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I follow behind Presley as she steps into the foyer, taking in the welcoming space. A stairway leads to the second floor off to the left, and there’s a living room on the right. Whites and grays dominate the space, creating a modern and calming ambiance. The open-concept floor plan makes the space feel roomy, but it’s still a mid-sized home. I can’t understand why the Staffords would live in a modest house when they could afford a mega-mansion—several, if they wanted.
“Aunt Presley, you’re finally here!” A little girl comes barreling down the hall with a megawatt smile, her blonde curls bouncing as she races into Presley’s open arms.
“Hey, Lola. I’ve missed you.” The little girl giggles when Presley boops her on the nose. “Where’s Gramps?” Presley asks.
“I’m right here.” A middle-aged man comes down the hall, sporting worn blue jeans, a ratty T-shirt, and a baseball cap. “Someonewas supposed to help me with the groceries but got excited when she heard her favorite aunt was here.”
“I’m her only aunt, Dad.”
“But you’re still my favorite,” Lola declares with gusto.
“Thanks, ladybug.” Presley gives her another squeeze.
“I’m so glad you’re home. We’ve missed you.” Presley’s dad gives her a kiss on the cheek.
“I missed you too.”
“Aunt Presley, who’s that man?” Lola asks loudly, pointing in my direction.
Great, the last thing I need is for her family to ask more questions.
Everyone looks at me, making me feel very uncomfortable. I’m usually adaptable in most situations, but I’ve never been caught in the middle of a family reunion before. I should have just had the car service drop Presley off and then take me straight to the hotel.
“That’s Jack, her boyfriend,” Dylan pipes up. “Jack, this is our dad, Mike.” He grins with satisfaction when Mike throws me a disapproving look.
“Did you bring me a present?” Lola interrupts.
“Lola,” Dylan chides. “What have I told you about asking people for gifts? It’s not polite.”
“But why?” She puts her hands on her hips. “Gigi says it’s rude to show up at someone’s house empty-handed.” She grins at Johanna. “Does that mean this man is rude?”
Presley erupts in laughter. “Oh, sweetie, you have no idea.” Her family gives her questioning glances. “Don’t worry, Lola. Jack will get you a present. He just hasn’t had a chance to go shopping yet.”
“She doesn’t need any more toys,” Dylan interjects.
“Yes, I do, Daddy,” Lola corrects him. “My Calico Critters need more friends. Jack can get me the panda family so they won’t be lonely anymore.”
I like this kid. She isn’t afraid to ask for what she wants and has a counterargument for everything—she’s definitely going places.
“Come on, ladybug. It’s time to go home and get you to bed. It’s been a long day.” Dylan scoops her into his arms, and I notice he doesn’t have a ring on. “See you guys tomorrow. And remember what I said about my sister, Jack. I’m watching you,” he warns.
“Great,” I mumble under my breath.
“Bye.” Presley waves.
Johanna and Mike follow Dylan outside, leaving Presley and me alone.
“Where’s Lola’s mom?” I ask, wondering if she’s still around or not.
“Maddie… she and Dylan met in high school. They dated for a while before getting pregnant with Lola, but motherhood didn’t suit her. She left when Lola was only six weeks old. It’s been five years, and she hasn’t been back since,” Presley says, seemingly surprised that I asked her something personal. I usually refrain from doing so.
“That’s terrible.”
“Yeah, it is,” Presley agrees. “Dylan’s a great dad though, and he has an incredible support system. A nanny comes in the mornings to take Lola to school, my parents pick her up in the afternoons, and she stays here until Dylan gets off work.”
“Lola’s lucky to be surrounded by so many people who love her,” I murmur, unsure why I said it at all.
“Yeah.” Presley gives me a quizzical look, but Johanna and Mike come back inside before she can ask about my cryptic remark.
