Rider puts the baby in the second-hand highchair we bought last week and heads for the bathroom.
When it’s just Sienna and Poppy, I whisper, “Were we loud last night?”
She shakes her head as I take a sip of my coffee. “You just look thoroughly fucked.”
I choke, and coffee dribbles out my mouth.
Laughing, she pats my back. “Sorry. It’s true. You just look, uh, really satisfied.”
After wiping my chin, I smile. “You would not be mistaken.”
She high-fives me, and we giggle like big dummies.
Wanting to get off the subject of my sex life, I pat down my rats’ nest and ask how it’s going with her guy. I know I wasn’t a good friend to Ramona. I could’ve asked her more questions and gotten her to open up, but never tried that hard. She seemed closed off and I left it at that.
Sienna sighs. “We’re in a holding pattern. He still wants sex, no drama, and all of his focus on football. He says the right things, though. Says we’re exclusive. I just wish we could hang out more than when we’re naked, you know?”
I nod, hating this for her. Sienna is such a great girl, so bubbly and optimistic. Not to mention beautiful. Would it kill this guy to take her to dinner?
I try to stay positive. “He’s probably stressed out with the playoffs and finals around the corner.”
“Yeah, probably.”
Rider joins us, and Sienna takes off for her yoga class. After we get Poppy fed and dressed for the day, I join him at the front door.
“I’ll pick you up this evening so we can see my dad.”
I nod, butterflies punching holes in my belly at the thought of meeting his father. Meeting a parent under any conditions has to be significant, right?
Rider bounces Poppy in his arms. “I’m pretty sure he’s gonna lose his shit when he hears about this one, but fuck, it’s his granddaughter. Shouldn’t she make him happy?”
“Yes, dear.” I lean up to kiss him, and he laughs.
“Look at us.”
“I know.” We’re the picture of domestication, but I don’t say it. I’m a little freaked out by it myself. But like we’re play-acting, I flutter my lashes. “Have a good day at work, darling. Don’t forget our meeting with the PTA.”
He gives me another smooch. “Yes, my lovely smartass. Have a good day.”
I watch him cross the street before I close the door with a sigh. I’m glad I have some time to mentally prepare myself for tonight. I have a feeling I’m going to need it.
46
RIDER
Mortimer isn’tthat far from Charming, but it might as well be in another country from how different it feels. As we pass the small downtown area, I try to look at this from Gabby’s perspective. All I see are faded awnings, cracked sidewalks, and a gas station sign hanging from one hinge, about to fly away in the wind.
It only gets worse as we make our way to the trailer park where the dirty yellow parking lot lights illuminate the perimeter. Half of the homes are empty now and those that remain sit at odd angles, like they’re too tired to stand any longer.
Jesus, what was I thinking, bringing Gabby here? So she can see what losers we are? So she can realize, once and for all, that football is the only thing going for me?
I turn off the ignition and take a deep breath.
“Hey.” Her soft hand covers mine. “I’m here for whatever you need. Telling your dad about Poppy is a big deal.”
That’s what I’m afraid of.
I don’t say anything. What’s there to say?