Page 52 of Bobby

Yeah, a shower is definitely needed. A cold one. Not only to wake up my mind, because I’m sure he’s going to want to talk about what happened. And I owe him an explanation for… well… my actions. All of them.

I also need a cold shower to cool down, because just the thought of his lips touching mine again sends parts of me fluttering with need and want. And I need to hold myself back from doing it again.

I don’t waste energy being embarrassed about what I look like when I finally emerge into the living space. Sweatpants and a soft white tee might not be appropriate attire for the office, but for a getaway, it seems perfect. And that’s what I cling to.

“Oh, your mom just came out.”

My gaze finds Bobby in the kitchen with his head tilted to hold his phone by his ear while he cuts up some fruit.

“One sec, sweetie.”

For half a heartbeat, I think he’s speaking to me, but he doesn’t look at me as he wipes his hands on a towel and comes over, covering the end of the phone with his hand.

“I called Tommy. He’s going to stay in the building in his apartment while Payton watches the girls in yours. The roads were getting bad, and the school called for an early pickup. I told Ivy and Lily about us being stuck at work. If you can, finish cutting the rest of the fruit while I take a quick shower, will you?”

He hands me the phone and walks away. I nod absently as I hear the bedroom door click shut.

“Mommy?”

Ivy’s voice pulls me away from staring at the closed door and listening to the shower turn on.

“Yes, sweetie, I’m here.” I turn, shaking my head, and go into the kitchen. There’s a selection of fruit out but not much cut up yet. I position myself in the same manner I saw Bobby and speak to my girl as I take up his task.

“Are you really stuck because of the rain?”

“Yes, baby. The tunnels are flooded, and we won’t be able to make it back in time. Are you and Lily going to be all right with Payton watching you?”

“Oh yes. Mr. Tommy said if we behave for her, he’ll make his extra special dessert. He won’t tell us what it is, but Payton hinted that it’ll be ice cream.”

“Just remember to brush your teeth before bed, honey. Did you have a good day at school?”

“Yup. We had our spelling test, and I got all of them right.”

“Great job, honey. Can I talk to Lily?”

“Okay. Love you, Mommy.”

“Love you, too, my sweet girl.”

I wait as the phone is passed.

“Mommy!” No matter if I’m home or not, my littlest one greets me with the same enthusiasm. As well as volume.

“Easy, baby. Remember, we don’t have to yell when we’re on the phone.”

“Sorry, Mommy.”

I can’t help but smile. “That’s okay. How was school?”

“Good. I got to eat lunch on the stage because it was Sara’s birthday and she got to pick a friend to eat with her.”

“That’s great, sweetheart. Will you promise to be good for Mr. Tommy and Payton for me?”

“Of course, Mommy. I love you.”

“I love you too. Let me speak to Payton, sweetheart.”

“Okay, bye.”