Page 67 of Blindside Love

“I’m sorry. If I can help with anything, please let me know.”

“You’ve done enough, Dave. Thanks for taking care of my girl.”

“Always.”

Addy and I head upstairs to have a movie night. I can tell she’s in a snuggle mood because she’s barely let go of my leg since she’s been home. There’s a sadness in her eyes that kills me, especially now that I know she didn’t spend the week in Disney World like she was promised.

It sucks. He sucks.

“You grab the candy box, and I’ll go make some popcorn. How does that sound?” I smile at Addy as she walks out in her pajamas, ready for movie night.

“Okay, mommy,” she says quietly.

After the popcorn is done, we meet on the couch, snuggle up in the blankets, and get ready to watch Little mermaid, our favorite.

“Daddy broke his promise,” Addy says quietly, her hands twirling in my hair.

“I know, baby girl. I’m so sorry.”

“I knew he would. It still just sucks.”

“I’ll make it up to you, baby. I promise. We don’t need men in our lives to make us happy, even daddies. Okay?”

“Okay, mommy,” Addy says, snuggling next to me. “What’d you do for your birthday? Did you and Aunty Natalie hang out?”

“No, I hung out with Trevor from next door.”

“Oh. Did you have fun?”

“I did. I missed you, though.”

“I’m glad you had fun. I like Mr. Trevor. He makes you smile, and you’re so pretty. I like it.”

I can’t hide the smile taking over my face with the feeling I get. It’s like butterflies times a million. I know I’m falling for Trevor and falling fast, but truthfully, I thought my daughter would be a harder sell.

“Me too, sweet girl. He’s been an excellent friend.”

I leave it at that as we both get lost in the movie, only picking up my phone to check my messages. I told Trevor about what Tom did, and obviously, he was pissed too, especially because of my birthday. He’s away on a two-night road trip, coming home the day after tomorrow, and I can’t wait for him to return.

The man has a soft spot for me and my little girl, and I love it.

I should just leave it at that. Close my phone out for the night. But I’m too much of a petty bitch when it comes to Tom that I open up his name.

Why didn’t you drop Addy off today?

Tom

I had a last-minute meeting and had to stay in the office late. Dave offered to do it.

Why? Have you finally come to your senses and are ready to come home?

I didn’t know your office was in Aspen.

The dots start and stop repeatedly, and I can tell that he’s on the other end of this phone freaking out because he knows I just caught him in a huge lie. We both have an agreement in our parenting plan that if one of us has to leave for more than two days, the other parent has first right to keep the child that week.

He broke that, and the motherfucker knows he just got caught.

Tom