Page 65 of Luci’s Lullaby

“Charlee Rae,” Mom calls from the kitchen, “get in here right now.”

I trudge back through the house. “Yes?”

“Child, sit down and tell me what’s going on.” She points to the chair by me.

I take a deep breath. “I’m okay, it’s nothing.”

“So why do I have a traffic pattern in the rug from your feet.” She glares at me.

I fall into the seat. “He has a baby.”

“Who?” She pulls her brows low.

I throw my hands in the air. “Alden. He’s got a baby, I saw them.”

“Are you sure?” She sits down across from me.

My head bounces from my over-exaggerated answer. “I talked to him.”

“Charlee, did you talk to the boy or talk at him?” She raises her brow.

I twist my mouth. “I’m thinking I talked with him.”

“Go talk to him, find out what is going on before you fret yourself to death.” She sips her coffee.

I fist my hair. “We’re only friends.”

“Friends don’t speak?” She looks at me over her cup.

I chew on my nail. “The baby was crying a lot, and he was buying her new milk.”

“You happen to be great with babies.” She grins.

I sit up, pulling my robe together. “I could pop in, see how things are going.” I stand and begin pacing. “He said the mom wasn’t in the picture.”

“That poor baby, bless his heart. He’s trying to do the right thing.” She gets up and walks over to the sink.

I stop, staring at her. “I’m gonna go, maybe drop by and check on her.”

“Poor little girl.” Mom rubs my arms.

I shake my head. “You already said that.”

“No, I didn’t. I said poor guy.” She winks at me, spins me around, and swats my bottom. “Scoot!”

“Mom!” I grab my ass. “Why are you beating on me?”

“I didn’t beat you, I gave you a love tap.” She giggles.

I hurry to my bedroom and grab an outfit. I take a long look at it. “No, not this one.” I lay out three more and run to the shower in hopes when I get out, one will speak to me.

I brush my teeth and pull my hair into a ponytail. I run into my room and check the clothes out again. I decide on cutoff denim shorts and a white blouse. I grab my purse and head out the door.

Halfway there, I start to chicken out. “What if the mom’s back now?” I bite my nail as I drive the next two miles.

“I could take over some dinner. All new parents need to eat and never have the time to cook. I’ll go get some food and take it as a gift for the new parents.” I beam.

I’m so proud of myself when something catches my eye. The guy in the car next to me is laughing while he watches me talk to myself. I flip him and hit my turn signal.