Then There Was You: A Single Parent Collection

by Gianna Gabriela

  “I want to know you, Kayla,” he says with conviction that makes me smile. “I really like you, and even if this doesn’t turn romantic, I mean . . .”

  “Yes.” My agreement comes quickly, and I suddenly feel stupid for being so quick to agree, but his lips tilt into a grin, and Caleb looks far younger than I think he is. And that makes me feel at ease.

  “So, your first time tailgating?” he asks with a gesture of his chin to the truck I’m currently perched on.

  “Yeah, I mean, this is a new one for me. Even as a young girl.” I laugh at the words. I guess twenty-eight isn’t old, but sometimes, being a mom, I feel so much older because I’m responsible for another human.

  “You’re way too young to be sitting at home and not experience all that Silver Pine offers,” Caleb tells me, handing me another beer. He holds the bottle for a moment, and I wonder if I need to go home, but Mama hasn’t called, so I know it’s okay.

  “You sound like my mother.” I laugh, remembering when I told her about tonight. She was more excited about me going out than I was. My mama wants the best for me, I know she does, and I think her heart hurts because I’ve been so broken over my past.

  “Get that down ya neck, and we’ll have a dance.” Caleb winks mischievously, causing those damn flutters in my stomach once more.

  “You tryna get me drunk, Mr. Mercer?” I quirk a brow at him, and he only chuckles, offering me a smirk in return. And for now, I accept the beer, enjoying the short-term freedom that’s been offered to me.

  It’s been far too long since I let go, since I’ve had fun, and something tells me Caleb will certainly not take no for an answer. And frankly, I don’t want to say no to him.

  7

  Caleb

  She’s stunning. I haven’t felt so excited being near a woman in a long while. I feel like a teenager. The way I felt when Sarah and I were dating. Spending time with Kayla has been refreshing. She’s a great dancer, and her smile is infectious. Beautiful and alluring. Dating is so new to me, the moment we were on the dancefloor, I was unsure of myself. Like I felt in high school at prom, or any of our other events. But there’s something about Kayla that sets me at ease. And I found myself letting go tonight, allowing happiness to grip me for a short time.

  “Thank you for the evening,” Kayla says. Her smile is shy, and her cheeks are pink from the three beers. I love that she’s so sweet, so damn innocent, even though she’s been through loss that I know all about.

  “I’d like to try this again,” I tell her. “I mean, a date, like in a diner or something,” I ramble, and she giggles. The sound is a heavenly, melodic song that trickles through my veins and into my heart.

  “I’d like that.” She smiles. “Pasta or pizza is the way to this girl’s heart,” she tells me, then quickly her eyes widen. “I mean . . . I just . . . I—”

  “Dinner, soon,” I interrupt her. She’s new to this, and I don’t want her to feel pressured. Something tells me I would like to find the way to her heart, but right now, it’s about taking it slow. I should enjoy our time learning about each other, and I intend to do that. “I’ll call you tomorrow,” I promise, pressing a kiss to her cheek before she leaves my car, and I watch until she’s inside her house, locked up safely, before I pull away from the curb and make my way home.

  This is one woman I know will do things to me I haven’t experience in a long while. I like her. And I hope with all I am it’s not some fleeting emotion.

  “Dad.” Libby comes into the kitchen with a bright smile on her face. “I was wondering—”

  “I have a babysitting job for you,” I say suddenly, thinking about a date with Kayla before Libby can ask me to go on a date. I have a feeling that’s what she’s about to ask.

  “Okay,” she replies just as suddenly. “And can I get paid in anything I want?”

  “That depends on the anything, young lady,” I answer her, waiting for her to ask for something expensive. Her friends have more than I can afford, and sometimes I feel bad I can’t give Libby what they have, but deep down, I think she’s happy.

  “Can I get my belly button pierced?” she coos, wrapping her arms around my neck, pressing a kiss to my cheek. I knew this was coming. Callie had hers done at sixteen, and Libby has to wait. She used to wrap me around her finger as a baby, but now, she’s growing up and I have to ensure she listens when I tell her something.

