Page 21 of Ice, Love, & Other Penalties

Ty: She keeps asking for a pet. We’re not prepared for that.

Indie: If this is a problem, I . . . I can fly her to Florida this weekend.

Not that I want to fly, but I’m certain that I can convince my sister to come along. We can call this ‘a girls’ trip.’

Ty: My mother’s house isn’t a safe place for her. I guess I’ll take my chances with your pets.

Indie: May I ask why your mother is a bad option?

Ty: I’d rather not disclose the issue. My mother doesn’t know how to raise children.

Indie: You seem to be okay.

Ty: I fake it well.

My fingers hover over the screen. Should I ask him why? No, better not to push. He can keep his secrets as long as I keep mine.

Indie: Why don’t I bring them over tonight, so they get to know Myra—and vice versa?

Ty: I guess . . . I feel like I’m doing something stupid by agreeing with your request.

Indie: Ha, maybe I’m being the stupid one for being someone I’m not—nanny isn’t in my job description.

Ty: Where are they going to sleep when you stay overnight?

Indie: With me, obviously.

I sit cross-legged on the floor, phone resting in my lap. David is on my lap, circling before settling down with a squeaky yawn. Rigby flops down next to us with a contented huff. I scratch behind both their ears absently as I await Ty’s response.

The typing bubble appears and disappears several times. I hold my breath.

I bite my lip, wondering if he’ll rescind the offer. I shouldn’t care if he does, but if he’s right and his mother is not a good person I don’t want Myra to go to her.

Ty: Well, you’ll have to order the furniture and choose the room.

I let out a relieved sigh, making David’s ears twitch.

Indie: Got it, I’ll probably be at your home with my cousin to figure out what we need.

Ty: Will you be able to have the furniture here by Monday?

Indie: Yep. That’s why Teddy is coming with me. She has a concierge business that performs miracles. It won’t be cheap, but I’ll make sure they bill you directly.

Ty: Fine, are you coming tomorrow morning?

Indie: You haven’t sent me your schedule just yet, but I know there’s no training tomorrow.

Ty: Gemma used to come every day regardless of my whereabouts.

Indie: So you’ll be there tomorrow morning, but you just want me to handle the tasks to get Myra to school?

Ty: Yes. Today is the first time I tried and you saw how unsuccessful it was.

Indie: Okay, here’s a refreshing idea. You practice getting her to school and bond with your child. I’ll see you tomorrow evening, before you have to go to the arena. :wink: emoji

Ty: That’s not how this works. I’m paying you to work and do everything that involves my daughter.

Indie: Funny that you mention it, but currently, I’m doing this as a favor—no one is paying me. And as a favor to Myra, I’m letting you learn how to be an even better father. You’re welcome.

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