She hugged me tighter.“I know.And I understand.Otherwise, I’d be dragging you out of here by your ears.But you don’t always have to be strong.And you certainly have nothing to prove.That prick screwed you over.This is not your fault.”
She released me, nodding at Vance on the way out.“Take care of our girl.”
“I intend to.”
His words were spoken as if he was making a vow.He seemed to be going above and beyond for a client who wasn’t even paying him.Something else I had to confront him about.
That’s a tomorrow-me problem.Tomorrow me might have better strategies to deal with her life than today me.
“Any dinner requests?”
Vance’s question startled me.I was too tired to figure out why we were talking about dinner like we’d always planned to eat together.And why is he still here?
When I didn’t answer, he tried again.“Do you want pizza?I’m sure the girls will be hungry, and it’s the quickest.”
My brain still seemed to be misfiring.“Pizza?”
Vance grabbed the key off the kitchen counter, then took my hand on his way past.I had no other option but to follow.
He walked me outside and closed the door, frowning at the flimsy lock.“I’ll get a few deadbolts and a new lock.Do you need the key tomorrow morning?”
“No, I don’t think so.I was planning on coming back with the girls in the afternoon.”
“I’ll sort out the lock in the morning and then come and get you and the girls.There might be more stuff you want to take with you, and that way I can help you carry it.”
“Oh, that’s okay.I can manage.”
There wouldn’t be more stuff even if I wanted to bring it, since it wouldn’t fit.There was already too much in the apartment.But I couldn’t bring myself to throw out my mom’s antique teacups.Or the rocking chair my dad had made for my mom when she was pregnant with me.
“It’s no problem.”He held my car door open for me.“I’ll pick it up on the way to your house.”
“Thank you.”
He gave me a brief nod as I slid into my seat.“I’ll see you in about twenty minutes.”
“Okay.”
He closed my door for me and climbed into the truck.
Guess I’m having dinner with Vance.
Addy let out an almighty shriek.“Where is my bed?”
We’d arrived home five minutes ago, and after looking around the house to find out what furniture was missing, the girls had gone to their rooms.
“It’s at the new apartment, ladybug.Remember how we talked about moving?And that we can’t take all our stuff?”
Elana came out of her room, tears in her eyes.“But then why is my bed still here?I want to take it.”
I kneeled down in front of her, my heart breaking.“I’m so sorry, pumpkin pants, but we can only fit one bed.And the bunk bed takes up less room than yours.”
Not to mention they would not be sleeping if they were in the same bed.Them being in the same room would be challenging enough.
Pulling her close for a hug, I kissed the top of her head.“All your toys are already at the apartment, but I left Bruno for you to cuddle with.”
The pink unicorn stuffy looked like it was brand-new since Elana treated it with more care than she did any of her other toys.
Winston wound himself around her legs, and she leaned down to pet him.“Does that mean Winston has to stay here as well?”Her eyes welled up with tears again.“Who will take care of him?”