  “This is the second time you’re asking, young lady. Sixteen. My last and final offer.” I meet her gaze, locking on those wide eyes.

  “But Dad, if I do the babysitting job for you, I can surely get preferential treatment.” She smiles, her face lighting up just like her mother’s used to when she would want something from me.

  “Do a good job at school for the next two years, and I’ll pierce you myself,” I tell her.

  She leaps up and down a few times before she leans in and kisses me again, twice. “Okay,” she grins. “I’m just excited, Dad,” she tells me quietly.

  “But it has to be a stellar job,” I warn, knowing this is for my own benefit. If Libby and Kayla’s son get along, perhaps we can have a family outing. The idea both scares me and excites me.

  “Where were you last night?” Libby asks, settling in to eat her cereal. I watch her for a moment, wondering if now is the right time to tell her. I could. There’s no reason I shouldn’t, but for now, I shrug.

  “Nowhere special. Down at the bar,” I explain. It will take time, and I want to tell her. I should. “Fuck,” I bite out then glare at her. “Do not repeat that.” Running my fingers through my unruly hair, I look at my daughter. “I was on a date with someone.”

  “Oh yay! Is she pretty? Does she have a car? What work does she do?” The onslaught of questions comes barreling at me, and I’m not prepared for it. Thankfully, I can answer all those, but there are some that are still a mystery to me.

  “Eat your breakfast, and I’ll tell you about her.”

  She settles in at the table, a mischievous smile on her face, but there’s excitement, something I was hoping would be there. Bringing another woman into my home is not easy, mainly because I don’t want Libby to feel like I’m replacing her mother, which I never can. But I’d like her to feel comfortable asking about Kayla.

  I don’t know where things are heading with the woman who’s captured my attention, but I have a feeling it would be good for Libby to know what I’m doing rather than find out later on.

  “So, her name is Kayla, and she’s actually a teacher at your school,” I start, hoping I’m not going to embarrass my daughter when she learns the woman I took on a date is her teacher. Well, not hers exactly, but soon enough, I’m certain Libby will pass through Kayla’s classroom.

  “A teacher? Really?” She scrunches her nose at me. “I don’t know if that’s cool, Dad.” I watch her scoop some cereal into her mouth and try to figure out my next move. How do I explain that this isn’t serious? Yet. “What’s her name?”

  “Well, she’s your teacher, Miss Kayla. And I mean, she’s really cool, and I’m sure you’ll like her outside the classroom.” I sip my coffee, my gaze never leaving my daughter.

  She glances up, then smiles. “Oh Miss Kayla, yeah she’s super cool, Dad. Just be nice to her.” Her warning makes me chuckle. “I mean, you know, boys are mean sometimes.”

  “Oh? What boys are mean?” I ask, arching a brow in question. I know her movie date was last weekend, and I wonder if it has anything to do with the comment.

  Libby shrugs, spooning the last of her cereal into her mouth before looking at me again. “Just boys.”

  “Libby, you’d tell me if someone is bullying you, right?” My attention is caught on her, locked on my little girl. Even though she’s a teenager, she’ll always be my little girl, and if someone is upsetting her, I’ll lose my shit.

  “I just . . . It’s weird talking to you about boys, Dad,” Libby murmurs, her eyes lowered, focused on the table instead of looking directly at me.

  “Libby,
you will tell me right now, or you’re forbidden from going to the cinema ever again,” I warn, knowing that will have her spilling the beans.

  Her gaze shoots up. “Ugh, you’re so unfair. I just . . . There’s a boy who keeps teasing me at school,” she admits.

  “And what is he saying?” I can feel the rage burning through me. Anger that someone is upsetting Libby. Even though I should wait and listen to her before jumping to conclusions, I can’t help my mind running rampant with images of her unhappy at school.

  There’s a rosy blush spreading over my daughter’s cheeks, and I’m even more confused now. Perhaps it’s not as bad as I’m making it out to be. She’s silent for so long I begin to think she’s not going to tell me.

  “Well,” she starts, lowering her head so her long blonde curls cover her face, and I know she’s hiding something big. “I don’t think it’s bad, but . . . it makes me nervous.”

