Page 21 of Creed

“Ha. Funny.”

“That was something.” I sit next to Kaydence in case she needs any help to give Tonya a break so she can eat without interruption. Like most children, she wants to be considered a big kid who can do things on their own. Shehas a stubborn streak and can be prone to some tantrums when she doesn’t get her way. Tonya is an exceptional mother, but I know it wears on her when she’s had a string of bad days. I’m sure the stunt her ex pulled didn’t help her stress levels.

She blows on her first slice, then takes a healthy bite. “Can you believe that?” she mumbles as she chews and shakes her head.

“I’m sure you have other things you’re dying to talk about.”

“After I get Kaydence a bath and to bed. Tell me about you and Creed. Seemed like the two of you knew each other.”

The main reason I came over was to avoid all things Seth Creed, but should have known she’d be curious. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

“Try me.”

“Uh.” Kaydence grunts, unable to reach her sippy cup. I scoot it closer and allow her to grab the cup herself, which seems to appease her.

“As you were saying,” Tonya presses. I know she will not let this go.

Simple is better. “We grew up together.”

“Don’t hold back. Spill the tea.”

“There’s not much to say. We lost contact and last night was the first time I’ve seen him in ten years or so.”

“You dated.”

“I’m not sure you could call it that. We fooled around. It’s not a big deal.”

“I thought we were friends.”

“We are.”

“So why are you giving me a careful answer?”

“It’s complicated.”

“Do you think I’m going to judge you or something? I tell you everything, Lottie. The good and the bad, because that’s what friends do.”

“You’re right. I’ve got a lot on my mind. If I tell you something, you’ve got to promise me it stays between us.”

“I’m a safe space.”

“I know.” I grab the pack of wipes that sit in the center of the table that Tonya keeps on hand for Kaydence and give the little cutie one before she smears pizza sauce all over my jeans. “It’s not you. I’m scared,” I admit.

“Let me set her up with a cartoon and we can talk on the balcony while I smoke.”

While she gets Kaydence settled in her fenced in play area of the living room, I clean up the remnants of our meal.

Out on the balcony that shoots off the living room with Kaydence in full view through the sliding glass door, Tonya lights up a joint and offers me a hit.

“No, but thank you.”

“Suit yourself.” She takes a deep toke. “Now tell me about you and Creed.”

“Our parents were married for a few years, and I wanted to be anywhere he was. I wanted to be with him. Be his. For a while I was. In secret. It ended badly because of miscommunications on both our parts and there really isn’t much more to tell.”

“Forbidden. I’ve gotta share this with my book group.”

“What?”

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