Lee
Good, maybe she’ll try to make a playdate with you instead.
My wide grin made my cheeks ache.
Stella
I offered. She didn’t seem interested. I can’t wait to meet all the other mothers waiting to play with you.
Lee
Cute. But she’s the only one.
Stella
That you know of. Come on, you’re single mom catnip.
Lee
Am I now?
Stella
You have a mirror. Although, considering the messy beard and long hair, maybe you don’t look in it much.
Lee
Ouch, way to butter me up and then hit below the belt. Maybe this is the look I’m going for. Messy enough to be sexy so I can go viral like Silas and not have to work.
Two women walking down the block craned their necks around when I burst out laughing.
Stella
I did find that viral shot, Dr. DILF. Dreams can come true.
Just not any of mine.
I leaned against the railing, let down from the little high. I could have dreams; I just had to redirect them.
After having them fixate on one thing, or one man, for so long, that would take time. Especially when, for the next few months, I’d live in said man’s house and be entwined in his life.
Lee
Well, enjoy it, I guess.
Stella
Have a safe rest of the flight. Sorry for texting so early.
Lee
I told you. Text all you want. Anytime about anything.
I stuffed my phone back in my bag. Maybe I’d go for a long walk and explore the neighborhood before I had to get Bennie from school. The less time I had to stay alone in a space that felt and smelled like Lee, the more I could work on redirecting or, at least, distracting.
“Stella!”
I recognized Diane’s voice as she waved from the bottom of the stoop.
