by Jacob Chance
“Does this mean you’re going to find someone else to watch Joey?”
“No,” I mumble around a mouthful of food.
Miranda makes a face. “Just because you’re single doesn’t mean you should forget the basic niceties of being in the company of others; especially a lady.”
“There’s a lady here?” I jest, chuckling. “You sound so uppercrust. Have you forgotten our boring middle-class background? We didn’t have a butler or a maid, Miranda.”
She rolls her eyes. “Hopefully, you won’t spend the rest of your life alone. I’m trying to save you the trouble of breaking bad habits when you finally meet someone,” she comments, ignoring my question.
“I don’t think speaking with food in my mouth is the end of the world. If my future girlfriend can’t handle it, then she can move on.” Uncapping the bottle of water, I study Miranda. “When did you turn into the manners police?” I puff my chest up. “I’m the king of this castle, and as such I’ll act like I want.”
“Yeah, let me know how that works out for you when Joey’s in college and you’re living here all alone.”
“You act like that’s a bad thing. That’s my goal. Besides, I don’t think the women I’ll fuck will care. There won’t be any sandwich making involved or any sleeping over.”
“You’re a typical man,” she scoffs, waving her hand dismissively as if every male is beyond hope.
“Yes, I am.” I grin and then raise the bottle to my lips.
“What are you going to do about Sophie?”
“I’m going to see how she does tomorrow night.”
“If you decide not to keep her on, please don’t be an asshole about it.”
“You worry too much. Let’s just see how it goes and hope for the best.”
Miranda arches a dark red eyebrow. “Yeah, because you’re mister optimistic these days. You’ve forgotten how to hope for the best.”
“Maybe I want to do better?”
“Do you?”
A sharp laugh escapes, “No. I’m happy being pissed off at the world right now.”
“Miles, Sandy left a year ago. Your divorce is final and you have full custody of Joey. Don’t you think you’re long overdue to move past her bullshit?”
I sigh, rubbing my hand over my stubble covered chin. “Sure. I’m trying and I am getting there. Maybe not as speedily as you seem to deem reasonable, but having these types of conversations isn’t going to make get me past it any faster. Time heals all wounds when they’re ready to heal and not a moment fucking sooner. You can’t tell me when I’m whole. No one but me will realize when I reach that point. And no one but me needs to know.”
“I’m sorry, Miles. I don’t mean to sound insensitive.”
“Then consider what you’ve been saying. If you think I like being pissed off at the world, then you’re not as smart as I give you credit for.”
“Since when have you given me any credit for anything?” she jokes, trying to add some levity to the situation.
“That’s true. But there’s always a first time for everything. Now finish your sandwich, I have to wake Joey up from his nap soon.”
“I’m not leaving before I get to see my nephew. I haven’t had one of his hugs in a week.”
“You’re a giant pain in my ass. When are you coming to visit again?”
“I don’t know. Why?”
A slow grin stretches across my lips. “So I can make sure I’m not here.”
3
Sophie
“Hey, stranger. I feel like I haven’t seen you in ages.” Tenley, my best friend, slips into the other side of the booth from me.
I smile. “Hi.”
“Is this for me?” She points to the coffee in the paper cup.
I nod and smile back at her. “It’s so good to see you.”
“You too. Don’t get me wrong, talking on the phone and texting is better than nothing, but I’d rather see your adorable face.”
Cute. Adorable. Sweet. Tiny. Shrimp. Peanut. I get showered with compliments that you’d say to a little kid. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful for any praise. After all, I’m lucky they’re not insults being thrown at me. But still, there’s a part of me that gets annoyed with those kinds of adjectives. What nineteen-year-old woman wants to be called peanut? Or cute? I’m not a child, I’m a full grown woman and five foot three, only an inch below average height; not even that short.
“What’s that face for?” Tenley leans forward, bracing her forearms on the table and peering closely at my every feature. “Oh, wait a minute. I said the dreaded word, right?” She figures out the answer in a split second. She places her hand on her chest. “How horrible of me to call you adorable.”
