I looked at Ava, cheeks flushed, hands flapping excitedly.
Then at Leo, rocking from heel to toe, hopeful and wiggly.
Then back to Becca, who raised an eyebrow in ayour movekind of way.
“I mean . . . ” I started slowly, “if it works for you?—”
“It works,” Becca said, no hesitation. “We have him tomorrow night, too. My wife will be there too. Mel, I believe you met her the other day at the rink. You’re welcome to stay for dinner, or you can drop Ava off for an hour or two. Whatever’s easier for you.”
Leo fist-pumped like he’d just won a championship.
Ava smiled so wide my heart clenched.
“Okay,” I said, warmth prickling behind my eyes. “Tomorrow it is.”
Becca grinned. “Great. You should text Alex, since it looks like you will both be child-free tomorrow."
I flushed again. “I . . . might do that.”
“Oh, he absolutely would.”
We shared a quiet, conspiratorial laugh.
As the four of us walked toward the parking lot, kids chattering, dusk settling soft and blue over everything, I realized something. This felt good. Like community. Like possibility. Like the start of a life I hadn’t dared to imagine for us a year ago.
And maybe . . . something for just me, too.
23
ALEX
Isat at the table and watched the sway of Eleanor's hips as she made her way over to the theater to pick up Ava. I was so close to asking her out, but I didn't want to push her. There is so much on her plate, and I get that, but it is becoming increasingly clear to me that my feelings are real. And I can't help but think she might just feel the same way.
"Look at the love-sick look on your face. You two just need to fuck and get it over with."
My head snapped over to Belle, who was just grinning at me. I shook my head in mock disapproval, but she wasn't wrong.
"So she's trying out for the Reapers. Did she tell you that?" Belle asked as she started to wipe down the tables.
Nodded as I got up and put my mug in the bus bin before I followed behind her putting the chairs up.
"I like the two of you together," Bella said as she gave me a genuine smile.
"I'm beginning to like the thought it is too."
"Just be careful with her," Belle said as she went back behind the counter.
"Because of what happened with her husband."
"No.. well, yes . . . but mostly because of her mother."
This was new. While I should probably hear about it from her, I was curious.
"I won't say much, I'll just say the cleaning agency I work for sends me to her house three days a week. Her mom is . . . a lot."
I nodded, unsure of what else to do.
"But I'm happy for you. I think she and Ava will fit right in with the Reaper family."
