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“I should be able to start looking for a place next week.”
“This takes the sting out of you canceling for sure, though I’m going to miss seeing you.”
“Can we meet for lunch? Same place?” I have to release Tommy’s hand to open the fridge and peer inside. The organization is surprisingly immaculate. Labeled containers line each shelf, and I easily spot one that says dinner leftovers with yesterday’s date.
Muffled words sound in my ear. Caiti must be nearby. “Make it breakfast and in town.”
“Deal.”
“We’ll text you in the morning then.”
“I’ll await the details. I have to go feed this little dude.”
“Have fun.” Eric ends the call.
I toss my phone onto the counter and grab the container. “Okay. Looks like green beans, mashed potatoes, and ground hamburger for you. Sounds yummy!”
Upon turning, big, brown eyes peer up at me from knee height. A drool-covered finger disappears into his mouth.
“Are you hungry?”
“Yah!”
I scoop him up and situate him on my hip. He looks into the container. “Do you like green beans?” I pop the dish into the microwave.
“Green beans,” he repeats excitedly. “I want to eat. Green beans!”
The cute sentences spread a smile across my face. While we wait for the food to heat, I sway us to an imaginary beat. Tommy’s squeals turn into high-pitched giggles with each turn.
“Do you like that?”
His answer is another squeal, and he bangs his hands on my shoulders. I execute another twirl. Tommy throws his torso back and screeches happily.
The sound of a gong-like doorbell interrupts my imaginary song and startles me from our dance.
“We should go see who that is, huh?”
Pride swells as I step back into the immaculate foyer. The clouded glass shows a shadowed figure on the other side. Nora didn’t mention expecting company, but it’d be rude not to tell them she’s out for the evening.
With Tommy clutched on one hip, I swing the door open with the other hand. Only to come face-to-face with Rhett.
“Oh. Hi.” Confused surprise colors my tone.
“What are you doing here?” He steps into the house without waiting for my invitation, giving the distinct impression he’s been here before. An unpleasant inkling spikes in my gut.
“Dah!” Tommy lunges with his arms extended in Rhett’s direction.
Dah? As in dad?
“I think there’s a misunderstanding here,” I start.
“You think? How long have you known my ex-wife?”
That spike burrows deeper. “Nora is your ex-wife? That means Tommy is…”
“Yeah. My son. I’m not going to lie, Evie. I don’t like this one bit.”
Now that my arms are free, I cross them over my chest in a protective stance. Tentacles of jealousy sprout in every direction. “I don’t even know what’s going on here. I’m sure there’s some sort of explanation.”
