When I straighten to my full height, Emma stares at me with wide eyes, mouth gaping. “She’s… she’s yours?” She looks absolutely shocked at the idea that I may have a kid.I get it, I’m still shocked.
“Yeah.”
She blinks a few times, still looking astounded. “Wow… when did that happen?”
I sigh, hating this question but understanding that people are curious and just trying to figure out how I ended up with a kid out of nowhere. “It’s a long story, but since two weeks ago.” I grab the back of my neck, feeling uncomfortable.
“Oh… well, congratulations. She’s adorable.” She looks down at Gracie and pinches her cheek lightly. “Aren’t you the cutest little thing? Yes, you are! Yes, you are! I just want to snuggle you up and kiss you forever!”
I roll my eyes as she talks to my child in that baby way that I hate, but then Gracie shrieks with laughter once more.Huh… I didn’t know she was good with kids. Maybe I can use this to my advantage.
“Mackenzie?” a voice calls from behind me, and Emma looks up as something flashes in her eyes, but I don’t recognize it right away. It’s like her body is suddenly flooded with embarrassment and guilt.That’s what it is… pain.
“Emma! What are you doing here? Jesus, we haven’t heard from you in forever!” Silas comes up to her and takes her into a side hug since she’s still holding my girl.
She pushes him away and scrunches her nose. “Holy balls! You smell horrible!” She side-eyes my daughter quickly. I’m pretty sure that wasn’t the word she was going to use, but I appreciate her not cursing in front of Gracie. It’s been one hell of an adjustment.
Silas laughs and takes off his helmet, then scratches his head. “Where have you been, Em? We’ve all been worried about you.”
She snorts, but it sounds entirely forced. “I’m a big girl, Hayes, no need to worry about me. I’ve just been… dealing with some stuff.”
“What kind of stuff? What’s going on? Talk to me.” Silas places his hand on her bicep, giving a little squeeze to encourage her to go on. I probably shouldn’t be here for this conversation, but I also want to hear what she has to say.
Emma makes a strange face the moment Silas touches her arm and glances at his hand quickly before wiping the look away and clearing her throat. “It’s over with Tommy.”
“Shit… I’m sorry, Em.”No, he’s not. None of us could stand that guy.
“Don’t be.” She flips her hair back and laughs, but again, it sounds forced. “That breakup waslongoverdue.”
“Oh, okay.” Silas frowns slightly at how easily she’s dismissing her relationship of two years. “Well, where are you staying now? Weren’t you living with him?”
“I’m staying in a hotel until I find something worth buying.”
“What? That’s nonsense. Come stay with us. Minnie will be thrilled to have you around again.”
“No, Silas. I can’t…” She sighs and looks away, showing her first sign of real emotion. “I owe such a big explanation to Cecilia, and I’m just not ready yet. I have to sort through some stuff first before I face her. I know it seems selfish of me, but I owe her that much…” She looks down and smiles sadly at Gracie, who rests her head against the side of her chest, about to doze off.
Silas’s shoulders drop as he internally battles what to do. He knows his wife would want Emma with them, but he also wants to support Em in her decision to need time.
An idea forms in my head as I watch Emma with my daughter, who seems to adore her newfound friend.
“Stay with me,” I blurt out, causing a look of surprise on both their faces. Silas’s brows pull down while Emma's eyes widen.
“What?” she asks.
“I need someone to watch over Gracie when I can’t be there. You’re not working, right?”
“Umm… no, not at the moment.” She looks from Silas to me.
“Then it’s settled. You’ll stay with me and watch over Gracie when I have engagements related to hockey. You seem to know your way around kids from what I saw, and I’ll pay you for your time.” I nod, agreeing with my own decision.This should be fine.I just need to find a way to deal with Emma’s intense personality.
“I… are you sure?” She seems hesitant. Not surprising. Emma and I aren’t the closest when it comes to our group of friends. We tolerate each other, but she tends to get on my nerves easily.
“Yup, it’s the best solution for both of us. Gives you a place to stay instead of some hotel until you find something you like, and gives me more time to look for a nanny without worrying about Gracie.”
Silas eyes me inquisitively. He knows about my distaste toward Emma. He probably thinks I’ve lost it.Not yet, bud, but I’m pretty close.
“Okay then! Yes, I accept your offer.” She slips on a bright smile and throws her hand my way, waiting on a handshake like we’re signing a contract.
