Page 38 of Boss's Baby Surprise

“I know. I’m so sorry. I got stuck at work.” A drink with my boss counted as work, right?

I helped Leo with his backpack and held his hand as he walked next to me.

“We’re having spaghetti for dinner,” I told him as we walked home.

“Spaghetti is my favorite food!” Leo exclaimed.

I was glad to hear he still liked it. That was one of the reasons we had it practically every Friday. He would eat it.

If I had said we were having chicken nuggets, he would’ve said chicken nuggets were his favorite food. With Leo, something was either his favorite or he hated it and it was gross. He didn’t seem to be a fussy eater, but I still tried to work within his preferences. It was one less thing I had to stress about. And I wasn’t exactly heartbroken to not have to fight him over eating broccoli when he was just as happy to eat a bowl full of salad.

Once home, we settled in for our Friday night routine. I made spaghetti. I wasn’t a fancy cook, and I used sauce out of a jar. It was good, filling, and cheap. After dinner, Leo played in the tub, and I got almost as wet as he did. He put his pajamas on, and then we cuddled up on the couch to watch a movie.

Friday night movies meant we were going to watch mutant turtles, talking shape shifting robots, or dinosaurs breaking out of their enclosures. We rarely watched anything else. They were Leo’s comfort movies after a week at school. Tonight, he wanted robots.

He curled up against me, and while the robots on TV turned into airplanes and plotted to save the planet, I was on my phone texting Marci.

Can you babysit????I needed all of the question marks. This was a very important question.

What’s up?

Dinner with Kyle.

She responded with a series of emojis that ranged from exploding heads to smiley faces with hearts for eyes, followed byseveral eggplants and several peaches. I didn’t know if I could take her less than subtle innuendo. I didn’t even know if this was a date. I didn’t plan on sleeping with the man.

I doubt it, I replied.

She wrote back,I have condoms. I’ll bring them over. What time?

I guess that meant I was available for dinner with Kyle.

Completely oblivious to the turmoil I was going through, Leo fell asleep about halfway through the movie. I was a bad mother because it was at least thirty minutes before I realized that he was asleep. I was so preoccupied with texting Marci and setting up a time to meet Kyle that I hadn’t even noticed. Leo was comfortable and I wasn’t bothering him, so I let him sleep as I continued to plan for my dinner out.

Where is he taking you?Marci asked.

I don’t know’

You need to so you know how to dress.She had a point.

I’ll just dress normally, I responded.

No, you will not!!!!!!!The extra exclamation points only emphasized her intensity.

You’re going on a date with the father of your son, who you haven’t seen in years.

I don’t know if it’s a date.

It’s a date!she responded.

As I was reading Marci’s message, another text message popped up.I’m glad to hear you’re available. Should I pick you up or do you wanna meet at the restaurant?

My stomach flipped when I saw Kyle’s message.

I thought I was still responding to Marci when I typed and sent,I don’t think it’s a date.

Only to have Kyle respond with,I don’t plan on talking business with you. Yes, it’s a date.

I dropped my phone on my lap and covered my eyes, wanting to die of embarrassment. After a long moment to regain my composure, I very carefully typed out to Kyle.Thank you for clarifying. This is a date. I will meet you at the restaurant. Will seven thirty be good?

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