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“Not at all. I’d really like it. If it goes well, maybe Emma and I can hang out more often,” she winked, and Emma giggled in the stroller.
“Please, Mommy,” my daughter exclaimed, and I shook my head in mock defeat.
“Okay. We can give it a try,” I replied, and Emma squealed with joy.
“Why don’t you drop her off with me tomorrow after you get home from work about the time when I close up shop?” Irma grinned.
“That sounds good. Thank you, Irma. I didn’t expect that at all,” I smiled in return.
“Listen, just make me one promise.” She leaned over the counter, her face lighting up.
“What is that?”
“Promise me you won’t stay in. Find something fun to do on your night off from being a mom and work. Make the most of it, okay?”
Her grin was absolutely contagious.
“I can do that,” I blushed.
“Good. Now have a great day at work,” she said, waving. She was so proud of herself. It was written all over her. I laughed to myself as I walked out the door, sipping my morning coffee while Emma munched away at her muffin.
My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts as I walked down the sidewalk. Before I knew it, I was outside Murphy’s Grill and Pub. It wasn’t open yet, but as I stared inside, I started to get an idea. I looked up at Kieran’s apartment windows on the second floor. Maybe he’d be there tomorrow night and I could run into him again.
I’d like that.
I pushed the stroller over to the side alleyway and went inside. I gathered my supplies and lifted Emma out, before we walked up the stairs together. I took a deep breath when I opened the door, hoping that he was inside just so that I might see him again.
The front sitting room was empty, but there was a wrapped gift and a box with a bow on the coffee table, as well as a note in between them.
“What’s that?”
“I’m not sure, sweetie. Let me have a look,” I answered quickly. I leaned down and picked up the note. The writing was clear and easy to read. Kieran’s name was signed at the bottom and that made my heart swell a little.
I was getting far too attached already. No matter what Irma said, I needed to keep a level head about all of this.
Leah,
I hope you’re well. I couldn’t be here today because of a business meeting downtown, but I wanted to leave a token of my appreciation as a thank you for your work today. There’s a sweet treat for you and a present for my friend Emma. I hope you both like them.
Kieran
I glanced over at the gifts. The one for Emma was pretty obvious. It was wrapped up in a pink Disney princess paper.
“This is for you. It’s from Kieran.”
Emma’s eyes were big as I passed her the present. She took it tentatively from me and sat down on the floor. I couldn’t help but watch as she painstakingly opened it from the corners. Some kids liked to rip right into a present, but not my girl. She liked to open things neatly.
I sat down on the couch as she slowly revealed the box inside. When I finally caught sight of it, I smiled. It was a Cinderella doll and a really nice one at that. Her gasp of surprise was absolutely adorable.
She excitedly passed the box to me, and I used my key to cut through the tape so that I could open it. With as much patience as she could muster, she stood by me and wrung her hands, trying not to rush me. When I finally got the doll free with all the accessories, she squealed and started playing with it on the floor.
She’d be entertained for the rest of the day.
I reached out for the other small box that was meant for me. I took the lid off to find a box of decadent-looking dark chocolates. There were a few fresh chocolate-covered strawberries and some other pieces that had salt toppings or red sugar.
My mouth watered.
I grabbed one of the strawberries. I took a bite and moaned softly as the fresh flavors burst over my tongue. I smiled, thinking of how sweet it felt to have him think of me and my daughter like this.
