her eyes glinting with gratitude. “Thanks, Catherine. You’re a great friend.”
I smile, but in my heart there’s a twinge of guilt that I’m not being completely honest with Erica and my relationship with Oliver.
Suddenly, we hear a loud yelp coming from inside the bounce house. Immediately, I recognize Alice’s voice and jump to my feet.
“Alice!” I call out, automatically assuming the worst has happened. I rush toward the entrance of the bounce house and see her standing at its center, rubbing her finger while looking down at it.
I hurry over to her side and inspect her finger. “Oh no, Alice. Are you okay?” I ask in alarm.
Alice looks up with frightened eyes and nods quickly as tears well up in them. “It hurts,” she tells me in a small voice
Noticing the slight swelling on her finger, I reach out to take it in my grip and kiss it tenderly. “It’s okay,” I reassure her, my voice soft and comforting. “I’m sure it’s just a minor bruise. You’ll be all right.”
Alice closes her eyes for a moment, letting my words sink in before opening them again and giving me a small smile.
“Why don’t you rest for a bit before you head off and play somewhere else?” I suggest.