I laugh, “I know it’s dumb and horribly shallow to be annoyed by something so inconsequential; First World problems for sure.” Raising the cup to my lips, I sip on my favorite caramel latte.
“I don’t understand why you get so huffy about that. Face it once and for all, you’re cute and you always will be. That doesn’t mean you’re not pretty or sexy too.”
I roll my eyes. “Let’s talk about something else besides my ridiculous insecurities. Let’s talk about yours.”
“We don’t have that much time,” she replies, but I know she’s joking. Tenley doesn’t care what others think, therefore she doesn’t have any insecurities. We should all be so lucky.
Although we’re opposites in many ways, we’re alike in all the important ones. She’s as loyal as they come and solid as a rock when I need someone to lean on. I like to think that I’m the same for her.
“Are your parents driving you crazy still?” I question.
“Who knew it would take so long to adjust to being home from college? They seem to have forgotten I took care of myself without their help the entire school year and I’m still alive.”
“They’re just happy to have their baby home.”
“That may be, but they’re smothering said baby. Ironically, I might not survive the summer living with them.”
“Did you decide about the apartment for the fall, or are you staying in the dorms?”
“I’m thinking about grabbing an apartment with a couple of other girls I know.”
A pang of jealousy assails me. I’d love to be able to get a place with Tenley, but my scholarship won’t cover it and I can’t afford to on my own.
“Don’t worry, you’ll always be my bestie.” She winks as if she knows what I’m thinking. She’s always been able to read me so well. It’s a bit uncanny at times.
“I’m a little nervous going into my freshman year being older than everyone else.”
“Sophie, you’re nineteen, not thirty. You took one year off, not ten. I’m sure you won’t be the only one who took a gap year.”
“Yeah, you’re right. And once I get started, everything will be fine.”
“Look on the bright side, school should be easy after the work schedule you’ve been keeping.”
“That’s true. Speaking of work, I haven’t told you about my latest job.”
She tips her head and raises a brow. “Another one?”
“It’s only three nights a week and it was too much money to pass up.”
“What are you doing?”
“Babysitting for Miranda’s nephew.”
“Babysitting?” She curls her upper lip in repugnance. Tenley and kids don’t mix.
“Yeah. Her brother needs someone while he teaches night classes at Alexandria.”
“How old’s the kid?”
“Joey’s almost three and cute as a button.”
“I don’t know how you do it. Don’t you get sick of working and not seeing your best friend?”
“You know I do, but I don’t have a choice. If I want to have any spending money for school, I have to make it now.”
“You really will have more free time once school begins.”
“For sure. And there’s only a couple more months before then. I can tough it out that long.”
“I don’t know if he’s married. I didn’t meet anyone else, but judging from the interior of his house, it looks like he lives alone. There’s a distinctly masculine feel.”
“What’s he like?”
Hmm. How do I describe him? “He’s serious and not what I expected at all. You know how full of life Miranda is.” Miles’ dark, probing gaze comes to mind and I barely repress a shiver. “He’s not like her. Stern is a word I’d use to describe him. Intense is another. The only time I saw his expression soften was when he looked at Joey. Aside from that, he didn’t crack a hint of a smile.”
“Is he attractive?”
“Joey? He’s adorable.”
“No, not Joey. His dad.”
“Miles?”
“His name is Miles?”
“Yes.”
“I like that name.” She wiggles her eyebrows. “Oh, Miles, take me,” she jests.
“Shut up. You’re so embarrassing.” I glance around to see if anyone heard her moaning his name, but I think we’re in the clear.
“So, is he hot or not?”
Is he? I picture his face, the severe features sharp enough to cut glass. “I guess he is. Maybe?”
“How can you not know for sure?”
“There was a lot going on while I was there. I had other things to do besides checking him out.”
