Page 51 of Matteo

Back in the garage, I hand her the keys. She takes them and stares down at them. I’m not sure if she’s upset or not. She blinks, and tears fall.

“Amy, sweetheart, do you want to talk to me?” I loathe when her eyes are filled with tears—it seriously stresses me the fuck out.

Sniffling, she wipes her tears away. “Thank you. Really, it’s such a huge gift. I keep wondering if I’m still asleep in the clinic and never woke up. Because since I met you, every day has been better than the day before it.”

I can tell she’s embarrassed by her tears. “I’m glad. How about we order in for dinner? I don’t want you cooking.”

Upstairs, Layla lets loose a squeal at the sight of us, then promptly bursts into tears. Amy takes her and attempts to soothe her.

“How did she do?” I brace myself for the worst.

Nancy shrugs. “She was fine. I will admit to bribing her with a teething biscuit.”

Amy is walking her around the room as I give Nancy some cash. I insist when she tries to wave it away, telling me my mother already paid her.

I’m on the couch looking through the delivery app. Amy gets close, and Layla reaches for me. I take her. Her tears mess with me as much as Amy’s. Finally, she begins to settle.

We pick a seafood place and wait for delivery.

Amy picks up my briefcase from beside the chair and sets it on the dinner table. We only sit on the inside of it, where the island ends from the kitchen, so the other side is kind of a catchall spot. “Where’s your lunch box cooler?”

“I forgot it. I’m sorry. I’ll bring it home tomorrow.” I’m giving Layla her bottle before bed.

“Did you like the sandwich?”

Shit. I go still. “It wasn’t bad.”

Her eyes narrow on me. “Really, another turkey sandwich for tomorrow is okay?”

“Sounds good.”

“You big fat fucking liar. I sent you with a ham and cheese sandwich.” She’s annoyed.

“I’m sorry. I got busy.” I’m sincere in my apology. I feel bad for not eating what she took time to make.

Exasperated, she shakes her head. “You weren’t lying—you forget to eat.”

I nod. “I get busy, and it never crosses my mind.”

“Do you not get a scheduled lunch or something?” Her arms are crossed over her chest.

“I do, but I usually end up working through it.”

“Should I call you to remind you? What time is it?” She takes out her phone and types something.

“It’s at one. You don’t need to call me. I’ll set an alarm.”

Her eyes tell me she doesn’t believe me. “Whatever. I’m going to the restroom before our food gets here.”

After Layla burps, I put her down in her crib. She waves as I tell her goodnight. I swear she’s so fucking cute my heart aches in a way I never thought was possible.

When the delivery arrives, I go down to get it from the front desk. Back upstairs, Amy is waiting with drinks ready.

During dinner she asks me questions about the clinic and my plans for it. I give her the number for my therapist, at her request and tell her to let me know if she needs me to arrange a sitter for Layla. Since I’m full on talking about work, I ask how she and Layla liked Nancy.

It’s barely nine, and she’s yawning, so I tell her to go to bed. I’ll clean up after us. With a smile she thanks me and goes.

CHAPTER 16

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