A look of understanding passes over Kiki’s gentle features. “I see.”
“I shouldn’t have let him get so close to you. That’s on me. But it wrecked him when you disappeared. I can’t have you coming in and out of his life like that. He cried for weeks, wanting to know why you didn’t want to be his friend anymore.” I swallow down the emotion as I recall the conversations I’d had with my curious little boy. “I told him you were busy, but I don’t think he believed me.”
Kiki’s eyes fill with tears, but she leaves the gift on the edge of my makeshift work area. “I understand completely. But I’m leaving this here. I drove all the way to the city to get it for him.”
Her words hit right in the gut. “Kiki?—”
“Don’t,” she cuts in, the emotion trembling in her voice. “Please. This is for Theo. Just don’t tell him it came from me. Give it to him and make sure he has the best birthday, okay? He’s the most awesome little guy ever, and he deserves that.”
A few tears slide down her cheeks, and I fight the urge to pull her back into my arms. But this time, I might not let go.
I look at the dinosaur, then back at her. “If you’re sure… I’ll get you the money tomorrow.”
“I’m positive.” She swipes at her cheeks and rolls her shoulders. “Now I’m going to get caught up on my work. I hope you didn’t tell Nolan I was MIA this morning.”
“Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”
And I appreciate you, Kiki. Fuck?—
When is this going to get easier?
Romy leans into the room. “Hey, handsome,” she calls, tapping her wrist. “You’re going to be late. You told me to remind you, remember?”
I smack my forehead. “Shit, you’re right. Thank you.”
“I put your bags in the truck,” Romy adds. “You’re ready to roll.”
I turn back to Kiki. “Yeah, I have to?—”
Kiki lifts a brow, her gaze flicking between me and Romy, but she doesn’t ask for clarification. “Guess it’s your turn to play hooky now, huh? Don’t worry, I’ll cover for you if Nolan calls. It’s the least I can do.”
“Thanks. I’m taking Theo to hockey.”
Her eyes drop to the bag in my hand. “You might want to leave the dinosaur here… or with Romy. I’m pretty sure having it in the truck with you is going to ruin the surprise.”
“Yeah. Good call.”
I hand the bag off to Romy, who immediately peeks inside. “How cool, a dinosaur. Theo will love this. I’ll stash it somewhere safe, away from the chaos.”
“Appreciate it.”
I’m halfway across the room when I turn. “Seriously, Kiki, thank you. You have no idea what this means to me. To Theo.”
She nods, but there’s a rigidity in her stance now, and I can’t be sure what’s put her on edge.
My guess? Me telling her the gift can’t come from her.
And I get it. It was hard enough to say. I can only imagine how it felt to hear.
But I have to think about what’s best for my little guy, and nursing him through another heartbreak isn’t it.
Her gaze flicks once more between Romy and me. “No problem. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Have a good night.”
I stop by Mike, let him know I’m heading out and he’s in charge, then hustle toward my truck.
