Page 16 of Under Ground

“How about when you come back, I’ll read you a story?” I ask.

Casey jumps up and down. “Yes, please, Daddy.”

Lana glances at me over her shoulder as they leave the room, an amused smile on her lips. I’m not sure anything’s really changed, but at least we’ve managed to establish that Casey doesn’t actually think I’m her father.

I think.

Casey’s excitement means it takes a while for her to wind down, but Lana leaps on her the moment she starts yawning.

“It’s time for bed, Casey. Say goodnight to Alex.”

She pouts. “But I want to play.”

“I know you do. But I’m sure we’ll see each other again really soon and we can play then. Okay?” I say.

Lana stares at me, and for a moment I’m not sure if I’ve overstepped my mark. She seems to force a smile before scooping Casey off the floor and onto her hip. “That sounds wonderful.”

There’s a wistfulness to her tone, and it hits me. She’s not angry at me for overstepping, but I’d bet anything she’s thinking about Casey’s absent father.

“Let’s say goodnight.” Lana dips Casey in front of me, and that sweet little girl reaches out and grabs my shirt.

“Goodnight, sweetheart,” I say.

Casey’s grip tightens. “Goodnight, Daddy.”

She kisses me on the cheek before Lana leads her out of the room and up the hallway.

While she’s gone, I take the time to look around the room. Casey’s everywhere from the photos on every shelf to the small collection of toys in the corner. The two of them are very close, and it makes me a little homesick—more for my mom than any actual home. With my job and her travelling around, I don’t see her often.

I’m not even sure if she knows I’m in New Zealand.

I should call her.

Lost in thought, I know Lana’s returned to the room when a soft floral scent hits me. She stands in front of the couch, clasping her hands together awkwardly.

“Want a coffee? I only have instant.”

I hold up my hands. “Instant is fine with me.”

Lana bites her bottom lip. “Really? I thought you’d want something fancy given you’re the big movie star.”

Wait. She’s flirting with me. “I’m far from that.”

“Could have fooled me, the way Anna freaked out about you.”

She walks past me and into the kitchen, and I turn to watch her. Her shyness seems to have evaporated with Casey no longer around. I guess the whole situation made her nervous—not that it’s really been resolved.

“How do you take it?” she calls.

“Black, one sugar.”

It only takes a minute more and then she’s walking back into the living room, handing me a cup. “Here you go.”

Lana sits on the other end of the couch.

I take a sip of coffee and sigh. “Damn, that hits the spot. Now, tell me about you. I want to know your story.”

She runs a hand through her hair and sighs. “There’s not that much to tell.”

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