“You want me to come and stay with Stu while you’re gone… alone?You trust me to do that?”
“No, I don’t fuckin’ trust you, but Bea does.And Stu asks about you every five minutes.You said you wanna be in his life, so be in it.You’re either in or you’re out.If you’re out, then fuck off.He doesn’t need the confusion, but if you’re in, then… well, then get your ass to my house by six.Athena has a barrel racin’ thing that’s supposed to run late.
“And Stu will…” Bax cleared his throat.“He’ll have more fun here.With you.”
Whoa.Hell must be really fuckin’ cold right now.
“I’ll be there.”
“Good.”
Abey whispered, “What’s goin’ on?”
I shook my head.I couldn’t believe what I’d just heard.Bax wanted my help.Neededmy help.And with my kid?
Confusion was giving me a headache though.Was it a good idea?I wanted to run to Stu and tell him the truth, but at the same time, the possibility of him finding out that I was really his dad made me sweat.I felt like I might barf all over my sister’s fancy truck.
Did I have what it took to be a good influence?
But Bax had one more warning left to give me.“But lemme just say it again: You are not to tell Stuart who you are.Do you understand?He’s not ready.It’s not the time.I-I just need— Tonight, I just need a babysitter.”
Tweedledee
How was the rest of your day?
Unbelievable.Yours?
Mine was plain ol’ fine.Selling flowers.Making the big bucks.
Why unbelievable?
Bax asked me to babysit Stu this evening.I’m getting ready now
Dixon!That’s amazing.I’m so excited for you
Thanks.Just be on standby in case I need help figuring out how to entertain a five-year old
You got it
If all goes well, we should celebrate.I’d like to take you to dinner tomorrow night if you’re not busy
You’re asking me on a date?
I guess I am.Yeah
D: Is that a yes?
Yes, I will most definitely go on a date with you
Good.I mean thanks or you know, whatever a guy’s supposed to say after the woman he wants says yes
You want me?
I do
And PS, I miss you
Cloud nine didn’t even describehow high and happy I felt; it was more like cloud seventy-seven.
