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I laugh, hoping he's joking. "You should move here, then. You should be close to our daughter. I know it won't be easy for us, but I know it's what's best for Brianna."
"I found a job," he exhales.
"Working for my dad?"
"Yeah," he scratches the side of his face. "There's also an apartment close by."
"Take the job and the apartment," I smile. "We'll figure the rest out."
"Thank you," he says. "I mean it."
"Get dressed," I point the clothes on the floor. "We'll grab coffee and croissants on the way to the park. My treat."
"No," Steve shakes his head. "You've taken care of everything for years. It's my treat today."
"Alright then."
—
Twenty minutes later, we're walking along Main Street toward coffee and croissants.
"Mommy's friend has that restaurant," Brianna points to Angie's.
"We should eat here, then," Steve decides.
I shake my head. "No, let's get coffee at the coffee shop across from the Arcade."
"I'd like to meet the people you work with," Steve motions to the door. "I didn't get to last time I was here."
I scan the street for Brady's SUV. Sure enough, it's close by. "My boss is here."
"Brady, right?" Steve remembers. "Your dad said he's a pretty cool guy and that I'd like him."
"Dad said that?" My heart dips in my chest.
"Yeah," Steve picks up Brianna. "Come on, Iz. I want to meet the people who gave you a chance. The people who are taking care of you guys because I..."couldn't.
"OK," I swallow hard as I reach for the door.
Angie immediately greets us with a weary look on her face. "Hey, Izzy."
"Um, this is Steve," I rest my palm on my ex-husband's back.
Steve holds his hand out and Angie takes it. They shake as Steve says, "I'm really sorry about my behavior the first time I was here."
"It's alright," Angie winks at me. "We all have bad days."
"And this is my daughter," I cup Brianna's cheek. "Brianna."
"Well, Brianna," Angie beams, "you came in on a good morning. Our special today is chocolate chip pancakes with sprinkles."
Brianna screeches with glee. "Really?"
"Really," Angie confirms.
"I, uh, am going to introduce them to Brady," I tell Angie.
"I'll bring menus," she clasps her hands together.
