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While I prepare Robin’s bottle, I listen to Elder tell her all about his life. Robin doesn’t make a peep. She stares up at Elder as he goes on and on. I can’t blame her. Elder is pretty fascinating.
Stop it. Elder is not fascinating. He’s annoying. And tenacious. Oh, so tenacious. Except he pulled away today when I reminded him we’re just friends. Does he not want me since I now have Robin?
My phone alarm blares to remind me I need to go now if I want to make it to work on time, and I force thoughts of Elder and what he wants out of my mind. It doesn’t matter what he wants. We can never be more than friends.
“Go on,” Elder says as he snatches the bottle from me. “I know you need to get to work. I’ve got Robin. Promise.”
I bite my lip as I stare at the baby. I don’t want to leave her. She’s mine to protect. She wiggled her way into my heart and I will do whatever needs to be done to protect her.
“Promise?”
“Of course.” He kisses my forehead before urging me to the front door. “Get on your bike and pedal as fast as your tiny feet can before you’re late for work.”
I grab my purse and keys. “I’ll be home early.”
“Did you hear about the man who got hit by the same bike every single morning?” He pauses. “It was a vicious cycle.”
If he’s trying to comfort me with one of his silly jokes, it’s not working. “Ring me if you need anything.”
“Go.”
“Promise you’ll ring if you need anything.”
“I promise I’ll ring if I need anything.”
“Okay.”
Robin will be fine, I reassure myself as I bike toward the Wildlife Refuge. Elder may be a goofball but he’s a responsible business owner. He would never allow something bad to happen to a little baby.
Chapter 10
What happens when Elder babysits? He calls his mommy. ~ Text from Brody to Elder
Elder
Iwatch Harmony bike away until she’s out of sight.
“It’s just you and me now, baby girl,” I tell Robin as I shut the door. The dogs circle my ankles as I return to the living room.
“Two months old and you’ve got the boys wrapped around your finger already.”
Pup Tart and Little Bow Wow bark.
“Sorry. Of course, boys and girls. I didn’t mean any disrespect.”
I draw a finger down Robin’s face. “You have the boysandgirls wrapped around your finger already.”
I settle in the rocking chair as Robin finishes her bottle.
“Someone has a big appetite,” I tell her when she’s done. I place her over my shoulder and pat her back. When she doesn’t immediately burp, I rub circles on her back.
“Buh-UUuurrrp!”
“Good girl.” Why am I feeling wetness on my t-shirt? “Damn it. Did you spit up on my t-shirt, little girl?”
I jump to my feet and Robin cries.
“I was ready for a nap, too, but now I need to wash my shirt.” I set her down in her playpen and she scrunches up her face before letting out a wail. The dogs bark in response.
