Page 39 of Designs on You

Eugene checked his phone for the fifteenth time.

Nothing.

He didn’t know what to expect. It wasn’t like Natalie owed him a text to let him know how her kid was. Christopher wasn’t his, and he had no right to know. But still, he was worried. What if something had gone wrong? What if Christopher’s injuries were worse? He hadn’t texted or called because he hadn’t wanted to bother her, but it was now Sunday afternoon, and he couldn’t wait any longer.

“Fuck it,” he finally said. “I’m texting.”

How’s Christopher?

He kept it short so she wouldn’t have to read any worry in his text.

Surprisingly, she called. He punched the button.

“Hey. I’m sorry I haven’t called.”

“It’s okay. Your kid was hurt and that’s priority. Is he all right?”

“He’s fine. Stitches in his chin and he has a scratched-up face, but otherwise, he’s fine. They did a CT of his head and that was clear.”

Eugene’s heart stopped pounding. “That’s such a relief. I’m so glad.”

“Thanks. I’m so sorry about bailing on you abruptly last night. I owe you lobster pasta.”

“Hey. It’s your kid, Natalie. Your kids will always come first.”

“Thank you for being so understanding.” She paused, then asked, “Would you like to come over? It’s just Christopher and me. Cammie is still with her dad until later tonight.”

“No, that’s okay. I’m sure you and Christopher want to be alone.”

She laughed. “He’s already bored and definitely tired of me hovering over him. He could use a distraction.”

“I’d really like to see him. I was worried about him all last night.”

“Yeah, I should have texted you, but the whole night was so overwhelming.”

“Hey, Natalie. I understand. It’s really okay.” He could tell how much this had affected her. “Want me to pick anything up for you and Christopher?”

“No, but thanks. We’re good.”

“Okay. I’ll see you soon.”

They hung up and he made the drive over to Natalie’s house. Despite her saying she didn’t need anything, there was no way he’d show up without something for Christopher. He stopped at the store and picked up a cool-looking truck that had flashing lights and spun on its wheels. Hopefully Christopher would like it.

When he got to the house, he grabbed the bag and rang the doorbell.

Natalie answered, smiling. “Hi.”

“Hi, yourself.”

She led him inside. Christopher was on the sofa watching a kids’ show on TV. When he saw Eugene, he grinned.

“Hi, buddy,” Eugene said.

“Guess what? I fell down and hurt myself and now I got stitches.” Christopher stuck his chin out for Eugene to see.

Eugene took a seat next to Christopher and inspected his chin. He had a bandage covering the stitches, but his face bore several scratches “Whoa. You’re a mess. You look cool.”

“I know!”

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