I do my best to keep my expression neutral. I may care about Niko and Sophia more than anyone else in my life…well, Ellie and Hunter are on that list too, but it is not my place to interject any advice on the topic.
He places his mug on the coffee table and turns back to me to continue. “It’s just like her to make Sophia’s day about her. I don’t want her swooping in and ruining that day for Sophia, but I also can’t make that decision alone. Sophia’s becoming old enough to have a say in who’s here on her birthday. Besides, after everything we’ve planned, I want this day to be special. I’m going to let Sophia decide if she wants her mother there to celebrate with us or not. And even if Sophia says yes, there’s no guarantee she’ll actually show.”
Niko and I, with the help of his mom, planned Sophia’s birthday party for the day the Bobcats come back from their two playoff road games in Milwaukee. The team gets an extra day off between games four and five—assuming there is a game five—so it worked out perfectly to have her party the day of her actual birthday. As much as I don’t want to meetSophia’s mom, I love that Niko is considering his daughter’s feelings. I know how much Niko struggles sometimes, thinking he’s failing as a parent, so I do my best to reinforce how amazing he is as a dad.
“It takes a really amazing parent to put their animosity aside and allow their child a say in important decisions like that. You’re doing such a fantastic job raising Sophia. I’m constantly in awe of you.”
He shakes his head, always so difficult for him to take a compliment. “Thanks, Sadie, but I have no idea what I’m doing half the time. I’m just trying to raise my daughter the best I can. This world is a scary, difficult place, especially for women. I want her to know that her feelings are valid no matter how big they may be. I also want her to know that she’s in charge of her mind and body. If she doesn’t want her mother here, that’s her right. And if she does, that’s also her right.”
Remarkable. If there’s one word I could use to describe Niko, it’s remarkable.
Niko rubs his jaw, his brows scrunched as he seems to consider something. “I know you two connect on a different level, and before I ask Sophia if she wants her mom here…I was wondering if she’s ever said anything to you about Claire? I don’t want you to betray Sophia’s trust but I’m also not sure where her head is these days. Although she hasn’t had many nightmares, which means her mom isn’t haunting her dreams as much.”
He’s right. Even when Niko traveled for his games last week, Sophia had no nightmares. He told me that in the past when he’d travel for games, it always seemed to trigger her bad dreams. It makes sense. Her mother abandoning her has left some pretty deep scars, so him leaving for games would stir up something in Sophia. It’s also why he didn’t want to burden his parents anymore. They didn’t get much sleep when he’d go out of town.
I set my mug down on the table next to his and shake my head. “No, she hasn’t said anything to me about her mom. Although, whenever we go to the basement, she completely avoids the music studio down there. I’m assuming that was her mom’s room?”
Niko sighs and nods. “Yeah. Claire wanted to become a big-time performer. It’s why she started leaving in the first place. To follow her dream or whatever. I built that space thinking she’d feel less inclined to travel to other studios, but it seemed to only add fuel to her fire. With the studio here, not only was she gone when she’d travel, she was gone when she was at home too. She’d lock herself in there for days at a time, forgetting she had a family waiting for her upstairs. Sophia was too young to remember that, but she must associate that studio with her mom leaving. My girl is too damn smart for her own good. It’s not always a good thing, I guess.”
My heart breaks for Sophia but it also breaks for the man sitting across in front of me. I can’t imagine what it’s like to be a parent, trying to protect your child from the world, but also having to protect them from their own mother. How can anyone in that position know what the right thing to do is?
“Maybe it’s time for a little home renovation. Change the music studio into a room where Sophia can make new, positive memories.”
Niko’s eyes light up like he’s just been inspired. Before I can ask what has him so happy, he leans over and captures my mouth with his. He pushes me back onto the couch and his giant body swallows mine up as he presses himself into me. Niko breaks the kiss before I’m ready for it to end and peers down at me.
“You’re a genius.”
I smile up at him, and before I can capture his mouth for another kiss, he scoots his body next to mine, wedging himself between me and the couch. He reaches out and pushes my hair behind my ear.
“I should probably call my parents and see if they’re willing to watch Sophia for the day tomorrow so we can go to the party.”
The party. Talk about a buzz kill.
Turning my body so we’re face to face, I rest my hand on his hip. “I know you hate relying on them. Are you sure you want to go with me?”
Niko’s hand mirrors mine as he places it on my hip and gives it a little squeeze.
“I’m sure. It’s just for the day. I’ll let them know they can head here tomorrow. Sophia can sleep in her own bed and my parents can go home once we get back. They’ve been missing her. I’m sure they won’t have a problem.”
As much as I would rather end the night exploring Niko’s body, he should probably make that call and get some sleep. It’s going to be a long day tomorrow.
“If you’re sure, then you should probably head home. You’re going to need energy tomorrow if you plan on meeting my parents. They’re…a lot.”
Niko leans down and kisses my forehead.
“I can’t wait.”
He has no idea what he’s getting himself into.
I thought my house was spectacular but it’s nothing compared to the houses here in Old Town.
The street we’re on is lined with homes that are too big for their own good. Balconies on all sides of the houses. Front lawns decorated with fountains and sculptures. The people who live here are definitely not hurting for cash, that’s for sure.
Sadie has been quiet the last half-hour of our drive, and as we pull up to an enormous mansion, I notice her leg bouncing up and down as she stares out the window at the monstrosity of a home.
I can’t believe she grew up here. Her parents are obviously the type of people who flaunt their wealth. There’s a fucking marble fountain on their front lawn that probably costs more than my house for god’s sake. Why in the world was Sadie going to be homeless if she comes from this type of money? Knowing Sadie, she probably wouldn’t accept their money even if they offered, and based on what she’s told me, I doubt they’d offer anyway.
Reaching over, I place my hand on her thigh. “It’s goingto be okay. I promise.”
