“Dash is a baby.” Max stands up with his computer bag across his body. “You don’t have to worry about him. I’ll be back by five to take Hope home.”
“No need. Alex and I will take her home. Hope wanted to visit my sister tonight.”
Sasha has a sister? What, do they keep her cloistered somewhere?
“Okay. I’ll see you later then. Thanks for the cookie, Fea.” Max nods at me and rushes off.
“Are you really here to protect Hope? Because we have security, you don’t need to worry.”
“I will always protect Hope no matter where she might be.”
That boy is intense.
Way too intense.
Today is a weird day.
Aren’t they always?
***
I’m not sure who needs the break more, me or Dash. He’s been passed from kid to kid all day, never getting the opportunity to lie in his playpen or take a nap. The little guy is probably going to pass out during tummy time. “Are you an easy sleeper or are you going to give me fits?”
Dash gurgles up at me.
“You’re a good boy.” Let’s hope. I open our apartment door and find Daria on the couch, reading.
She sets her book down and signs,“They finished setting everything up and baby-proofing the house an hour ago.”
“Good. I think he needs some downtime.” I drop the diaper bag on the bench by the door and slip off my shoes.
After setting the baby on the floor with a toy a few inches away for some tummy time, I join Daria on the couch.
“How long will this one be staying with us?”
“I have no idea. Paisley has a feeling about the mother.” Paisley’s feelings are almost always right.
“Hopefully, she comes back. He looks well taken care of.”
“Yeah, he does.”
Dash pushes with his chubby little leg as he reaches for the toy and tips himself over onto his back. Little gurgles of joy float up.
“How is your skin? Do you need to go to the doctor?”
That was quite a subject change. “It’s okay. Just a few scabs. And a little bit sore.”
“Yeah, right.”She reaches for the book she was reading.
“Daria.”
She turns her head towards me.
“I don’t lie to you.”
“But you hurt yourself.”
And thereby hurt you. “I’m sorry. I tried not to.”