  “Libby, tell me.”

  “He said I should be his girlfriend because I have the best . . .” She blushes once more, and I'm on the edge of my seat, ready to knock out this boy. “He said I have nice breasts.” The words tumble from her mouth, and I'm on my feet. “Where are you going?”

  “To sort this little punk out,” I grit through my teeth. I'm not normally a violent person, but for my daughter, I'd kill.

  “Dad, please, just listen to me. I don't like him in that way, and I've told him.” She’s on her feet, trying to hold me back, but I’m far too angry to focus on Libby and her words. “Please, Daddy, just listen to me. Stop being so annoying! If Mom were here—” she bites out in frustration causing me to still. Her words halt, and we’re drenched in silence that stretches out, making the situation painful. She’s right. If her mother were here, this would be a non-issue. Sarah would know how to deal with this. All I want to do is smash in some little asshole’s head until he’s apologized to Libby.

  Running my fingers through my hair, I tug the strands until it stings, hoping the pain will allow me to focus. “I’m sorry, Libs,” I tell her. “I just heard . . . I just lost it.”

  “I know, Dad, but I’m not a kid. I can take care of myself,” she admits. “When I need you, I’ll ask. You’ve taught me to be a fighter. Strong like Mom, and I am.”

  For the first time in a long while, I don’t see my little girl before me. I see a young woman. She’s growing up so fast, too fast, and I don’t think I’m altogether ready for the dating phase, but I pray I’ll be able to handle it better than this.

  “I love you, Libs. You’re all I have left.” I pull her into a hug, holding onto her as I shut my eyes to breathe in her strawberry-shampoo smelling hair.

  “I love you too, Dad. But I need you to trust me,” she mumbles into my T-shirt, and I know she’s right.

  How did my daughter teach me a lesson when I’m the one meant to be teaching her?

  “Now tell me more about this teacher.” Libby smiles up at me, and I can’t help but chuckle. My strong, beautiful young woman.

  8

  Kayla

  I smooth the dress over my body again. Taking note of my curves, I wonder if it’s too tight or too flowy. God, I’m driving myself crazy over a dress. Dating is hard work. Knowing what to wear, how to act. The fun we had at the park was refreshing. It was less date-like, and more friendship-like. Are those even words?

  “You look lovely.” Mama’s voice comes from behind me. I turn to face her, taking in her expression of love and affection. That’s one thing my mother has always offered, an honest answer.

  “Is this not too formal? I mean, I can change.”

  “No, it’s perfect.” She smiles.

  The A-line dress, which has a flowing skirt from the hips down to my knee, is sexy but relaxed. I’m not showing off too much skin, but also, I wonder if I should at least show a little.

  I don’t want to give Caleb the wrong idea. I’m not a one-night stand type of girl. This is nerve-wracking.

  “Maybe I should cancel?” I glance at my mother who’s furrowing her brows.

  She shakes her head adamantly. “You will do no such thing,” Mama grits out as she enters the bedroom. “Those are the shoes you should wear with this.”

  I turn to see where she’s pointing and take note of the soft pink ballet flats. Those would look good with the dusky pink dress. I slip them on, spinning around to let her see the full outfit. My long, dark hair hangs in waves down my back, and I’ve kept my make-up to a minimum.

  “Gorgeous.” She smiles at me. “I know this is only you testing the waters, but I’m glad you’re getting out.” Her eyes gloss over with unshed tears, which only makes me more emotional than before, and I have to blink back my own tears so I don’t ruin my makeup.

  “Thanks, Mama.” I pull her in for a hug, holding onto her just to feel her strength, hoping it will flow into me. The last time I was this nervous was when I was a teenager, when I went on my first date with the man who would later become my husband. The same man I lost.

  This is a date. A real date.

  Alone with Caleb at the diner.

  “Now get going. Can’t be letting him wait, and don’t you dare get all emotional tonight. Have fun,” she jeers, scooting me from the room and following behind. We reach the living room, and Nicholas is sitting on the sofa, engrossed in a cartoon.

  “I’ll see you later, baby boy,” I tell him, knowing he’ll cringe at me calling him a baby. I press a kiss to his forehead.

