Chapter 10 River
River
“Rivvy!”
Nora plops into my lap like she’s been doing it her whole life, her little fingers clutching a green crayon like it’s a sword. She’s been calling me Rivvy all night, and I swear to God, every time she says it, it hits me right in the chest and knocks the air from me.
Even though I’ve only been here for an hour, it already feels like she’s got me wrapped around her little finger.
How isn’t Zane totally obsessed with his daughter?
It doesn’t make a damn bit of sense.
And then there’s her mother…
Nora pulls my attention back to her when she holds up a lopsided drawing. It could be a unicorn or a dinosaur. Possibly both. Or maybe it’s just a bunch of scribbles. She beams, as if she just painted the Mona Lisa.
How can I not smile back?
“Should we hang it on the fridge, ladybug?” I ask. “Your mama is going to love it.”
She scampers into the kitchen and stares at the refrigerator. I grab a couple magnets and place them strategically on the drawing. As soon as that’s done, she grins at it before racing back to the living room and climbing onto the couch. With a small sound, she pats the cushion next to her.
How is this kid so damn cute?
No, seriously.
It’s mind-boggling.
When Nora points to the television, I grab the remote and turn it on, flipping through a few channels until it lands on a cartoon that looks age appropriate. Nora plucks the pacifier off the coffee table as she snuggles Gaffy in her arms.
My thoughts wander to Callie as I sneak a peek at my phone. Beau better be talking about pastry orders and not trying to flirt with her.
With an exhale, I drag a hand through my hair. The idea of Callie out on a date with another man eats away at my insides.
I glance down at Nora. “Think we should check on your mama? Make sure everything’s good?”
If it’s not…
She plucks the pacifier from her mouth. “Mama!”
I nod. “Exactly what I was thinking, ladybug.”
With my phone in hand, I type out a message.
Me: Just wanted you to know that Nora has tied me up and is running wild through the townhouse. JK. We’re fine. She colored a masterpiece for you, and we hung it on the fridge. Now she’s watching a show. Then we’ll read a few books, and it’s lights out for this girl.
I hit send and then wait for a response. When one doesn’t pop up right away, I grow impatient and hit her name until a map appears on the next screen.
Did I happen to turn on her share location when she went to the bathroom before walking out the door with another man?
Damn right I did.
Looks like she’s at one of his restaurants. It’s only a couple of miles from here. Nora and I could be there in less than ten minutes if we needed to.
Me: If I don’t hear from you in two minutes, I’m coming to get you. FYI-I know where you are.
It takes less than ten seconds for her response to come through.
Callie: Okay, I’m calling your bluff. Where am I?
I fire off the answer.
Me: Sweet Surrender.
There’s a longer pause this time before she responds.
Callie: Did you turn on my location?
Me: Consider it a safety measure.
Callie: That’s a little stalkerish.
Me: Agree to disagree.
Callie: Is everything okay?
I snap a pic of Nora sitting contentedly next to me watching TV, totally engrossed in the show.
Me: She’s perfect. I just wanted to check on her mom.
Callie: I’m fine. I won’t be out much longer.
Me: Good.
Callie: Thank you again.
Me: Enjoy the rest of your evening out.
As soon as I hit send, I tack on—
Me: Not too much, though.
Callie: I’ll try not to.
I stare at her last message, my thumb hovering over the screen.
Does she have to try hard?
Are she and Beau hitting it off?
It might have started out as a business thing, but has it turned into more?
With a yawn, Nora leans against me, her head settling on my arm. I reach for the blanket and tuck it around her small body so she’s cozy.
And I let myself imagine what it would be like if this were more of a permanent situation.
If she were mine.
If they both were.