Page 58 of Just a Distraction

That’s how being around Milo makes me feel.

I don’t want to end things when I move, but there is no other way.

And now I’m smiling again because he texts me two of those online quizzes, a “Which Rebecca Yarros Character are You?” and one about which Harry Potter house you’re in. I have to laugh because I’m Ravenclaw through and through and have known that for years. With my thirst for knowledge and wisdom, it’s basically half my identity. But do I take the quiz anyway and share my results with him with a “glad to know I’m still in Ravenclaw!?”

Of course I do.

I laugh when he sends his results because he’s in a tie for Hufflepuff and Gryffindor. A perfect blend of honorable and enchanting.

Of course.

The day runs smoothly except for my mom calling to ask me to make some freezer meals for my aunt who’s having surgery next week. I tell her I can, but when my sister calls to ask if I’ve changed my mind about investing in her new peptide business, I tell her I can’t.

Besides my family’s calls, I’ve had very pleasant and warm thoughts of Milo to keep my mind busy.

I’m so consumed with thoughts of him that I don’t notice Darla, Blaine’s mom, in the lobby until I’m only a few feet away from her. She’s sitting on one of the couches. I feel my brows knit together.

She opens her mouth, but I speak quickly to stop her. “Darla, hey. I’m surprised to see you. I’d asked you to let me know when you’re coming.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Darla says, her face mirroring mine with the concerned brow. “It’s just . . . Can we talk?”

I stifle a sigh. I’m tired and my feet hurt, and I don’t have time for this.

But are her eyes red? Has she been crying?

“Sure. We can talk for a couple of minutes. Is something wrong?”

“I really am sorry,” she says. “I get in this place where I don’t plan ahead. I just act, you know?” She walks to the corner of the lobby where it’s quieter.

I reluctantly follow her. “What’s wrong, Darla?”

“I’m just wondering if you’d be willing to consider getting back together with Blaine?” Darla breathes out long slow breath and then jabs her thumbs near her eyes, shooting out a breath in frustration. “I feel like if the three of you can become a family, all will be well.”

This woman took care of Callum for his first year of life while I was at work trying to learn how to put one foot in front of the other. My heart sinks into my stomach. I know her heart is in the right place, but this is out of line.

“If Blaine wants to try to get back together, he needs to be the one to talk to me about that. The thing is, he doesn’t. And I don’t, either. I’m sorry, but there’s nothing you can do about that.”

“He’s depressed.” Her voice cracks. “Could you maybe talk to him?”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. A friend of his should be the one to do that, or even better, a therapist.”

Her face falls, but she nods her head. “I thought I’d ask, you know?”

“Blaine and I broke up a long time ago. He chose to sign away his rights to Callum. I didn’t ask him to, but it’s for the best. He’s going to find someone someday and then you’ll be glad he and I broke up.” My spine straightens and I place a hand on her shoulder.

“I wish he’d stepped up and become the man you deserve,” she says, her eyes filling with tears. “Can I say hello to Callum before you go home?”

“For just a bit.” I turn to go to Childcare but then turn back around. “And Darla? If you come to see me again without notice, you won’t be able to see him. I’m sorry, but it’s a boundary that I have. That said, please know that I do want you in his life.”

For the longest time, I felt beholden to this woman. In the beginning, I’d wanted her to like me because I liked Blaine. Then it became a sort ofI’m sorry your son and I are having a baby out of wedlock.I knew the whole situation worried her, made her concerned about the future welfare of her son and grandson. And then when she took care of Callum during his first year so I could work? I’m so grateful we got to have that.

But things have shifted inside of me. I no longer feel like I owe her, that I have something to prove to her. I see her sadness, and I feel empathy for the tough situation she’s in. But I need to move forward in my life.

Henry, Milo’s brother appears. He’s not wearing a security uniform, but I recognize him because he was introduced at the meeting I attended for new hires.

Besides, he’s as handsome as all of the Tates are, so he’s not easily forgotten. Although, I realize, with a start, that Milo is where it’s at for me. His affable, calm nature. The way he looks when he’s stacking blocks with Callum. Everything about him screams to me, reaches for me with safe arms.

“Hey, Rose.” Henry’s scowling.

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