  “I’m not a baby, Mom,” he tells me confidently. He’s growing up far too quickly. “You look super pretty.” His words still my heart for a moment. I’ve been “Mom” for so long being pretty wasn’t on my agenda, ever. But tonight, I guess I am.

  “Thanks, my sweet boy. Behave for grandma, okay?”

  “Okay.” He doesn’t take too long to get caught up in the TV show again, and I head out to the kitchen. Grabbing my purse and keys, I offer my mom one final wave before I make my way to the car.

  I told Caleb I’d meet him at the diner. I didn’t want to explain to Nicholas why this man is taking me out. Not yet. It’s too soon for me to introduce Caleb into his life. Isn’t it? I’m not sure what’s going to happen between Caleb and me, and I don’t want Nicholas to get confused by having a man who isn’t his father around if we’re only going to be left again.

  I don’t know when a good time to tell Nicholas I’m seeing someone, but I know I need to take my time. It’s not easy. I wish it were, but taking things slow is the only way I feel comfortable.

  The sun has set already, and the evening air is cooling from the heat of the day. When I reach the diner, I note the black truck already parked close to the door. I cast a quick glance at the time, thinking I’m late, but note Caleb is early. He’s almost fifteen minutes early. That makes me smile for some reason. Maybe he is into this, and I’m just being my stressful self.

  Inhaling a deep, calming breath, I exit my vehicle and make my way to the lit-up diner that beckons. I notice Caleb at the window in one of the booths. He offers a smile and a wave as I enter, and when I reach the table, he rises to greet me with a kiss on either cheek.

  “You look amazing.” He smiles big, appraising me with a wolfish glint in his eye. He helps me into the booth, then seats himself on the opposite bench.

  “Thanks. You scrub up pretty well yourself.” I laugh, taking note that he’s wearing a black button-up shirt. His hair has been tamed, but there’s still a small hint of stubble, which I like.

  He’s a handsome yet rugged man, something I’m not accustomed to. He settles back as the waitress brings our menus, setting them down with a bright smile before leaving us alone again.

  “How was your day?” Caleb asks, his gaze flickering over me.

  Shrugging, I set the menu down and focus on him before answering, “Busy. The kids had a test, and then we got to planning our next field trip.”

  He grins. “That’s why Libs was so excited today. She mentioned something about heading out of school for a day. S
he told me her teacher would be sending a note,” he tells me.

  Nodding, I smile. “Yes, we’re setting up a day out at the lake for all eighth graders.”

  “Are parents allowed?” He leans in as he asks this, and the scent of his cologne — spicy and minty — lingers between us.

  “If you’re up for corralling rowdy teenagers, you’re welcome to tag along.” I grin as the waitress returns to take our orders. Caleb chooses a double cheeseburger and fries with a large Coke, and I get the chicken burger, fries, and a small orange juice.

  “I wouldn’t have pegged you for a burger kinda girl,” he says once we’re alone again. The playful banter makes me smile, and I find myself relaxing into the booth and offering up answers to his questions that would normally cause me to hide.

  9

  Caleb

  There’s a cool breeze in the darkness as we step out of the diner. It’s almost ten, and I know I’m going to have to get home. The lady who watches Libby has to leave soon, and I need to make sure Kayla is safe before leaving her.

  “Thank you for . . . this.” Kayla smiles at me. I can tell she’s unsure. Nervous even, and I wonder if she’s expecting me to kiss her. I want to. I really do. But is that taking it too far? She told me she didn’t want a relationship, and this was a friendly dinner.

  “I would like to do it again,” I tell her. As the breeze picks up, I notice her tremble, and I can’t stop myself from pulling her into my arms in the hopes of keeping her warm. “I’m sorry,” I mumble, pressing my lips into her silky smooth hair. “I noticed you’re cold.”

  “It’s chilly out tonight.” She smiles up at me, her eyes wide, locked on mine, and I take a deep breath before leaning in and pressing my lips to hers. Sparks shoot through me with the contact. My whole body shakes with need to deepen the kiss, to lick and taste her, but I don’t.