Page 12 of Sycamore Circle

“I won’t do it again.”

“Mom, we’re back!”

“Oops, I’ve got to go. Sorry, Bo.”

“It’s not a problem. Bye, Joy.”

Hanging up, she hurried to the door. “Chloe!” she said, giving her a hug.

“Hey, Mom. Guess what? Daddy took me shopping.”

Noticing the three shopping bags next to the door, she laughed. “So I see.” Looking at Tony, she raised an eyebrow. “Did you two have a good time?”

“We sure did. Right, Chloe?”

“Yep.” Her eyes were dancing.

“Maybe too good of a time?”

“Don’t get mad. I didn’t plan on going into three stores.”

She shook her head, but just laughed as she met Tony’s sheepish smile. “You are a wimp.”

“Can’t help it. Tears were involved.” Bending down, he kissed Chloe’s brow. “See you on Friday night, sweetheart.”

“Bye, Dad. Thanks again for all my stuff.”

“Anything for you.” He winked then walked out.

Joy watched him walk away. Even a year ago, she used to feel a pinch every time Tony left. There had been a part of her that always secretly wished that he was going to suddenly want to get back together with her.

Now, she was delighted to realize that she didn’t want to be anything more to him than a co-parent and a good friend.

No matter what.

And at the moment, all she felt was grateful that he’d been the one to deal with Chloe’s tears and not her.

She turned to her daughter. “Let’s sit down and you can show me what you got.”

She fell into the chair and tossed her bags on the table. “Mom, I can’t believe Dad took me to PacSun and then to Pink Tulip too.”

Joy pointed to another shopping bag. “Looks like you two hit Macy’s as well.”

Chloe’s pretty eyes widened. “I didn’t make Dad go. He said he wanted to see the purse I was telling him all about.”

“I bet he did. Well, pull it out and show me.”

She didn’t move. “Are you mad at me?”

“No, honey. Not at all.”

Though she was a little annoyed about Tony’s spoiling, Joy was actually relieved that she wasn’t going to have to buy Chloe that purse when her birthday arrived.

She spent the next hour hearing all about school, ballet class, their burgers and shakes, and the shopping trip. When she finally looked at her phone again right before she went to bed, there was a text from the same number.

Good night. I’ll call again soon.

Her smile faded when she saw a second text from a different unknown number. But this one sent chills down her spine.

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