“Not really? I knew it!” Bianca slammed her hand on the table.
“Look, it’s . . . complicated.” I leaned against my kitchen counter. “I haven’t been with anyone since—”
“Jack. Who has been gone for a long time.” She rolled her eyes and squeezed my hand. “Don’t sabotage yourself because of misplaced guilt.”
I nodded without looking up. “What are you going to do about Travis?”
Bianca rolled her eyes. “Ignore him. I knew he’d pull something like this. The divorce was going too well. He hasn’t seen Dylan in a month, and all of a sudden, he wants to come to his Scout meetings and pick him up from school? I wish he’d just sign his rights away. My poor son doesn’t know what a real father is.”
I rested my head on my hand as a sad smile curved on my lips. “Neither does mine.”
“I know. But you have a good memory to pass along. I’ll only have legal bills and, the way things are heading, a restraining order.”
I laughed as she squeezed my hand. “And on that note, I’m going to go home to enjoy TV with suggestive themes and cursing, because I don’t have a kid in the house.” She stood and made her way toward the door.
I laughed as I unlocked my door. “Get home safe. One drink; we like to party.”
“Yeah I guess so.” She chuckled. “Tell Nick when he texts in five minutes that I said hi.”
“Very funny. Get home safe.”
As if on cue, the second I shut the door, my phone buzzed on the kitchen counter.
Nick: Jack is sleeping. He had an awesome day. He’s already asking when we go camping again.
Me: Of course he is. He likes to torture me. Thanks for taking care of him today.
Nick: Jack is a good kid. Fishing seems to be his thing.
Me: Really? He’s never had an interest before today.
Nick: Maybe I could take you guys on a day trip sometime.
Me: Is fishing your thing, too?
Nick: Yeah, that and beautiful petite girls with freckles.
Me: I don’t have freckles.
Nick: Who said I was talking about you?
Me: Funny.
Nick: And yes you do. They come out more when you get flushed. Like right after I kiss you. So damn adorable.
I tucked my legs under me on the couch, ashamed of the thudding of my heart. My cheeks heated, and Nick wasn’t even in the same room.
Nick: You’re blushing right now, aren’t you?
Me: Shouldn’t you be checking on the boys?
Nick: They’re sleeping. Send me a picture. Show me some freckles.
Me: You’re ridiculous.
Nick: C’mon, I sent you pictures all day. Pretty please. With sugar on top.
I rolled my eyes and bounced my phone onto the couch cushion next to me. Despite myself, I picked it back up and narrowed my eyes at the camera as I took a quick picture, then sent it before I lost my nerve.
