Page 15 of Orlando

“No, I have to catch up on homework.”

“Need a study buddy?”

“No. Thanks for bringing me back.” I open the door, but before I can climb out of his car, Orlando’s hand reaches out to grab my arm.

“Wait. You said you had something you needed to tell me. What was it?”

My heart picks up, and my hands shake slightly. “Nothing. It can wait,” I say, practically jumping out. I slam the door and run to my own car. “Stupid. Stupid. Stupid,” I curse myself under my breath.

“Hey, I got tickets to the hockey game tonight. You wanna go?” Dad asks while walking into my bedroom.

What is it with everyone and damn hockey games?

“No, I’ll pass. I want to catch up on some studying,” I tell him.

“I can take Sebastian. Get him rooting for the home team, young and all,” Dad offers.

“No, I want to spend time with him. I miss him so much during the day,” I say honestly. It’s been hard being away from him.

“Okay, you sure?”

“I’m sure. Have fun.” I smile at my dad.

“Oh, I forgot… I have to go back to Chicago on Friday. Just for the weekend. You want to come with me or stay here?”

“I’ll stay here,” I tell him. “We’ll be fine, Dad,” I add when he gives me a skeptical look.

“I don’t like leaving you alone.”

“I won’t be alone. I have Sebastian here to keep me company.” I tickle my son’s little belly, and he smiles back at me, making his sweet little giggle sounds.

“I can send someone else. I should stay with you. We only just got back to the city…”

“Dad, go, do what you gotta do. We will be fine. I promise,” I tell him.

“Okay. We still have a few more days until Friday anyway. Call me if you need anything while I’m out,” he says.

“Again, we will be fine. You’re just going to the hockey game. Have fun,” I repeat as I reach out and scoop Sebastian into my arms. “We’re going to go soak in the tub for a bit.”

Dad closes the door as he walks out.

I have a little rocker for Sebastian in my adjoining bathroom. I always bring him in here with me while I’m showering. I don’t like leaving him alone. I place Sebastian on the rocker and run the bath, making sure the water is warm but not too hot.

While it’s running, I turn on soft music and get undressed, wrapping a towel around myself. Then I place two towels on the counter, ready for when we get out. Sebastian is smiling up at me. He loves the water.

I pick him up, lay him on the towels, and undress him. He’s so tiny but has already grown so much in just five months. WhenI think about how much he’s changed in such a short time, I also remember everything Orlando has missed.

I’m going to tell him. I have to.

Chapter Ten

“You wanna get off your phone and actually watch the game?” Alessandro nudges me in the shoulder.

“I don’t need to watch it to know who wins,” I tell him.

“Then why the fuck are you here?”

“The food,” I deadpan. We’re in a box. The food is decent but we both know it’s not worth being here. Truth is I’m here for thedistraction, so I don’t make an even bigger fool of myself with Aleeka.

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