Evelyn’s mouth forms an ‘O’ shape before she nods and moves the blanket off the opening of the stroller. “Oh! Someone is awake.” Her voice rises and coos as the little newborn grunts from the stroller.
“Hi, Piper,” Charlie gushes as she leans down. “How’s mommy’s girl?”
“Gassy,” Evelyn chuckles. “I think we need to switch formulas again.”
Charlie picks up the baby, her eyes widening. “Oh, I think someone had a blowout.”
Sure enough, there’s a dark stain trailing up the newborn’s onesie. Chunky legs kick as a little, sharp cry comes from the infant.
“I forgot the diaper bag in the car,” Evelyn says with a sigh. “Can you help me, baby?”
Charlie’s eyes trail to us before she grins. “Of course. I’m sure the guys wouldn’t mind watching Piper.”
There’s a string of reactions—I roll my lips in, choosing to stay quiet on the matter. Kairo winces, scratching at the back of his neck. Roman closes his eyes before holding his arms out for the baby.
Charlie hands Piper over, and the horrible smell of soiled clothes almost makes me gag. The manager gives us a smug smirk. “This is payback. She pulls hair.”
We’re left alone with a wailing baby and no idea how to soothe her. Roman holds her out in front of him, his eyes expressive with fear. “What do I do?”
“Don’t hold her like that,” I frown.
“How do I hold her, then? I’ve never done this before.” He grumbles.
Kairo makes a swaddling motion with his arms. “Like this? I’ve seen it in movies.”
Roman pulls Piper close to his chest, cautious as he turnsthe baby until she’s lying a little awkwardly in his arms. “Am I doing this right?”
“Probably not,” Kairo shrugs.
“Sit down,” I point to the chair, and Roman backs up until he eases onto it. “Now make a rocking motion, like Charlie was doing.”
He attempts it until he gets a steady rhythm. He’s extremely gentle with her, and her sobs quiet a little. “This isn’t so bad…”
Kairo and I both sit beside him, leaning over as we observe the infant. She’s adorable with chubby cheeks and big, round eyes.
Kairo reaches a finger out to her, and she grips it tightly. He smiles softly. “She’s strong.”
It doesn’t take long for Piper’s parents to come back, and when they do, they’re shocked by how calm their daughter is.
“Huh…” The manager hums. “I can’t believe she actually likes you.”
Evelyn walks over, holding her hands out. “I can take her.”
Roman seems a little reluctant to hand her back to her mother, but he makes the transition smooth. Once Evelyn goes to the changing room and we’re left alone, he rests his head back against the wall. “I need to apologize.”
“Yup,” Kairo says.
I place my hand on Roman’s shoulder. “Let’s give her some space first.”
He nods, but the faraway look in his gaze stays. Even when Rosalie is released from the hospital and chooses to ride home with Charlie, he doesn’t get out of his head.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Rosalie
Did you take something? I didn’t sign up to watch over a fucking addict, Rosalie.
I slam my notebook closed, anger boiling through my veins. It’s been two days, and I haven’t stopped replaying Roman’s words in my head. I’ve been stewing away, and I canceled tour rehearsals until next week because I can’t focus. Leaving the hospital with strict instructions to take things easy and a new pod system that injects me with insulin when it senses my levels are low has been a lot.
