Ellis grabbed nail polish and gave me a sweet smile as I took a seat in the room. She came to me, and I watched as she took my hand and started putting pink nail polish onto my nails.
I smiled at the moment, my heart aching.
I’d let her paint my face pink if it meant I could be a part of her life.
“Sorry,” Rosalie murmured, getting up to stop Ellis. “She’s used to painting the guys’ nails?—”
“It’s fine,” I said, giving her a sad smile. “I like this shade of pink.”
We were quiet as we watched Ellis paint my nails.
“What do you need help with?” Rosalie finally asked, breaking the silence.
“I need to see Church. Will you go with me? I sent a message, but I haven’t heard back. I want to talk to him in person.”
Rosalie studied me for a minute as Ellis finished my nails.
“Do you like it, Mister Enzo?” Ellis asked.
“It’s perfect, sweetie. I love it,” I said.
She grinned at me, her blue eyes sparkling. I smiled as she bounced back to her bed and picked up her bear. She seemed occupied enough, so I stood.
“Please?” I asked. “Sunshine? I need to see him.”
“Of course. Let me just get ready. I’ll meet you downstairs.”
I nodded, went back to the living room, and paced the area as I called Ann and Harold. Rosalie came down with Ellis minutes later just as I was hanging up.
“Hey, I talked to Ann. She said she’d watch Ellis while we’re gone. With everything happening, I don’t want her out with us,” I said.
Rosalie frowned. “I don’t know Ann.”
“I promise you she’ll be safe. She’s Riot’s nanny. She adores him. She’s older. Lives in this building. I will move security outside her door if it’ll make you feel better. She’s good, Rosalie. I swear it.”
Rosalie was quiet for a moment.
“I get to be with Lizard? Mommy, please?” Ellis asked. “I love Lizard. He’s my best friend!”
“OK.” Rosalie nodded. “Sure.”
I breathed out a sigh of relief before I led them out. I called to have security sent up to Ann’s. Rosalie clutched Ellis’s hand as we rode to Ann and Harold’s apartment.
“Are you coming home tonight, Mommy?” Ellis asked.
“Of course, baby. I’ll be back soon, OK?”
“Then we can make more cookies, and Lizard can help?”
“Yes. More cookies,” Rosalie said, smiling down at Ellis.
We reached Ann’s floor, and I led us to her apartment. She opened on the first knock.
“Hello,” she said, smiling. “Lazarus is watching Ninja Turtles and Harold is getting out ice cream. You must be Ellis.”
Ellis nodded.
“Do you like ice cream, Ellis?”
