Page 16 of Loaded Laces

“We need to move, baby, if we’re going to catch the bus and get you to school on time.”

I’m pouring myself a cup of coffee as she skids into the kitchen, eyes wide and worried, Quinn looking sleepy and rumpled as he affects a zombie, slowly trailing her.

I go to the fridge, pull out a Diet Coke, and bring it to her, cracking open the top and pressing the cold can into her hand. “Caffeine, baby,” I mutter. “Quinn, bud. Your backpack is there. Donuts are on the counter, and juice and milk are in the fridge if you want something to eat before you brush your teeth.”

The drowsiness slides from his expression, excitement filling his eyes. “Did you get sprinkle ones?”

“Quinn!” Belle gasps. “You can’t?—”

“Are donuts even donuts without sprinkles?” I ask lightly.

Quinn grins and moves to the box, pulling open the lid and snagging two donuts. One is devoured before he turns for the fridge, and I see Belle’s cheeks go pink, her mouth opening again, a reproach for the kid likely on her tongue.

“Drink, baby,” I order quietly, nudging up the can, distracting her before the rebuke can escape. Then I go to the cabinet and snag a glass, setting it on the counter while Quinn unearths the milk from the fridge. “You good pouring it one-handed?” I ask him, amusement curling through me as he starts in on the second donut.

He nods, speaks through a mouth full of delicious baked goods—something I can vouch for considering I had two myself on the drive home, “Thanks, West.” Which, of course, sounds like “Smanks, Vest.”

Belle sighs, rubbing at her forehead.

But she lifts the can to her lips again and drinks deeply.

Caffeine fix incoming.

I fight a smile as I walk back over to her, murmuring, “Your bag is next to Quinn’s, and your car is in the driveway.” I drove over and got it this morning then took an Uber back to my car, picked up donuts, more Diet Coke, and now we’re here.

The can hits the counter, her eyes come to mine. “You don’t have to do this…” A nod to the donuts, to the front of the house. “Didn’t have to dothat.”

“Iwantedto do it.” I shrug. “Bonus is, I got to eat some donuts.”

“We’ll get out of here as soon as I?—”

“Belle.” I wait until she looks at me. “Seriously, there’s no rush. I’ve got a big house, and it’s empty.” I bump her shoulder with mine when she starts to protest again. “Way I see it is that you’re doing me a favor by filling the rooms up.”

Another sigh.

But I see the relief in her eyes.

So, I cross a line.

Because I know she won’t be able to say no if her kid says yes.

“Quinn?” I ask.

He stops, spins to face me, mid third donut consumption. “Yeah?” he says, the word garbled.

Belle groans softly.

“I’m out of town a lot and could use someone to watch the house when I’m gone. You cool if you and your mom stay here for a bit to help me out?”

His eyes go wide and he looks around. “Here?”

“I trust your mom,” I say turning my gaze to Belle, watching her eyes go wide too. “And I know she raised a good kid. Plus,” I add, my lips turning up. “I need someone to play Xbox with when I’m actually here.”

None of that is a lie—the empty house, spending far too much time alone when I’m here, the loneliness always creeping in.

Belle’s eyes have gone wide.

Quinn runs over to her. “Can we do it, Mom? Can we help West out?”

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