But just like with Mrs. G, I found myself not wanting to disclose the Sadie Situation. That’s what I was referring to it as in my head. The Sadie Situation.
Both men just stared at me, neither of them making any effort to disguise the fact they thought I was full of shit. We stayed like that, all staring at one another in a silent standoff until Nick leaned forward, resting his forearms on the butcher block countertop. “Anything you want to share with the class?”
Fuck it.
“There was a fire at Sweet Temptations. Sadie’s fine but since she rents the apartment above the shop, she lost her business and her home. Since I need help with Lexi, she’s going to move in to help out. Temporarily.”
Neither Maddox nor Nick had any reaction to my news. I was expecting them to either give me shit or express concern, but they were both just staring blankly at me.
“No shit?” Nick responded.
“No shit,” I confirmed.
“Cupcake Girl is going tolivewith you,” Nick clarified.
“Sadie,” I corrected him.
“Sadie is going to live with you?” Maddox asked in disbelief.
Both men looked at each other and then wide smiles spread on both of their faces. It seemed that Mrs. G wasn’t the only person whose day this news brightened.
Before there were any additional comments from the peanut gallery, I heard the galloping of wild horses coming down the stairs. I turned and saw Lexi, Hannah, and Bella all dressed as princesses come charging into the room.
“Daddy!” Lexi barreled into me, her arms wrapping tightly around me. “Can we stay for dinner? Uncle Maddox said that we could get pizza.”
We could stay here. It would buy me a little bit more time before having to go home and face all the fears that I had concerning the Sadie Situation. But that would just be putting off the inevitable. Plus, it would be rude to leave Sadie at the house alone.
After her friend showed up at the scene this morning and introductions were made, Sadie decided that she was going to head to Charli’s house to regroup and would come over in a few hours. I was relieved that even after her friend had shown up, Sadie hadn’t changed her mind about the arrangement. It had also given me time to get everything ready at the house for her.
“Actually, we have to go because Sadie is coming over.”
Lexi’s eyes grew so big they were bulging out of her head. “Sadie is coming over toour house?!”
“Yep. She’s going to live with us for a little bit and stay with you when I’m at work.”
“She is?!” Lexi’s expression was filled with wonder and disbelief.
I totally understood. I couldn’t quite believe it myself.
“She is,” I confirmed.
Tiny arms flew in the air as Lexi began cheering.
“Go get your stuff, we’d better get going.”
Lexi, Hannah, and Bella all ran back up the stairs and I turned to see my friends who were both wearing matching smirks.
“Just say it.” I figured it was best to get it over with.
Maddox just shook his head back and forth as if he didn’t know what I was talking about as Nick’s smile, once again, spread across his face. “This is going to be… interesting.”
It was the same word Mrs. G had used and I had to agree, yes. Yes, it was.
