TooBusy
Thanks. You too.
I flipped my phone over and focused on Mikayla. She was the most important thing to me. She had to be. Always.
I loaded Mikayla up on Saturday morning and drove to her bestie’s house. Melody Holland had become a close friend over the years since the girls became friends. Melody and her husband, Ramsey, went through a separation years ago, but they were able to find their way back together. Still, she understood how tough marriage and parenting and life could be and was always there for Mikayla and me.
Mikayla tore out of the car, racing to the open door as Amber appeared. I followed more slowly, the girls disappearing into the house before Melody walked out.
“Good morning,” Melody said, reaching to hug me. “How are you?”
“Good. Tired.”
Melody nodded. “It’s not easy doing it all yourself. Ramsey said he’ll be happy to have Mikayla here if you ever want to join me for book club again.”
“Thanks,” I said, knowing I wouldn’t take him up on it. I’d leaned on them too much over the last year. Asking them to watch Mikayla when I needed to do assignments and meet with my lawyer and work. I was not going to ask them to help out so I could socialize.
“I know that really means you’re never going to ask, but Ramsey said it’s good for Amber to have time with her friend. It’s not a bother for us. Ever. Mikayla is an amazing kid, and we love that they have stayed so close for so long.”
“I love it, too.”
“So, you’ll agree? How about tomorrow?”
I exhaled a laugh with my sigh. “You know I don’t like asking you guys.”
“Which is why we’re offering,” Ramsey said, appearing behind Melody in the doorway. “I adore Mikayla, and we all adore you, Casey. Plus, it makes my job easier and gives me bonus points.” Ramsey winked at Melody.
Melody’s cheeks turned pink, and she swatted him away.
Ramsey leaned down and kissed her in a way that made my cheeks warm. Kyle never kissed me like that. Not in front of people, and not in private. It was the kind of kiss that said he couldn’t wait to get her alone and have his hands, and other parts, all over her.
I wanted that.
I couldn’t bring myself to want another relationship, but sex? I missed sex. Even if it wasn’t as passionate as the kiss Melody and Ramsey shared, sex was still fun. It was a release, a moment to pause and not think about all the other things in life. It was exciting and made me feel good, and I missed it.
Melody was still blushing when Ramsey disappeared back into the house. “Sorry about him.”
I shook my head. “Nothing to apologize for. You guys deserve that kind of happiness.”
“So do you,” Melody said, looking affronted that I dared suggest otherwise.
I laughed mirthlessly. “I think I missed the boat on happiness. I’d settle for some good sex, though.”
“Then have some. Didn’t you tell me you have a match you’ve been talking to?”
“Yeah. We talk about our failed relationships. Hardly sex-talk.”
“Then flirt with him.”
“I don’t think I know how to flirt.”
“Everyone knows how to flirt.”
“Then maybe I forgot.”
“You’re an intelligent woman with endless resources. Figure out how to flirt and find a man who’ll have some good sex with you.”
“You make me sound so undesirable.”
