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I watch as she draws in a deep breath, only to be interrupted by a knock at the front door. With matching frowns in place, Layla and I both turn to stare.
Who the hell is at my door at ten o'clock on a Saturday?
A beat of silence almost convinces me that whoever it was, has left. The doorbell ringing shocks me enough to jostle a high-pitched squeak out of me.
Bug's snort of laughter lightens the foreboding feelings creeping up on me. I shoot her a wink, hoping to convince myself that I do, in fact, enjoy random strangers knocking on my door a day after moving in.
Deep breaths, Rylee.
"Stay here, please." I keep my tone light so as not to frighten Layla before I make my way to the door. She is well-versed in listening to requests like that. Just more to add to the list of things to be mad about.
I check the peephole, uncertain of what I will find. What I see has me releasing a sigh of relief and mild annoyance before opening the door wide with a small smile.
"Good morning! Happy first weekend in your new home!"
"Gabby!" Layla yells, scrambling from her chair to get to the pink pixie standing on my doorstep.
"Hi, Layla! I bring goodies!"
Before I can say anything, my daughter snags Gabby's dress and yanks her into our home. I would pinch the bridge of my nose, but that would be an obvious sign of my distaste. Shutting the door behind me, I turn, and my eyes immediately latch onto the mess still scattered throughout the living room, hallway, and kitchen.
I just wanted Layla to do her learning activities; then I wanted to soak in some D.VitaminD. I could go for the other kind, but my single mom status and bitch armor don't make that an option.
"Mommy! Look, it's the snack I had yesterday."
Nothing like the sound of my kid's voice to dredge my mind out of the gutter. Moseying my way to the island, I see Layla shoving a chocolate croissant into her mouth. The iced coffee being dangled in front of my face has the logo of the place we went to yesterday.Yum.
"Thank you, Gabby. I'm sorry, we weren't expecting you. We are still trying to get the mess organized." I cringe and inhale whatever caffeinated goodness she brought me.
"No worries, babe. I'm just so excited to have you girls living here. I couldn't wait to hang out." Her pink hair is up in a high bun today, with curly wisps tickling her cheeks.
That was very forward... but the coffee is helping, I suppose.
"It was very sweet of you to bring us treats. I will make sure to pay you back." I won't be indebted to anyone.
A manicured hand waves me off. "Just buy me a drink when we go out."
Very presumptuous.I hum, running a paper towel under the faucet, not actually agreeing to get drinks with her.Who would watch Layla?
"Do you live close by?" I wipe at the leftover chocolate on Bug's squishy cheeks.
"I live just a few blocks over in a studio apartment." Gabby's wide smile nudges something inside of me. A want to be as carefree with someone else besides my little girl.
"That must be a short walk then," I say, extending an offer of conversation and maybe even friendship. It would be so easy to give in to my anxiety, but I fight it this time. Nothing about this woman sends alarm bells blaring in my mind. I get no weird vibes either, even though my introverted self cringes away from her energy.
"Yeah, it's only a couple of minutes. I'm sorry if I'm intruding." Again, I hate that I'm the reason this happy woman is frowning. "My family tells me I know no boundaries."
"You aren't intruding!" I rush to say, shocking the shit out of myself. Gabby is like this bright light that I desperately hope rubs off on me. I can be a ray of sunshine for Layla, and she is mine, but I could use a friend. "We were just about to head outside. Do you fancy bubbles and sidewalk chalk?"
"Oo, yes! Please, Gabby?" Layla pleads, bouncing on the balls of her feet. Her hair is wavy but a bit wild after sleeping in her braid all night. She looks absolutely adorable in her dark blue sundress.
"Sure, sweetheart! I'd love to stay." The beaming smile Gabby sends my way makes me grin right back. A real one. And I find myself glad that she will hang around for a bit.
Maybe I can take my mask off for a while.
* * *
Gabby had to leave after a few hours to get some errands done, but we made plans for her to come back after dinner. She asked if I wanted to go out this weekend, which I swiftly turned down. Which is why we are now sitting on the living room floor, handing a bottle of wine back and forth like a couple of teenagers.
