Page 42 of Fall Over You

Becca’s head cocks back, but her cheeks go pink. I go on.

“I didn’t say it very well because I was still sorting everything out. I’m really grateful for what we’re doing. You’re being kind and I was an ass. And I’m really sorry for that.”

Becca’s demeanor has completely changed. She worries her lip, the most nervous I’ve ever seen her look. “You were. I feel like I should get the benefit of the doubt.”

“You should. I’m working on it,” I say. “Might not be the only time you have to call me out. And I apologize in advance for that. So . . .” I hold out the flowers again and she takes them. “I want to start fresh. We’re doing this thing, and I’m going to bring my A game. You deserve my best.”

A small smile curves her lips, but she can barely look at me. “Thank you.”

“So, I’m going to tell Ellie about the leak at our apartment now, and that I’ll come out to stay tonight after work.”

Becca’s voice is quiet. “Good, yeah. That’ll work.”

I study her, not sure how to take this more mousy version of Becca. “Are you feeling okay?”

“Yeah, it’s just weird seeing you be so nice.”

“That’s it?”

Her eyes finally drift up to meet mine before she sighs, letting the bouquet go slack against her thigh. “I don’t need flowers. I need partnership. I’ve been down this road before.”

“What, marrying someone to take out a loan?”

She snorts, but doesn’t get to respond. The school doors fly open and Ellie comes running out at full tilt. Becca’s expression does a 180 when she crouches and opens her arms, Ellie flying into them. “Hi, lil mama!”

“Miss Becca!”

“How was your day?” Becca asks, closing her eyes and squeezing Ellie harder. Some strange feeling swells inside me seeing my daughter and Becca being so unguardedly loving to each other. I think I’ve wanted this for Ellie for a long time, hating myself for every minute I didn’t give her this.

“Good! Your flowers are pretty.” Ellie sniffs Becca’s flowers with an exaggerated “mmm!”

“Thank you. Your daddy gave them to me.”

Ellie smiles up at me. “Hi, Daddy.”

“Hey, shug,” I say, stooping to hug her. “Glad you had a good day. I need to tell you something.”

“What?” she asks.

“We had a water leak at the auto shop, so you and I are going to stay with Miss Becca for a little while.”

Ellie’s eyes round, and I fear this has all been a terrible lapse in judgment. “Really? We’re going to the farm?” Ellie starts jumping up and down, and I shoot Becca a smile over Ellie’s shoulder. What a relief.

“Mr. Davis!” Miss Kristen calls from behind me and I fight the urge to fake my own death on the spot.

I turn. “Yes?”

Miss Kristen’s scathing eye passes over Becca and she crosses her arms over her chest. “You know Ellie has to give me a high five or a handshake before she can go to an authorized adult.” She puts extra emphasis on those last two words.

I force a smile, and I know from mirror checking that my forced smiles look deranged. “Then I need to add Becca to my pickup form.”

“And I can show you my classroom!” Ellie cries.

Becca’s hand finds mine and I give it a squeeze. Her hands are strong for being so small, but still elegant. I’m trying not to let show how much my heart is pounding and my throat is dry at this contact.

Fake. This is fake. We’re starting the process of making people believe our relationship. We can do this. I think her smile is genuine as she looks up at me, and before I know it, my smile isn’t forced anymore.

It’s not forced at all.