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"You know I'm always ready to eat!" Amy chortled.
"I'll arrange for takeout. Why not swing by? It's been a grueling day, and I could use a friend to confide in. I mean, I apologize. I know you mentioned celebrating, but truth be told, I'm not in the mood for much festivity tonight."
"No problem. Sounds splendid. I'm ravenous!"
As I swung the door open, an incandescent Amy greeted me, adorned in a cute yellow dress that clung to her curves and showcased more of her décolletage than usual. Her dazzling smile electrified the air as she peered up at me with rivulets of silken ebony tendrils cascading over her shoulders. The sight of Amy instantly banished my apprehensions, leaving only exhilaration in their wake.
"You're a vision, Amy," I breathed in awe, holding the door ajar for her. I strained not to let my gaze linger on her voluptuous bosom.
"Many thanks, Mitch," she beamed, her eyes gleaming with impish delight. "I thought I'd spring a little surprise on you."
Her gaze roved over my torso, pausing to appreciate the way my snug t-shirt clung to me and the low-slung fit of my surfer shorts on my hips.
"So, do tell. What's going on with you?" Amy inquired with a furrowed brow as I motioned towards the sofa.
Dodging the question, I faltered, trying to puzzle out how to break my news. "Let's dig in..."
"Ah, sure... sounds delicious."
As we nestled on the couch, I unpacked the meal Uber Eats had dropped off. The enticing scent wafted through the room, causing my mouth to water. I stole a glance at Amy, who pried open a container of fried rice.
"Chinese cuisine has my heart," she confessed, a hint of playfulness lacing her tone. "I could devour dumplings by the pound!"
As we relished the mouthwatering fare, I found myself charmed by Amy's fervor for her newfound role at Rosedale Technologies. In the midst of hearty bites and animated conversation, I abruptly rose to steep some green tea. The unforeseen motion took Amy aback, her eyes widening in astonishment.
"Green tea, Mitch? I must say, I didn't peg you as someone who was into green tea," she teased with a roguish grin.
Grinning like a Cheshire cat, I tenderly ferried the steaming pot and fragile teacups to the table. "Cooking is a passion of mine, which means I dabble in concocting all sorts of beverages," I declared, filling each cup with fragrant tea.
"You're a never-ending enigma," Amy chortled.
Hesitation gripped me as I pondered how much less enigmatic she'd find me after hearing about Ava. The words lodged in my throat, but I managed to choke them out as we savored the warm, aromatic brew. "Amy, remember our chance encounter in the elevator?"
"You mean when the police officer awaited you in the lobby?" she asked.
"Amy, he came to serve me papers. Turns out I've got a kid from a past relationship."
Her shock morphed into a tender smile as she grasped my hands, reassuringly stating, "Mitch, life's an unpredictable dance. You never know what miracles it'll bring, often exceeding your wildest dreams."
I grinned, tightly clasping her warm hands. A rare sense of elation washed over me. "You've got a point," I admitted, newfound confidence swelling within me.
She sipped her tea, cracked open a fortune cookie, and read it aloud, giggling, "A remarkable surprise awaits you just around the bend."
As I recounted my fleeting tryst with Nicole, Amy's countenance grew somber, unable to fathom a mother abandoning her child. We conversed in hushed tones until she turned serious, surveying the house. "What's your game plan, Mitch? This place is grand, but let's face it – it's not fit for a little one."
Her hand found mine, giving it a comforting squeeze. "You're going to need assistance. Perhaps a nanny?"
A wisp of a smile crossed my face. "I've pondered that, but I need help finding the right one. I know zilch about babies. Fatherhood was beyond my wildest imagination up until now."
"I'll lend a hand, Mitch," she vowed, determination lacing her voice. "I only work part-time and from home. I can help you with interviews and reference checks. How much time do you have?"
"I'm floundering. I've yet to find a lawyer. According to Daniel's suggestion, only attorneys with Colorado licenses can take the case. I'm at a loss."
She pondered for a moment. "Papa's got connections...he knows everyone. He'll know what to do."
"Your dad?" I gaped.
"Absolutely. He'll assist, as it's unrelated to you and me."
