AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The little girl's eyes go to me, and when she bites her lip, I say in a calm, understanding tone of voice, "If you want me to leave to talk with your mom about your dad, that's okay."
"No! I want you to stay."
"Okay," I say with a slight nod.
Charlotte drums her hands on her knees, and her gaze goes back and forth between her hands and the table.
"Do you hate him?"
Emma exhales. "Oh, sweetheart, I don't hate him. There was a time I loved your father very much." She takes a deep breath in and places her hands in her lap. "Your dad will always have a special place in my heart, but I don't love him the way a mommy and daddy need to if they want to be together."
"Now you love Nick," she concludes.
"Yes, I do."
"But is it okay if I want to talk to him?" she asks.
"Of course it is, sweetheart. I understand you want to meet and talk to your father.You must have many questions for him."
She nods eagerly. "When can I talk to him? Today?" she asks with eagerness in her tone.
Emma lets out a soft, tense sigh. "I'll call him when you're at school."
Charlotte nods and eats her sandwich. We enjoy our morning coffee until the phone rings. Emma gets up and answers, "Hey, Alisha."
Her smile disappears as she listens. "Amanda, calm down. What's going on? Where is Alisha?" I rise when her face pales.
"Oh, God, I'm on my way. I'll call Bella." She hangs up as I stop beside her. "What's wrong?"
Her eyes pierce mine. "Nick, can you bring Charlotte to school? I have to go. Alisha is in the hospital."
"Go. Charlotte and I will be fine."
Smarty runs to her mom and hugs her while gazing up. "Is Auntie Alisha dead, Mommy?"
"Oh, God, no, sweetheart. But she’s hurt."
Charlotte nods, and after she gazes at me, she says, "You go to auntie Alisha, Giant and I will be fine, Mommy."
Hearing her daughter's words, she rushes through the kitchen, grabs her purse, keys, and shoots into her coat. After giving her girl a hug and a kiss, she stands before me and I peck her lips.
"Go. And don't worry, I'll pick her up from school."
Emma nods and leaves.
"Nick, can I ask you a question?"
"Sure, you know you can ask me anything." My eyes dart to Charlotte, who's sitting in the passenger seat, gazing outside.
"Do you think my daddy will like me?"
"What?"
"What if he doesn't like me?"
I park the car on school property and after turning in my seat I grab her hands. "You're the sweetest and coolest kid ever. Your father will be proud of you when he gets to know you."
Her eyes drift over to me, and when I know she's looking at me, I continue.
