AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Until we could take a step further, I came up with ways to spend more time with her, while also learning about kids and stuff.
“I think I’ll try thatquilatesthing with Izzie,” I blurted.
Mia seemed confused as she lifted her head from the file she was reading, pushing her glasses up her nose with her knuckle while curled up on one end of the couch of my office. She even stopped munching on the peanuts she’d brought.
“Try what?” That came from Danny, who was sharing the couch with Mia, the same confused expression on his face.
“Quilates. That stretching thing. I’ve been listening to this podcast, and the lady said it was good for pregnant people.”
“Right.” She nodded in understanding. “I heard the classes are golden,” Mia snorted, making Danny chuckle and leaving me muddled.
He suppressed his laugh. “I think you meanPilates.Quilatesis Portuguese and Spanish for ‘carats.’ As in gold.”
“You little shit.” I threw an eraser at a laughing Mia, who dodged just in time. “Why are you like this?”
“Because you make it easy for me. All joking aside, how is she doing?”
I smiled on instinct. “She’s doing great. According to our last appointment, the baby was healthy, and so was Isabella. I think we’ll be feeling him soon. Or her. I’m crazy to know which; I wanna give a proper name to the baby. We might learn this week.”
“It’s an experience you’ll never forget.” Danny’s voice carried wonder and love. “Although, when you first carry your baby in your arms...” He shook his head in awe. “There’s no comparison. You see that little life that depends so much on you, and you realize you’re willing to do whatever it takes,whatever it takes, for that little person.” He was still in that contemplation when his mood shifted. “Then you remember who her mother is, and you feel like dying.”
Mia squeezed his meaty arm. “How are you? About that, I mean?”
“We’re leaving her,” he announced. “I can’t stand to stay in the same room as Andrea. I thought being stuck with her would be good for Sofia, but it’s proving to be dangerous. I can’t keep Fee in a toxic environment like that, especially with her connection with that cartel guy.”
“I didn’t see him again.”
“Still. I can’t go on like this. I’m taking Fee with me. I don’t know if Andrea will put up a fight, but my baby goes where I go.” He was resolute, and I admired him even more.
“If you need anything—some time off from work, witnesses for your divorce and custody process—whatever you need, you can count on us.” I nodded along with Mia’s words.
“I need to work to keep my head from exploding. But I won’t say no to you guys helping me with the process. I’m not sure she’ll let go that easily. Not that she cares about Sofia or me. She only cares about herself. That’s why she can make my life a living hell.” His eyes were so despondent, it tugged something inside me. “So now I’m looking for a new place to live. And I might need a nanny.”
“I’ll talk to Mom. She might know someone.” Mia smiled and squeezed his arm.
“I’m sorry, guys. I didn’t wanna put a damper on our afternoon.”
“Come on, man. We’re more than friends here. I hope you know you can come to us for anything.”
Danny nodded, smiling in gratitude. “I appreciate that.” He shook his head. “Don’t let my bad experience tarnish your vision of love and family. I’d hate for my nightmare with Andrea to get in the way of your fighting for something good.”
“It won’t,” I promised.
The mood remained somber for a while; Mia and I were trying to be mindful of Danny’s situation, giving him time to deal with his emotions. He was the one to break the silence, intent on infusing some lightness.
“I hope you have some good savings, because I’m gonna tell you, I still don’t understand how something so little can cost so much.”
I groaned and rubbed my hands over my face just as Zach entered the room.
“You opened an account for her, didn’t you?” Mia waved at her brother while asking Danny. “I remember you talking about it.” Mia turned to me. “He opened a banking account for Fee. Like a trust fund. You know, because kids are expensive and all.” She nodded, urging me to say something. “It seems like a good idea to do that. You can keep feeding the account, you know, for college, unforeseen occurrences. It’s just good planning.” At my silence, Danny suppressed a grin. “I’m hinting. I’m telling you you should do the same for your baby; it’s a hint.”
She was already losing her patience at my wordless stance when Danny chuckled. “I think he got it.”
“You weren’t that subtle, you know?”
“It’s not that hard to do. I opened a trust fund for Gabe, I can help you do the same for your kid if you need.” Realizing we all got silent at his words, Zach ignored my raised brow and walked to the chair across from my desk and sat down, shifting it so he could look at all of us. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen Zach blush.
He fished a flier from my table and started making origami. “We have an emergency meeting in a few.” Always responsible and discreet, he changed the subject.
