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“What’s that?” I ignore Hope still standing close to the door. Her agitation is palpable. From the corner of my eyes, I watch her arms hanging by her sides and her hands curling into fists.
She finally stomps toward us and stops at the edge of the small couch. “Of course. Settle in. Would you like some tea or coffee or maybe something royal,Your Highness?”
Ray giggles and I try hard to bite back my growing smile. “Ma, he ismyYour Highness. You can call him Zach, with a Z.” He gives extra stress to the letter, as if it’s something to be proud of. This kid is too adorable, and too good for my confidence.
“Just coffee and something to eat would be enough.” I know I’m trying her patience, but the house is filled with the smell of her baking and it’s making me hungry.
“Ray, go in and check on Gigi. I need to have a word withyourprince.” Hope crosses her arms, and I’m guessing this is her strict mom pose.
But I can’t hold my full-blown smile when Ray looks at me for permission. I give him a subtle nod, but then immediately school my features as Hope’s eyes narrow on me.
Once Ray’s out of the room, I present my most innocent smile to Hope.
What a difference in my mood these few minutes have made?
“What are you doing here?”
My insides squirm a little under her serious gaze, but I don’t let it show. “I told you, you didn’t send me a picture of your fun thing.”
“I’m serious, Zach. I can’t imagine a person like you, who has a butler for God’s sake, has nothing else to do than watchArthurwith my kid.” Her hands wave around the room, jumping from the television and back to me.
“I told you yesterday, I promised Ray to build a house for Mr. Stanley. I’m just here to help.” I show her the design I printed during the day. I’m not a fucking liar.
She continues to stare at me before slumping on the other side of the couch and sighing heavily.
In one night I have come to know this is her appeasing gesture, so hopefully she’s not going to throw me out.
“I can go if you want?” I hold my breath waiting for her answer.
Let me stay, Hope. I don’t want to go to hell tonight.
“Don’t break his heart, Zach.” There is so much apprehension in her voice.
“Never.” I hold her gaze, promising her without words.
Ray returns at that moment. “Ma, Gigi is snoring. Even when Mr. Stanley licked her face she didn’t wake up.” His giggles lighten the air in the room.
“Good.” Hope ruffles his hair and kisses his forehead as he settles between us.
My heart fills with muted joy, the anxiety gone watching them together.
“Now you both enjoyArthurand I’ll get some coffee foryourYour Highness.” She smiles and I can’t help but return it.
My heart beats fast, proud of itself for convincing Hope that I’m a stranger she can trust. “I got you something.” I fetch the plastic bag from my pocket.
Her smile immediately drops, and she takes a step back as if I’m gifting her a bomb or something. “I’m not taking anything from you.”
“It’s your fun thing. I was sure you wouldn’t buy anything.” I push the bag closer to her.
“I’m not taking a gift from you.” Her lips press together, and I don’t understand why she’s making such a big deal out of it.
“It’s not a gift, silly. You can pay me back.”
“Who did you call silly?” Her eyes narrow on me as her arms fold across her chest. “I’m sure it’s something overly expensive and I can’t pay you back.”
Her annoyance frustrates the hell out of me and I thrust the bag into her hands.
“Zach, if it’s too expensive, I’m not going to keep it.” Hope’s hesitant fingers open the bag and she peeks inside before falling on the couch, laughing hard. “What the hell is this?” She takes out the blue, plastic headband.
