I tuck the phone between my shoulder and ear, wipe my hands on a dish towel. “What about Natalia?”
Aga groans, like the very word is a curse. “Busy. Apparently some influencer thing downtown. Just got her nails done, can’t ‘risk the polish’ while babysitting. She said Kacper would ‘destroy the aesthetic.’” The sarcasm in Aga’s voice could etch glass.
I roll my eyes so hard they nearly get stuck. “Of course. Howtragicfor her brand.”
“Kasia, please.” Aga’s tone softens, pleading. “It’s just dinner, a couple of hours. Kacper’s easy once he’s down. I just… I can’t handle canceling again. Piotr will sulk for weeks.”
I bite my lip. “You know I’m on call tonight. If something comes up—”
“Yes, yes,” Aga jumps in, relief spilling so fast she almost trips over her words. “If you get called in, we’ll come right back. I promise.”
If anyone deserves two uninterrupted hours with wine and no children, it’s Aga. And Piotr, for all his bluster, would probably act like a wounded dog for months if this fell through.
“Fine,” I sigh, though warmth creeps in before I’m even done saying it. “I’ll come. Go have your fancy date, as long as you bring me dessert.”
Aga exhales like I just lifted the world off her shoulders. “You’re a saint, Kasia, truly. Just come to the house around seven. Kacper will already be in pajamas, it should be easy. Thank you.”
“Saint?” I snort. “You’ll owe me at least three Grzeski for this.”
She laughs, bright and relieved, and the line clicks dead before I can change my mind.
By the time I pull into Aga and Piotr’s driveway, I’ve talked myself into it. One evening, a few bedtime stories, maybe a diaper change. Easy. I even brought a tote bag stuffed with snacks and the book I’ve been meaning to read for a month, just in case Kacper decides to actually sleep on schedule for once.
I barely make it to the front step before the door swings open and there he is.
Dominik. Sitting cross-legged on the rug, sleeves rolled up, hair a little mussed, helping Zosia build a tower of plastic blocks. She beams at him like he hung the moon, giggling every time the tower wobbles.
I freeze, tote bag dangling off my shoulder. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
Chapter 14
A Date With Training Wheels
Piotr leans in the doorway, smug grin plastered across his face like he’s been rehearsing it. “What? You’re both so good with kids, twice the help. Now we can actually enjoy our dinner.”
I shoot him a glare that should reduce him to ash. “Piotr…”
He just shrugs, thoroughly unrepentant.
Aga hurries in behind him, all flutter and nerves, half-apologetic, half-smiling in that guilty way that tells me she’s absolutely in on it. “I’m so sorry, Kasia, I didn’t realize Piotr had already asked Dominik too…” She waves a hand like the overlap is a happy accident. “But really, it makes sense, doesn’t it? If you get called, at least you won’t be alone. Easier for everyone.”
My jaw tightens. “Convenient.”
Dominik looks up then, eyes meeting mine. There’s the tiniest tug at the corner of his mouth, not quite a smirk, not quite a smile. Just… waiting. I open my mouth, ready to tell them all where they can shove this little matchmaking ambush but then Zosia spots me.
“Auntie Kasia!” She launches herself at me, arms wide, nearly toppling the whole block tower in her enthusiasm.
And just like that, I’m trapped. No way to spin on my heel and storm out, not with her tiny arms wrapped around my waist, her face lit up like Christmas because I walked through the door.
I sigh, leaning down to hug her tight. “Well, looks like I’ve been outmaneuvered”
Before I can peel Zosia off, Aga swoops over, baby already nestled against her shoulder. “Since you’re already here…” She presses Kacper into my arms before I can protest. His little fist curls tight around my shirt instantly, big dark eyes blinking up at me like I’m his whole world.
“His bottle’s ready,” Aga says quickly, smoothing a hand over her skirt like she’s already halfway out the door. “If he fusses, just heat it, it should settle him.”
“Aga—” I try, but she’s already shoving her purse strap onto her shoulder.
“I remember how,” Dominik’s voice cuts in, smooth and maddeningly steady. He rises from the rug, brushing off his hands, looking directly at me. “If you need the bottle, I can get it ready.”
