Page 26 of The Challenge

I shrugged. “I figured I’d let things play out before I made an issue of it.”

“It’s always better to get ahead of things, Evan.”

“I realize that now.”

Chloe sighed. “Well, what did she say to you?”

I started to unpack the bag of food. “She offered to give up her apartment so you could stay there.”

Her eyes narrowed. “And where would she stay?”

I stilled for a moment. “Here.”

“I don’t want Naomi to stay with us,” Effie chimed in.

“I told her no,” I said, looking down at my daughter.

“How did she react to that?” Chloe asked.

“Not good, as you might imagine.”

I set my daughter’s food on the table. “Come sit, Effie.”

I then pulled Chloe aside and lowered my voice. “I’d prefer not to go into it anymore in front of Effie.”

“Sure.” She nodded. “Of course.”

As I brought the rest of the food over to the table, Effie looked up at Chloe’s hair. “I didn’t know you had a French braid, too!”

“How do you think your dad learned how to do it?” Chloe grinned. “He practiced on me last night.”

Effie giggled. “Wow.”

Chloe patted the top of her head. “I took a shower, but I kept it in so you could see it. Yours held up pretty well, too.”

“He did good.” Effie grinned.

I smiled proudly at my daughter.

“I was going to do it for you,” Chloe added. “But I figured it would be better if he learned how to braid, since I won’t be around forever.”

My chest constricted. Chloe’s statement reminded me I didn’t have unlimited time to make things right with her. Despite the words in her angry letter a decade ago, I knew her feelings had come from a place of hurt. But I had to be careful not to complicate things between us. I certainly didn’t want Effie to fall for another woman who’d leave her behind. I could already see my daughter getting attached to her new friend.

“Anyway…” I shook my head. “I realized I didn’t have your damn number, so I just guessed what you might want. Hope you’re okay with the chicken sandwich.”

“What’s not to like?” She opened the cardboard box. “It smells delicious. Thank you.”

“I assumed you hadn’t eaten since earlier today.”

“You’d be right.”

“We got you waffle fries, too!” Effie squeaked.

“Oh, thank God. Now I don’t have to steal yours.” Chloe winked.

“I would’ve shared,” Effie offered.

“You’re very sweet. Thank you.” Chloe looked over at me and smiled.