12
Having my baby girl all week is exactly what I needed. I don’t know what I was thinking, getting involved with a man so much younger than me. He’s still a baby. We simply had fun fucking like crazy. At least that’s what I keep telling myself, especially after last Saturday’s meeting with Trudy.
On Sunday, I meet up with Preston for brunch, so I can take advantage of being with my baby a little bit longer.
I pull into the parking lot of the restaurant we agreed on. Lifting Britney from her car seat, I hold her on my hip and walk into the establishment.
Preston waves his arm wildly from the booth he’s standing beside. I smile at the host and point Preston’s way.
“I see my friend is here already.” I make my way into the dining area and join Preston.
“Good morning, sweet pea. How’s Daddy’s baby girl?” Preston gushes over Brit and takes her from me. I’ve never seen a man so in love with his child as Preston is. I’m lucky that he’s the perfect dad for our daughter.
I slide into the booth as Preston waves for the server. When he arrives at our table, Preston asks, “Would you please bring us a booster chair for my daughter?”
“Yes, sir. I’ll be right back,” the young man says and hurries toward the back of the restaurant.
Preston sits on the end of the bench with Britney on his knee. She and I smack our hands on the table, and she giggles when I playfully grasp her tiny fingers. I’m so lucky. Brit is the perfect child. She’s only eighteen months old and has no idea her parents aren’t married.
When our server returns with the booster seat, Preston slides it on his side of the booth and straps Britney in. She continues to slap her hands like she’s playing drums on the table. I pull out a few toys to help occupy her while we decide what to order for brunch and spend time as a family.
“So, Blaire,” Preston says. “How was our girl this week? How was your week?”
“She was perfect, as always. And my week was just work.” I think about Jaden and his advances during class. I’m not about to talk with my ex-husband about a two-week fling with a younger man who turned into my student. My heart stings hard when a memory of Jaden and me together plays in my mind. I turn my head to look out of the window. Taking a deep breath, I sigh heavily.
“Blaire, what’s going on?” Preston asks as he reaches for my hand resting on the table.
“It’s nothing. Really, nothing.” I shake my head and squeeze his hand, then turn my attention to my daughter. I take her hands and play patty cake with her to avoid Preston’s questions.
“You know you can talk to me about anything. Just because we’re divorced doesn’t mean I don’t care about you. You’re the mother of my child. I’ll always want you to be happy.” He takes both my hands in his and tugs them.
“Blaire, did something happen at the university?”
“Nothing you can fix, Preston. Please don’t ask again. I’m handling it.” I pull my hands free and place them in my lap. This was the biggest issue in our marriage. He always wanted to fix everything. Even if it was none of his concern. Preston doesn’t have many flaws, but being overprotective and wanting to constantly fix every little thing that went wrong caused many arguments the last six months of our married life. I’d remind him that I was his wife, not his child. That I could handle my career and any problems that came along with it.
“Okay, when you’re ready to talk, you know how to reach me.”
“Welcome to Bernard’s,” our server says, ending our uncomfortable conversation. “What can I get for you all?”
“Thanks. Coffee and eggs Benedict for me,” I say and hand the menu to him.
“Ah, an iced coffee with cream and sugar. The three-egg omelet with ham and cheese. And a kid’s scrambled eggs with home fries, plain. Oh, and a small milk.” Preston hands his menu to the server, and he leaves us.
“Good morning, Miss Turner,” Jaden’s voice says sweetly.
My eyes fly up, then dart around the room before I get control of myself. I breathe deeply, then smile, and look up at him.
“Good morning, Jaden.” My hands grip my thighs under the table. Looking at the older woman standing beside Jaden, I ask, “Who’s this with you?”
“Oh. Mom, meet Bl—Miss Turner, my culinary instructor.” Jaden places his hand on his mom’s back.
I smile wider and scoot to the end of the booth. Extending my hand to her, I say, “Please call my, Blaire. It’s so nice to meet you.”
Blushing, Jaden’s mom takes my hand in hers and pats it gently. “I’m Margret. So lovely to meet my son’s favorite teacher.” She pinches my hand before releasing it. Looking at my daughter, she asks, “And who is this precious baby girl?” She covers her face with her hands, then pops them open and plays peek-a-boo with Britney.
My daughter giggles and slaps her hands to her face, then flies them open, squirming in her booster seat.
“Yes, this is Britney, our daughter. And this is Preston, my ex-husband.” I wave my arm toward him.
Being the gentleman he always is, he stands and takes Margret’s hand in his, shaking it gently.
“It’s wonderful to meet you, Margret, and you too, Jaden. I hope Blaire is teaching you well.” He sits back down after shaking Jaden’s hand.
“Miss Turner is the best instructor I’ve ever had.” He’s close enough to me as his foot taps against mine.
I move away and slide deeper into the booth. I don’t want Preston to notice anything between me and Jaden.
“I’m happy to hear that.” Preston picks up his glass of water and takes a sip, glancing at me over the top of the glass with his eyebrow raised.
Fuck!
“Your table is ready, sir,” a young woman comes up and says to Jaden.
He nods, then turns back to our table.
“It was nice meeting you. Mr. Turner. I’ll see you tomorrow, Miss Turner.” Jaden bends his arm for his mom to slide her hand through as they follow the host to their table.
Preston clears his throat. “Blaire, is?—”
I throw up my hand to stop him from saying anything more. “Don’t, please.” I drag my hand through my hair and close my eyes for a few seconds.
He huffs out a breath and says, “Okay, Blaire.” He taps my foot under the table.
I meet his gaze, then shake my head before taking a sip of coffee.
We enjoy a quiet brunch once our food is brought to the table. Then afterwards, we walk out to our cars. I take Britney in my arms and hug her tightly.
“Mommie loves you, baby. Have a great week with Daddy.” I kiss her cheek, and she squeezes me with her short, pudgy arms.
Preston takes Brit, then leans in, and kisses my cheek. “Remember, Blaire. I’m only a phone call away. I’ll see you next week.”
“Thank you, Preston. Bye, baby.” I wave as he puts Britney in her car seat, then he gets in his car and drives off.
Unlocking my car, I slide in behind the wheel and drive home to prepare for my week at the university.
After seeing Jaden today, I hope with all I have that he doesn’t force me to discipline him for trying to cross a line I cannot cross.