The chime sounds again, and this time, I light up at the two people walking in.
“There’s my favorite girl.”
Holding out my arms, I laugh as Poppy leaps into them. “Hi, Mama.”
“How was school today?”
“Margo thought Strawberry was dumb to bring into show and tell,” Poppy says.
“Really?”
She nods, pigtails bobbing up and down. She’s a mini me—from the bright blue eyes to the blonde hair. Except her smile.
That crooked smile with the dimple she gets from her father.
“I think she was jealous because her stuffed pig wasn’t as cool,” she says. “What’s cooler than a goose dressed like a strawberry?”
“Nothing.” I laugh. “Were you at least nice to her about it?”
The last thing I want is for my daughter to be mean to herclassmates, even if I don’t like Margo. Namely because her dad is friends with Paul, so I know the circles they run in. The circleIused to run in.
Her babysitter nods behind her. “The teacher said she was when I picked her up.”
“Good. Thanks for bringing her here.”
She smiles before leaving.
“I’m glad you were nice to her,” I say.
“Yes. I said I liked Strawberry and that’s all that matters.”
The old goose, dressed like a strawberry and won for me at a fair years ago, has seen better days. But Poppy loves it and sleeps with it every night.
Something else she got from her father.
“That’s my good girl.” I kiss her on the temple and set her down. “I’ve got a milkshake for you and then we can head home, okay?”
“Thanks, Mama.”
She runs over to her usual spot at the counter and pulls the glass toward her before taking a gulp. Setting Strawberry next to her, Poppy props her up so she can have a sip of the chocolate shake too.
I smile at my daughter, her happiness infectious even from here.
She’s the best thing in my life. I don’t care how hard it is being a single mom. It’s all for Poppy. I’ll do whatever it takes to give her a good life. A better life than I had. One where she can do whatever she wants.
With whoever she wants.
Shaking my head, I grab my last order from the kitchen and carry it out. I don’t need to be thinking about tarot cards or divorces or my past.
The only thing that matters is moving forward.
Whenever the hell that might be.
Chapter Two
KADE
“You have a meeting at two with Raven to discuss her newest acquisition, and after that you’ll need to brief the investors.”
