Page 26 of Dreaming Without Heartache

“When is this dinner?” I walk over and drop the Pearson Street folder on his desk.

“Friday night.” Steven blinks at me with those long thick lashes.

“That’s this weekend. I have children to take care of now.”

“Can Judy keep them?”

I don’t meet his eyes as I flip through the paperwork, searching for the plumbing figures on the brick house. I haven’t told him what happened with Judy yet. Sam’s the only one who knows. It’s not that I don’t trust Steven. I’m not sure why I’ve kept it quiet. It’s just so crazy to believe a person would do that to their own grandchild.

“What are you not telling me?” Steven turns his chair to face me head-on.

“I don’t want them with Judy. You know she’s a bitch.” It’s probably wrong for me to withhold this big thing from my best friend. But there’s this part of me that wants to bury it forever. Maisie’s humiliation is hard to think about. I fear that talking about it further would just fuel my anger.

“She’s a bitch,” Steven agrees. Relief hits me. “Can Kara and Olivia not watch Maisie? Kara’s what, fifteen, right?”

“Not for six more months.”

“Close enough.”

“I don’t know. She’s so immature sometimes.” I consider the idea. “I’d need to talk to Sam first and see how she feels about it.”

Steven rolls his chair back to his desk, opens a file, and immediately buries his face in it. His shoulders lift slightly, like he’s trying not to say something.

“What?” I ask, confused.

“You like Sam.” He doesn’t look up. A broad smile is plastered across his face.

“Of course, I do. She’s a good mom and a friend to go to for advice about the girls.”

“Mm-hmm.” Steven shoots me a look, one brow lifted in that familiar mix of amusement and suspicion.

I gesture to his raised brow. “What does that mean?”

“Nothing at all, my love.” His smile is playful. I can see right through his bullshit.

“She’s just a friend. Stop acting like it’s more.”

“Okay, honey.” He continues to look over his papers, a goofy smile still on his face.

“I refuse to fall into your trap.” I push back, even though I know he already sees right through me. I do have a thing for Sam. I’m not sure how far it goes, but she’s intriguing. “Where’s this dinner taking place?”

“Nothing fancy.” He turns his attention back to me. “Union Street Bar and Grill.”

“That’s fine. Send me the details.” I stand and grab my things. “I’ve got to pick up the kids from school. There’s a house I need to look at next week that’s about to go on the market. We may get it before that happens. I know a lady.”

“I’m sure you do.” He wiggles his brows.

I roll my eyes. “Does your mind ever surface from the gutter?”

“Occasionally.” He flashes a smile.

“Figures.” I blow him a kiss before walking out. He pretends to catch it and presses it over his heart. We’ve done that for as long as I can remember. It’s our thing. I cherish it.

* * *

“I’m so hungry, Aunt Allie.” Maisie climbs into the car. To be so small, she sure can eat.

“I’ll fix you a snack when we get home.” We get in line for Kara. I didn’t let her ride with Olivia even though I’ve loosened the reins somewhat on her punishment.