Hayes
These are the kind of updates that daycare sends?
I snort when he forwards a screenshot from the app showing Lola’s day at daycare: naps, food, playtime, activities, and photos. Today’s update wasn’t exactly spellbinding—songs at 9am, apple and crackers for a morning snack, a quick 11am nap.
Me
Yep.Also, how many diaper changes, too.
I’m surprised to see the dots moving in our chat. I thought he would be in a meeting. His schedule is filled to the brim.
Hayes
Riveting. Are you okay if my assistant contacts you about ordering some items?
PAs at our company sign NDAs, and whatever is going onin Hayes’s life, she probably already knows. But still, me having to handle her?
???
Hayes
She can help me arrange things while I'm in meetings. It's for Lola’s room at my place.
My stomach sinks. We haven’t gone into every detail yet. I feel like I’m always scrambling to catch up, but he’s always twelve steps ahead. I can see what's on the list of establishing a co-parenting relationship, but it’s like he moves at record speed, barely giving me a moment to brace myself.
Oh. I mean, we can talk about that.
I don’t even get a chance to finish writing because another message comes in.
A unicorn rug? And she needs a crib that will become a bed soon, right? I’ll get pool toys and floaties so we can go swimming. I would love to teach her to swim.
He types so quickly. I can’t help but smile. A few days ago, this would have unsettled me. But now, even though I’m still jittery, I know him a little bit better and the way he reacts. No matter his mood, he's sincere. I’m also truly happy for Lola, even if she doesn't know yet.
Regardless, I finish writing my original message.
Right. You’re really thinking about this. We can talk about it next time we meet.
Sure. But my assistant will be in touch if that's okay with you. Need to kid-proof my new place, too.
Okay.
“Earth to Elodie.” Savannah waves her hand in front of my face, snapping her fingers until I blink and focus on her again. “Whoa, you just exited Earth’s orbit and took a trip around space. Was that Hayes lighting up your phone?”
What is happening to me? Heat rushes to my cheeks, giddiness bubbling up. Am I really charmed by him asking how to make things work for Lola at his place? It’s adorable—if only he didn’t rush everything like we’re sprinting through life.
My friend looks at me with a wry smile. “It must have crossed your mind a million times what it would be like if you crossed paths with him again, and now you have. Thank your lucky stars that it’s a guy who is invested, easy on the eyes, and probably might push your buttons. I get it. You don’t want to do anything to jeopardize Lola, but if you ever had a connection with Hayes, then you shouldn’t ignore it, either.”
Picking up a pickle and turning it over in my hand with no intention of eating it, I bite back the urge to blurt out that she’s right. Instead, I say, “I’ll think about it, okay?”
She grins. “Great. We need to go for drinks soon. De-stress you a little.”
“I could use an espresso martini,” I admit.
“It’s settled then.”
When my phone lights up again, I’m a little disappointed that it isn’t Hayes. Instead, it’s an email from Hayes’s lawyer. With one read of the opening line, my entire mood drops.
Holding my phone out to Savannah, screen facing her,tension coils in my jaw. I can't let my guard slip, not even for a second. "See?"
