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I moved the phone away from my mouth like she could see my disappointed expression through the line. I was going to lose my date with Emma.
I didn’t see what choice I had. I couldn’t walk around with lice if I had it. I wasn’t itchy, but who fucking knew. And I didn’t feel good about leaving Leigh to deal with Sarah’s meltdown either.
“Okay,” I said reluctantly. “I’ll be there in a bit.”
I hung up and turned to Emma, dragging a hand over my face. “I need to go home.”
She looked concerned. “What happened?”
“Chelsea got lice at preschool.”
She sucked air through her teeth. “Ohhh.”
“The whole house has it. I probably have it,” I added. “Sarah’s having a panic attack. I have to go help. I can’t leave them there infested with bugs.”
“No, you can’t,” she agreed.
I let out a long breath. Then I arched an eyebrow. “I don’t suppose you’d want to come with me?”
She gave me an amused look. “To pick nits off your family? How romantic.”
“You want romance? I thought we were just curse breaking.”
“Of course I want romance,” she said.
“Well damn, you should have said something. I’ll get right on it.”
I dropped to one knee.
She sucked in air. “Uh, what are you doing?” she said, her eyes darting around.
“Romance.”
“Justin, stop it,” she whispered. “Get up! Get up!”
I took her hand and did my best to make my face straight. People were already stopping to watch. I made my voice low so only she could hear it. “Emma, would you do me the honor of delousing my family with me?”
She snorted.
I looked at her passionately. “Say yes. Please say yes. I want to spend the rest of my evening with you.”
She was trying not to laugh. “You are the worst…”
I grinned. “Is this a hostage situation?” I whispered.
“That’s exactly what this is.”
Someone was recording on their phone. Actually, lots of people were recording on their phones. I waited patiently for her answer.
She rolled her eyes. “Yes.”
“Yes?”
“Yes, I will comb lice with you.”
I stood up and scooped her into my arms and spun her. People started clapping and cheering.
She laughed.
