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“Watch the trains, Axel,” Henry says, holding his little hand out for me.
Addy smiles when I sit beside her. All traces of whatever was bothering her are nowhere to be seen. I reach for her hand and thread my fingers through hers. She gives my hand a little squeeze. I want to make sure she’s okay but now’s not the time.
We watch two episodes of Henry’s cartoon then he tells Addy he’s hungry.
She gives my hand another squeeze before she stands to make him lunch. I follow her into the kitchen and watch as she puts together a peanut butter and honey sandwich.
“Do you want something?” she asks with another bright smile.
“No thanks, doll. I actually need to go. I have to be at work soon.”
Her smile falls for a second, that look of doubt flickering through her eyes again.
“What’s wrong?” I ask.
She just shrugs. “Nothing’s wrong.”
“Rule number three, babygirl,” I warn.
“I’m just waiting for the other shoe to drop, I guess. For you to figure out all of this is too much for you…” Her eyes well with unshed tears, and her bottom lip trembles.
“Aw, doll, you’re breaking my heart,” I say, then pull her into my arms.
“I’m sorry,” she says with a sniffle. “I’m not used to good things happening, and right now, this all feels too good to be true.”
“I’m not going anywhere unless you ask me to.”
“I’m just scared. This is a lot. We went from casual play partners to friends, to nothing, to whatever we are now.”
“I know you’re scared, babygirl. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous myself. I’ve never had a girlfriend before, and I’m not sure I know how to be a boyfriend,” I admit.
Addy wipes her cheeks dry. “You’re doing a pretty good job so far.”
“Good.” I kiss her softly and then groan when I see the clock. “I have to go.”
“I know,” she says, looking forlorn.
“Don’t look so sad, doll. You’ll see me again soon.”
“I know. I’m being silly.”
Henry picks that moment to interrupt. There are so many things I want to say to reassure him but can’t in front of him.
“I’m hungry,” he whines.
“I know, buddy. We’ll have lunch in just a minute. Axel is getting ready to leave. Can you tell him bye?”
Instead of just a simple bye like I expect, Henry throws his little arms around my legs and hugs me. I put my hand on the back of his head and hold him to me.
“Bye!” he says, disappearing back into the living room.
Addy watches him go with a surprised look on her face. Probably as surprised as I am that he hugged me. She walks me to the front door, and I kiss her goodbye.
“I’ll call you after my shift.”
“Okay,” she says with a smile. “I look forward to it.”
CHAPTERFOURTEEN
