Page 60 of Face Off

She sniffed. “That would be really great. Thank you.”

I knew how hard it was for her to say that, so I didn’t make a big deal of her acceptance.

“Sounds good. Do you want me to pick you guys up or meet somewhere?” This was as much as I was going to push her. I wanted her to know she had control of this situation.

“We don’t live downtown.”

“That’s fine.”

“I guess it would make sense if we drove together if we’re going to a few places.”

I was so grateful she came to that conclusion without me mentioning it. That was a big step—letting someone go out of their way for her. I really wanted to reach through the phone and hug her.

“Text me your address, and I’ll be there around eleven-thirty. Does that work?”

“That’s great.” She chuckled. “Sadie is very excited.”

I could hear her daughter’s happy squeals, and grinned. “I can’t wait to see both of you.”

I ended the call before I could hear her response. If she was willing to be brave with me, then I was going to return the favor and lay myself bare.

Waiting for the time to finally leave was like a child waiting for Christmas morning. I was way too excited for a casual lunch date with a friend. And her daughter.

As much as I wanted this to be the beginning of something more, I wasn’t sure she did. Was she ready for that? Was I?

There was only one way to find out.

Sadie and Holly were waiting for me in the parking lot in front of her building next to her car. We moved Sadie’s car seat into the back of mine, and I was grateful that I’d picked out a sedan rather than a coupe years before.

“Everyone set?” I asked once we were all in and buckled.

“Yeah!” Sadie called from the back.

I adjusted my rearview mirror so I could see her. “Do you have a place picked out?”

“You don’t want to do that,” Holly said. “We’ll end up somewhere with a playset.”

“That’s fine,” I told her.

“I want nuggies!” Sadie sang. “I want nuggies.”

Holly turned to face her. “Sweetie, too loud.”

Sadie grinned and cut her volume in half while continuing to sing.

“Okay, so a place with nuggies it is.” I pulled onto the street. “Any favorites?”

“Are you sure? She can find something wherever we go. You don’t have to base it off what she wants.”

I laughed. “Um, who else would I base it off of?”

She shook her head with a smile. “Great, she got to you too. I swear I am the boss of us, but she seems to have other ideas.”

I glanced back at Sadie who was looking out the window. It hadn’t taken long for her to win me over.

Holly told me which place was Sadie’s favorite, and we went to the closest location. She was right of course. Once we ordered and found a table, Sadie was only willing to sit still long enough to eat her precious nuggies before taking off for the playset. We were sitting on the other side of the glass so we were able to keep an eye on her while we finished eating.

“Thank you for this,” Holly said.