Page 114 of Engulfing Emma

“It’s a date.”

“I think I like the sound of that,” I say. “Us dating.”

“I like it, too.”

“Can I kiss my girlfriend goodbye?”

She smiles her answer.

I’m pretty polite, considering the circumstances, but I still give her a kiss that reminds her she’s mine.

~ ~ ~

“Daddy!” Leo says, running over to jump into my arms.

“You’ve gotten bigger, buddy. I missed you.” After I finish showering him with kisses, I notice Bria in the corner.

“Did you miss me, too?” she asks.

I laugh. “Always.”

She sits on the couch with us and says out of Leo’s earshot, “Someone had to make sure Momzilla didn’t corrupt you-know-who.”

I look at her curiously. “You mean, this isn’t the first time you’ve come over this week?”

Bonnie joins us. “Your lovely sister has stopped by almost every day.”

“I didn’t want the little guy to get lonely.”

“How did it go?” I ask. “You know, with Amanda?”

“Did someone say my name?”

I look to the kitchen where Amanda is standing at the counter with a glass of red wine. I check the time. It’s not even noon yet. “A bit early for happy hour, isn’t it?”

“It’s always happy hour when you’re on vacation,” she says. “Want to join me? It’s probably after five where you came from.”

“I’m good,” I say. “I just want to hang with Leo.” I slip off the couch onto the floor while Leo gets out his Legos. “What are we building today? A spaceship? A race car?”

Leo points to the box. “Fire twuck.”

Bonnie ruffles his hair. “He’s wanted to build it every day. He really missed you.”

Amanda brings her wine into the living room and sits down. “What does he build when he missesme?”

Bria laughs. “Lego doesn’t sell sets of stone-cold bit—”

“Bria!” I scold, nodding at Leo.

“Oh, right. Sometimes I forget he’s always listening. What I meant to say is that Lego doesn’t make sets of passive-aggressive, narcissistic, self-serving, evil female parental units.”

Amanda huffs. “You really are a gem, aren’t you, Brianna?”

“I try. When do you go back to California?”

“Tomorrow.” She gives me a look. “I was hoping we could talk before I go.”

I pull Leo onto my lap and help him fit Lego pieces together. “Later. I’m busy right now.”

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