“When do you babysit again?”
“Tomorrow night.”
“I want a full report on Thursday. Forget that. Let’s make it Wednesday night.”
I shake my head. “Get out of here. I’m not calling you to tell you how he looks upon second impression.”
“Oh yes you are.” She rapidly ticks her head up and down convincingly.
“Let’s talk about something more interesting.”
“Like what?”
“Like the way Carl was looking at you when we were at the deli.”
Tenley’s eyes alight with mischief. “He was, wasn’t he? I didn’t get a chance to talk to him, but I bet he’ll be at the party this weekend. You’re coming with me, aren’t you?”
“Yeah, I can probably make it. I have to work all day Friday and then at night too. I might be a zombie if I come with you.”
“You can nap while we’re at the beach. The real party will be at night.”
“Crap. I forgot this was an all afternoon and night kind of deal. Maybe I won’t be there.”
“Ugh, I can’t wait until we’re at school and you can have some fun without having to think about your work schedule. I need my partner in crime.”
“I can’t wait, either. I’ve been dreaming about attending King University for as long as I can remember. I plan on making the most of every part of school.”
My stomach nervously rumbles the entire ten minute drive to Miles’ house. I’m not sure why I’m so anxious. Is it his sober manner that has me on edge?
His gaze was so chastising when he found me sleeping on his couch. It reminded me of the way a disapproving teacher glares at a misbehaving student. But I’ve never had a teacher look at me that way. I’ve always been the overachiever sitting in the front row, eagerly soaking up the day’s lesson.
Calm down. I remind myself as I pull into his driveway. Once I’ve parked, a mad flurry of unease passes through me and I have to force myself not to shift into reverse and get the hell out of here.
Just stick it out through tonight and if it doesn’t get any better you can quit. At the least, you’ll have fun with Joey.
My mini pep talk works. I shut off the car and drop the keys in my bag. Hooking the strap over my shoulder, I slip from my seat and step outside.
Glancing around at the neighborhood, I take in the neatly maintained yards. Shrubs are well manicured and flower boxes are overflowing with colorful blooms. The older houses have character that’s often lacking in many of the newer developments. Here, colonials charmingly mingle with split levels, bungalows, and ranches, while the current building trend in most areas is sticking with one style and only switching up the paint color.
Okay, here goes nothing.
Humid night air clings to my bare arms and legs, making me thankful I wore shorts and a tank top. As much as I’d like to drag my feet as I climb the porch steps, the need to be punctual outweighs my hesitance.
I don’t allow myself a moment of pause when I stand in front of his door. Knuckles rap before I can change my mind. I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. Even though my legs feel weak and my heartbeat jumps in my chest.
The door snaps open quickly, startling me. “Hello,” I manage to utter.
“Sophie,” Miles says flatly. He steps back and ushers me inside. Glancing at his watch, he grimaces.
“Am I late?” I question, worried that I’m keeping him. And then I’m instantly annoyed with myself because I know I’m early. I’m always early.
“No, you’re here in plenty of time. I’m running behind,” he admits. “I got held up cleaning the kitchen after dinner.”
“Go do whatever you need to get ready for work. I’ll take care of the kitchen.”
“Are you sure?” he questions, hesitating.
“Shoo.” I motion with my hands for him to take off, and his full lips quirk upward, gaining me a small smile. A slight peek at his white teeth has my stomach tightening in response. Spinning around, I scurry toward the kitchen before he can notice my reaction.
What the heck was that about?
Mr. Somber gives me a hint of a smile and I turn to mush?
No way. I shake my head, scolding myself, and then set about cleaning the spaghetti sauce from the counters and granite island. I wipe down Joey’s tiny table and chair that occupy the corner of the kitchen area and move on to loading up the dishwasher.
Five minutes later I’m finished tidying up and wiping my hands on a dish towel. Time to go see what Joey’s up to. I didn’t notice him on my way in, but I’m assuming that Miles, being the control freak he seems to be, had him in his sights the whole time.
