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I fix her a small bowl of cereal this morning, watching as she eats it right up. She runs towards her suitcase and begins tugging at the zipper. I help her open it up and watch as she analyzes all of the toys inside. She closes it back and I zip it back up. Son of a bitch. I really could have left the suitcase in the car last night. I should have known better.
I chuckle as I set the suitcase back by the door. We finish our morning routine and soon we’re back at my parent’s house and then I’m heading back to work. My phone vibrates as I pull into the hospital, but I know better than to check it while I’m driving. Whatever it is can wait until my car is no longer moving.
My usual parking spot is already taken so I drive around until I spot something that isn’t so far away. Then I take out the phone. Austin’s name pops up and butterflies invade my stomach. I’m not used to this feeling at all.
Austin: This may be a long shot but do you have any plans this evening?
I swallow as I read his message. I can’t make plans with him. He doesn’t know about Darla and it’s not like I would have anyone to watch her anyway. My parents do more than their fair share during the work week.
Paige: I’m having dinner at my parents’ house.
It’s not like I’m lying. If I had to put money down on it, I could almost guarantee a meal will be cooked and Darla and I will be eating there.
Austin: No big deal, I was just wondering if you wanted to hang out and maybe get a bite to eat.
He’s such a damn sweetheart and it’s killing me I can’t tell him yes.
Paige: Oh, I’m sorry. Can I get a rain check?
Austin: Of course. Just let me know when works for you.
Paige: I will!
Austin: I hope you have a good day, beautiful.
My throat closes up and my heart stops beating in my chest. Beautiful. I almost forgot what that word even means. It’s been forever since a guy has called me beautiful. Now I really feel like shit for having to tell him no. My hands get all clammy on me as I type back to him. I’m actually kinda glad this is happening over text message because I’m not sure I could hide these rosy pink cheeks.
/> Paige: You are too sweet. Have a good day too!
I want to wait for him to reply but I need to get inside. I’m never late, but I’m pushing it a little today. Austin’s last message was definitely worth it, though.
Chapter 10
Austin
I may have crossed some sort of imaginary line, but fuck it. We only live once and my life could have easily been taken away from me a few months ago. I’m living it to the fullest, and if telling Paige she’s beautiful is the best thing I do today, then I’m okay with that. I can’t seem to wipe the grin off my face and Lance looks at me like I’ve lost my mind. Maybe I have, maybe I’ve finally fallen off the deep end.
“Why do you look like the weird neighbor I had as a kid?” he asks me.
I laugh hysterically, wondering why he even talks sometimes. “What the hell are you talking about?”
“Old Man Hanks. He always stood on his front lawn wearing some godawful grin like he was up to something. He had no teeth though. You’ve got him beat there.”
“You make no sense. None whatsoever. How’s Hilary and Tyler?” I ask, changing the subject. I’m done with him referring to me as the creepy neighbor.
“You know she actually told me she misses being pregnant? She was the cutest pregnant woman, though. Anyway, she and the baby are good. Laney is a great big sister. I’m blessed, man.”
“That’s awesome. I’m happy for you.” Truth is, I really am. I have no clue what it’s like to really be around kids, but it sounds like it’s work but fun at the same time. Lance and Garrett are the first people I’ve been with who have them. None of my friends back home were knocking up the women around town. They were fucking, but that was about it.
“Yeah, so you want to spar with a real winner or you still want Garrett?” He grins.
“You talking shit, Lance?” Garrett pops up out of nowhere. “I’ll tell Raegan not to cook anymore. She was supposed to come today but she forgot Lucas had some sort of check-up this morning.”
“You turned her into Betty Crocker and I love it. You better not tell her not to cook.”
“You guys crack me up,” I tell them, reaching over for my right arm. This happens to me sometimes—I forget the arm is not there. Tears well up in my eyes. I put my head down pretending something got into my eye. I would have thought I’d be used to this by now, but it’s still like it’s hitting me for the first time all over again.
“Lance should have been a clown or something. I hear the circus is hiring.” Garrett grins.
