She rolled her eyes. “That’s why you need help. Have you considered tracking down her father? He probably does well for himself.”
I cringed at the mention of him. He was a nobody I hooked up with in my senior year of college. I was on spring break and vacationing in a different city. We’d used protection and I was on birth control, but apparently, that wasn’t enough. I didn’t have any way to contact him and I couldn’t even remember his name. So, I finished my business degree and got my real estate license all before she was born. I landed an internship that turned into a job, and I've been working there ever since.
I loved my job. While I wished I could spend more time with my Aria, even if presented with the option, I wouldn’t stay home. And while a lot of people thought that was wrong of me, it was true.
“He’s not her father,” I said sharply. “And I hope you won’t mention anything about it to her.” The last thing I wanted was for her to feel othered by not having a dad.
“I won’t, but think about it. It’s obvious you need help, and we won’t be around forever.”
“I know, and I appreciate your help. Let me know if you want any cash.”
She scoffed. “I don’t need money for taking care of my grandbaby.”
I turned to go to my old room, where I knew she’d be, when my mother stopped me. “Oh, and have you noticed Aria acting…weird?”
I stopped. “Weird?”
“Yes. Today, she napped here when she’s normally very awake after daycare. And she was a bit hyper afterward, and now, she’s asleep again. I think she may have a cold.”
“Thanks for letting me know,” I said. I had noticed some of the same things. I'd chalked it up to her being a kid, but it seemed to be more than that. Maybe she did have a cold.
Even my room was the same, with peeling band posters and a pink and zebra print comforter. I had no idea why everyone at the time was so obsessed with that combo, but I got a fun reminder of it every time I stepped in here.
Aria was curled up in bed, sleeping peacefully. She’d been changed into pajamas and looked like she had a bath. At least I didn’t need to worry about waking her to do that. I picked her up carefully, trying not to wake her, and whisked her out of the room.
I whispered a thanks to my parents and put her in the car. Once the door was shut, I got in, turned the car on, and just sat in silence for a moment. Today had been hectic, and my mother bringing up my inability to be everywhere at once really rubbed me the wrong way. I knew I wasn’t perfect, but I was managingon my own. At least I thought. Maybe more was slipping through my fingers than I thought.
I looked down at my phone and saw the icon for that dating app. When I clicked it, I had a new message.
Jasper - Hey beautiful :)
A small smile touched my lips. A giddy feeling I hadn’t felt in a long time snaked its way through me, but I quickly tamped it down. I didn’t need to be acting like a schoolgirl over a single message from a guy on a dating app.
Harper - That’s a cheesy opener
The three dots in the corner danced quickly.
Jasper - I know, but it’s true. How was your day?
I could feel my face heat. Goddess, I was blushing over such a simple compliment. Maybe I did need to get out more.
Harper - Busy. I had a lot of client meetings today
Jasper – Oh, what do you do?
Harper – I’m a real estate agent
Jasper- that sounds fun!
Itwasfun. Strangely, having someone acknowledge that my job could be fun made me smile. It made me realize I had barley glanced at his profile. I went to check and read the bio. It said he enjoyed woodworking, gardening, hiking, skiing, and traveling. That was a lot of hobbies.
A hand knocked on my window, startling me, making me drop my phone to the floor. When I glanced over, my mother stood there, wrapping her robe tightly around her. “Is something wrong?” she asked.
I rolled down my window. “No, sorry. Just sending a work text.”
She rolled her eyes. “Why don’t you get her home so she’s not sleeping in the car seat for too long?”
I again bit my tongue. I didn’t want to sit here and argue, especially about a lie I’d just told.
