Page 12 of Shifted

"That does sound like quite the crisis. She’s lucky to have you for a mom to save her from it,” he said, sinking into the seat across from us as I stole another spoonful of the cold treat.

"Yeah, it is now averted." Our gaze shifted to her as she dug into the ice cream by herself, making a mess of her face as the green coloring smudged it. Grabbing a napkin, I quickly wiped it off her face as she squirmed.

"I saw you, and I thought, what a coincidence?" I looked back at him, "I felt like it's a sign.” I almost laughed at his words, but honestly, they were quite cute. It was even kind of him to come over and say hi. I probably would’ve hidden if anything.

"A sign, huh?" I mused.

"I was wondering if you'd like to go to dinner sometime?" His question, being forward, took me by surprise. He wanted to take me to dinner. I looked at my daughter, who still wasn’t paying attention and instead devoured the ice cream in front of her. It was bold of him to ask me in front of my own child.

"Dinner?" I acted confused, "Reed, are you asking me out?" He sucked in his lips and nodded shyly.

“Worth a shot?" I sucked at my bottom lip, conflicted, and then I reached for my purse and pulled out a card.

"Hmm... Reign Law Offices? Is this for a restraining order?" he questioned. "Because this does seem kind of stalker-like?” he joked, flipping the card around in his fingers. Then he read the back, seeing my name and looking impressed.

"No, silly. It's my business card.” He looked back at the card and smiled. "Oh, so that's why your face is next to it?" I rolled my eyes as he smirked. He reached for his wallet and tucked it inside the leather binding.

"You'll call?" He nodded.

"When I'm off my rotation." That same arrogant smirk occurs again, opening the opportunity for mockery. So I take it with every chance I get.

"Ah yes, the dreamy cardio god?" He chuckled.

"Oh, so now I'm dreamy? I'm just a resident, but I'm glad to know you think so highly of me." My cheeks flush as he calls me out, and I look everywhere else but at him and land on my sandals.

"We have to go." Smiling, I look to Joely, who thankfully wasn’t listening in to this ongoing conversation. Even if she did, most likely, she wouldn’t understand.

"Mhm." He moved so I could see him again, and I nodded in response. Turning back to Joely, her face was now fully coated in ice cream.

"Well, I have the green monster to deal with.” I stood, brushing off my shirt, and reached into my bag to grab napkins and a water bottle, as her mess was stickier than before.

"I'll call," he assured me as I raised a brow. I promise I'll call.” I only ever half-believed a guy when he said that. But that was due to the fear of getting my hopes up. I poured the bottle of water onto the napkin, wetting it, and then I pressed it against her face lightly as he walked away.

"Oh jeez, my friend, look at your face,” Joely giggled and squirmed as I wiped away the ice cream, "I know, I'm sorry." Once I was done, I took her right hand in mine as we threw away our trash and went to go to the car. I couldn’t help but think about how, out of all the places, he was here. Usually, guys see Joely and run for the hills due to me having a child. But here he was, asking me on a date with my daughter not even five feet away.

Bold move, Austen.

CHAPTER FOUR

Hope Taylor

“So you won't be joining us for Thanksgiving?" She pouts on the other end of the line as I inform her, I won’t be able to make it to her dinner.

"Look, I would have liked to have, but Lucas invited me to his family's home in Vermont. His mother is expecting me, and skis have been rented." I lie through my teeth as guilt guts my stomach, but I wasn’t up for a Jones Thanksgiving, especially with Theo being home.

"Remind me to kill him next time for stealing you on our most cherished holiday! Who am I going to get drunk with and complain about what insignificant things my mother does?" I laughed as she whined. She tended to have a flare for dramatics, but Thanksgiving was an exception; it was more of a chaotic holiday for us.

"Bella, I haven't been able to get drunk with you on Thanksgiving since I was twenty-one. You know, after I had a baby and don’t drink in front of her.” I heard her laugh lightly at my words. I couldn’t lie; Bella was a very good Aunt to her niece.

"I know, I know, you're a mommy, and nobody likes to see the alcohol go to mommy's head!" I leaned back into my chair, trying to relax as she continued, "Mom is going to be pissed, you know? I mean, I’m hosting for the first time with my fiancé, and you aren’t coming." I laughed at the surprise in her voice. It's as if it’s reminding her that she's going to be someone's wife, and that thought is scary.

"Look, I'll send over a pie, but I just can't get out of this dinner with Lucas," within seconds, I heard a knock at my door, and there he stood, confused about the mention of his name. “Seriously, his mom is more-stern than Mama Jones." Lucas walked in, plopping himself down on the leather chair ahead of me.

"Alright, but remember you owe me, though." She claims to make me promise that would not go unfulfilled later.

"Bye, Arabella," I ended the call, taking a breath in relief.

"So why are you coming to Vermont with me?" He asked, amused.

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