I find Joey on the couch watching Paw Patrol. I guess this must be the go-to show when Miles wants to keep him occupied. Good to know.
I sink down onto the cushion next to him. “Hey, Joey. How are you?”
He doesn’t answer me. Instead, he smiles around the saliva covered thumb tucked in his mouth. It’s kind of disgusting and endearing at the same time.
I grin back at him. “How’s that thumb taste? Is it good?” He nods. “What flavor is it? Is it strawberry?” He shakes his head. “Is it watermelon?”
“No,” he mutters around his thumb.
“Hmm.” I scratch my head and then tap my lips with my index finger, playing up my confusion. “I know. It must be banana.” He nods, his large, blue eyes wide as dessert plates in his tiny face. “I knew it.” I tickle the curve of his shoulder with my fingers and he squeals.
“I’ve got to hit the road now or I’ll be late,” Miles interrupts, putting an end to our silly moment. I’m going to start thinking of him as Mr. Killjoy.
“Daddy.” Joey raises his arms and Miles scoops him up, pressing a kiss on his forehead.
“You be a good boy for Sophie, you hear me?”
Joey nods and tugs his thumb from his mouth leaning forward to press his wet lips against his dad’s dry ones.
Miles chuckles, “That was a wet one, buddy. But I love your kisses.” He runs a hand over the top of Joey’s head, caressing the brown curls. “I’ll be home right after you go to sleep. Go to bed like a big boy for Sophie.” Joey nods, watching him closely. “I love you.”
“Love you, Daddy.” He smiles as if he’s proud of what he just said and my heart could burst with how adorable he is. And it’s not just Joey. It’s Miles too. It’s the two of them together. Ugh. Too much cuteness in one place; it’s practically cavity inducing.
I don’t want to think about this side of Miles. I can’t. It makes him too attractive. And the last thing I need is to
find an older man attractive.
A much older, off-limits man.
A single father.
My boss’ brother.
The list goes on and on. Could there be a worse candidate for me to be crushing on?
Miles sets Joey back down on the couch and glances at me. “I left you a list on the fridge. Thank you for cleaning up the kitchen. I appreciate it.”
I wave my hand dismissively. “No problem. Have a good night at work.”
“What, are you in a hurry to get rid of me?” he jokes and then blasts me with the full force of his grin.
Holy moly. My chest goes weak and fluttery before tightening and squeezing. Those are some perfect teeth he likes to hide behind equally perfect lips.
Dragging my wide eyes upward, they connect with his amused gaze and my ability to speak returns. “No. Don’t be silly. I’m a little OCD about being punctual, and sometimes I forget not everyone else shares that trait.”
“Punctuality is important. I make a habit of being on time as often as I can, and thanks to you, I will arrive at work as expected. I’ll be home straight after work.”
“Okay. Joey and I will be fine, right, buddy?” I pat his leg and he nods, never taking his eyes from the television.
Glancing up at Miles I give him a close-lipped smile as if to say we’re all set. You can go now. Please leave so I can take a full breath again. I’m going to pass out soon.
He waves and raises his chin to me in one of those moves the cool guys always seem to know. And of course Miles would be someone who would have this move down pat.
I try to do the same back at him, jutting my own chin upward. Except, I’m sure I look like I’m having a nervous twitch.
When the door closes behind him, I breathe a huge sigh of relief. I’ve never been so eager for someone to leave before. Rubbing a hand over my chest, I recall the smile-induced squeezing. Crap. I’ve never experienced anything like that before. Hopefully, it was a fluke. His smile caught me by surprise. That had to be it.
Joey sits silently next to me, totally engrossed in Paw Patrol. “I’ll be right back.” Rising, I head to the kitchen to see what’s on the list he left behind. Pinned under a magnetized baby picture of Joey, is a lined piece of paper with ten things neatly listed. Even his penmanship seems rigid.
