Page 19 of Simply You & Me

"With an apology," Zach says, eyes narrowed on Julian, who nods with a grimace.

"Or two," Wyatt adds. He aims his glare at me, and just like my ginger partner, I nod.

God, I hope she gives us sorry bastards another chance.

Chapter Thirteen

Adelyn

Iwant to quit my job. I don't want to make dinner tonight. I feel like I need a month off of everything. I want to sleep, cuddle Rory, eat an entire pizza, and have the laundry magically clean itself.

Alas, single mom status means my feet are trying to rip themselves in half, and my head is a complete mess. Thank hell my chaotic self works well for being a waitress. I might want a desk job, but my anxious self would not allow me to sit still for long.

"Can I get you anything else?" My smile is fake as shit. I'm burnt out, and my back hurts.

"Just the check, please."

At least this last table said please. I don't know what it is about Wednesdays that have people so crabby, but this lunch rush is annoying me beyond belief. I low key want to cry.

Trudging through my final tasks of the day, I release a sigh of relief when I remember I drove to work today. If I were to walk home in this heat, I think I'd keel over and never get up.

My heels protest, and my boobs rage to be let out of their prison. Unlocking my cute 2014 Tiguan, I cringe, knowing I'll have an indent from the damn wire of my bra. Wasting no time, I unsnap it and whip it out of my sleeves.

"Demon," I hiss at the offensive piece of fabric and toss it into the backseat. The drive to Rory's school is calm, with the windows down and nothing coming from the radio. Forgoing the music gives me space to work through the rampant thoughts that are trying to consume me.

I jolt, my care ringtone scaring the ever-loving shit out of me. I smile when I see the caller ID, and don’t hesitate to answer.

“Hey, Uncle Don! How are you?”

Soft shuffling down the line greets my ears. “Hey, kiddo! I’m good. Just checking in. How are you and the little shit?”

I laugh, happy to hear his teasing voice. “The little shit is great. Just picking her up now.”

“Oh, I’ll let you go then. Be careful in that damn parking lot. Kids don’t look both ways, and parents are impatient as hell.”

“Yes, officer,” I tease. “I’ll talk to you later. We miss you. Dinner soon?”

“I’d love that! Love you, kiddo, talk soon.”

“Love you too, Don!”

I sigh, nestling further into my seat. Uncle Don was my dad’s best friend and partner in the force.

I’m so damn glad he’s still in our lives. I wish I had more time with him. And energy. Is there such thing as too many friends? 'Cuz I'm exhausted. Layla's birthday party a few weeks ago, going out last weekend... I'm feeling done.

The struggle of weaving through cars and waiting in line at Rory's elementary school is the last straw.

I'm taking a damn nap when we get home.

"Daddy? Mommy?"

I knock on their door, my chest bubbling with excitement. When I hear their voices telling me to come in, I give the door a mighty push and throw myself into their waiting arms.

"Merry Christmas, Lynnie!" I giggle at their matching words. I snuggle into Daddy's sleep shirt and try to wrap my arms all the way around him. "So close," he says as I pout.

I'm still not big enough.

"Lynnie, do you want one of your gifts now?" Mommy asks, and I can feel my forehead scrunch. The bubbly feeling returns to my chest, and I squeal.

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