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She frowns. “I can’t. It’s my night with mom and I need to feed her dinner. My Sunday nights are free though.”
I place a hand on my chin and think, “I can make that work. I’ll pick you up at the same time.”
“Do you have my address?” Joyce raises an eyebrow.
“It’s on your resume,” I take her hand and kiss it.
She almost explodes with laughter again but holds back and leans forward to kiss Anna’s cheek.
“I better get going,” she says, sounding nervous.
She kisses me on the cheek too, quickly, then turns her back to us and says as she walks away, “See you Sunday, Mr. Bardin!”
“See you, Joyce!” I reply, trying to sound cheerful.
Anna and I are left alone, and as soon as Joyce gets out of hearing range, I squeeze my baby in my arms and kiss her like a maniac.
“Thank you! Thank you!” I say a different thank you after every kiss.
Anna giggles like crazy, almost to the point of hysterics. I stop before the girl suffocates in her own laughter. When she recovers, she looks at me full of pride and says, “You’re welcome, daddy!”
I tickle her lightly, and she screams, coming undone again, this time with even more laughter. When I glance at the TV screen, the vibrant characters remain frozen in their dance, controllers sitting idle. That's when I realize I'm missing out on all the fun.
“Can I play this game with you?” I grab one of the controllers from the coffee table.
She puts a hand on her hips and gives me a sideways look. “Do you even know how to play?” she asks, skeptical.
“Teach me?” I shrug.
Anna jumps in place, ready to be the best teacher she can be.
Chapter Thirteen
JOYCE
Onceagain,I’mwearinga loaner dress, this time from Aunt Gabby. It’s a lavender dress with a modest cleavage, and a flared skirt that reaches my knees. My hair is in a half ponytail, and around my neck I have a pendant that belongs to my mom.
From the corner of my room, my little sister Sophia stares at me, a sly look in her eyes. Her arms are crossed, and her lips curve into a coy smile.
“So, you’re really not going to tell me about the guy you’re going out with, huh?” she asks, full of disbelief.
I lean towards the mirror and put on my lipstick. “Not until I know if this is serious or not,” I say, looking at her sideways.
Sophia huffs, loudly, letting me know she’s not happy with my terms and conditions.
“You’re weird, Joyce,” she says, moving to lean over the window.
“Why?” I ask, tensing up my shoulders. “Just because I don’t want to move too fast and ruin everything?”
She waves me off, getting impatient. “Who cares about a serious relationship? Just enjoy it while it lasts!”
I laugh, and my little sister just looks at me and shakes her head.
“It’s a nice thought, but adults need to have priorities in life. Now off to Mrs. Sanderson!” I point her the way out the door.
Mrs. Sanderson is an elderly woman who lives down the hall and helps out with babysitting Sophia from time to time.
“Aw!” She buries her face in her arms. “I can take care of myself, Joyce!”
