“Yep. You’re practically a legend.”
“Joey!” I hissed, but Avery laughed, clearly amused.
I believe you were the brain behind setting Licia up on the app. I guess, I owe you a thank you for that.”
Joey curtsied, “at your service, monsieur.”
“Please to finally meet you. Licia has told me a lot about you.”
“Well, I’ll leave you two alone,” Joey said, backing out of the room. “Don’t mind me. I’ll be in the kitchen.”
As soon as she was gone, Avery turned back to me, his expression serious again.
“Licia, think about what I said. I’m here whenever you’re ready.”
“I will,” I promised, though I wasn’t sure what I meant by that.
He stood up, his eyes lingering on mine for a moment. “I’ll see you soon.”
After he left, Joey reappeared, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
“Spill.”
“Joey, it’s complicated.”
“You’re not getting off that easy. I want details.”
I sighed, knowing she wouldn’t let this go. “Fine, but can we at least eat something first?”
“Deal. But you better not leave out a single detail.”
Chapter Twenty Two
Kevin
Noah had kept everyone on their toes, constantly trying to keep him from harm’s way. The ironic thing, however, was that the more we tried to restrict him, the more adventurous he became.
Mom always said he took after me—hot-headed and mischievous—and that only armed Lexie with more ammunition to tease me endlessly.
Despite the chaos, I loved his boisterous energy. Every moment with Noah felt like a new adventure, and I wanted to be part of every single one. I never imagined being a dad could be this thrilling and exciting.
Yet, as joyful as I was having my little boy with me, I hadn’t reached a consensus with his mom, Chloe, and that unresolved tension was like a cloud hanging over everything.
It also meant I hadn’t spoken to Licia, and that was a weight on my chest I couldn’t shake off.
The days turned to weeks, and the longer I stayed silent, the more complicated things got. I knew Licia to be an overthinker, and not addressing the issue was only making things worse. I couldn’t afford to leave things to chance any longer, but I was still at a loss for where to begin.
Lexie's laughter interrupted my thoughts, echoing from across the hallway. I had been mulling over the best way to approach Licia, but seeing Noah run into my room with Lexie in pursuit instantly brightened my mood.
I quickly swept him off the ground, holding him protectively in my arms as he cackled with delight.
“Hand him over, Kevin,” Lexie demanded, trying to reach Noah, but I moved to another spot.
“Not a chance. You have to go through me first. Right, Noah?” I asked with a huge smile.
“Yes, Daddy!” He kicked his legs excitedly, clutching his toy race car and blowing raspberries.
In that moment, all my worries faded, and I allowed myself to get lost in their little game. It was a much-needed distraction from the storm brewing inside my head.
