Page 33 of Sticking Out

She gives me a grateful smile that tugs at my heart. “I was online looking at some new furniture, and a new bed. Mine is getting kind of lumpy.”

“A new bed is a good idea.” I take another turn. “Seems kind of crazy that we both have such big houses, and we’re the only ones living in them.”

She laughs. “Yeah, we could probably share one and not even bump into each other for days.”

Is she suggesting what I think she’s suggesting? Would cohabitating be such a bad idea if we had a child? I guess it would be if she continues to move on and eventually find a husband.

“We’ll have to baby proof my place too,” I inform her. “Our little one will be at my place too.”

“Right, and again, if we shared a place, we wouldn’t have to do double the work.”

Maybe she really is hinting at the idea of living together, but again, is that a good idea? Maybe if I did have her under one roof all the time she might see just how good we are for each other before she found a husband.

It was your brother she chose, dude.

Yeah, but it was me she chose to have a baby with.

It was your DNA she wants, remember?

Fuck off.

“My place or yours?” I tease.

“You have the pool.”

Okay, she really has been thinking about this. Probably because she wants what’s best for the baby. But before we make any decisions, she has to get pregnant first. “You’re staying with me now while we work on getting you pregnant, and if you’re going to be doing some remodeling, and buying new furniture, you’ll need a place to stay until it’s done.”

She smiles like she likes that idea. I pass by Gina’s café and look for a spot to park. The city is busy on Saturday. I finally find one and ease into the tight space. Dani sits up a little straighter, excited to be taking Zoe for the night. She’s going to be an amazing mother, and knowing that eases some of my anxiety. If our child has troubles like I did in school, I’m sure she’ll know what to do, and I suppose I eventually have to tell her about my dyslexia. I can’t have her guessing what might be wrong with our child. Hell, I was in high school before anyone figured it out, and those early years were hell. Thank God I had a big brother who scared the shit out of my tormentors. And, if I hadn’t acted out all the time, my parents might not have put me in hockey so I could take my aggressions out in a different way. It’s funny how things work out.

That thought makes me think of Alec, and how I’m with Dani today because he died, and a huge knot tightens in my stomach, as a sound catches in my throat. I cough to cover it and reach for the door. I step out and circle the car to meet Dani on the sidewalk. I put my hand on her back and tug her to me.

We stop outside the café, and note the closed sign on the door. I turn to Dani who is frowning. “What’s going on?”

“I don’t know. She’s always open on the weekend. Let me text her.”

I put my face to the glass and glance in. “The place is empty.”

“I hope nothing is wrong.” She shoots off a text and a moment later, her phone buzzes. “She’s inside and on her way to let us in.”

The door opens and we find a very frazzled Gina standing in front of us, a bit of grease on her face, and sheets of paper in her hand. Honestly, she looks adorable, and I’m not blind. I’ve noticed the way the guys on the team watch her, but she has a child and maybe that scares them off.

Dani touches Gina’s arm. “Gina, what’s wrong?”

“Something’s wrong with my commercial fridge, and the damn air conditioner is on the fritz again. I’m beginning to wonder if my uncle liked me when he left me this place.” She waves the papers as she holds a screw in the other hand. “I had to close because the food all spoiled and I was googling how to fix it, because I can’t get anyone in to repair it until next week. I found this screw on the floor so it might have something to do with it.”

Dani takes the papers from her, and looks them over. She shows them to me, but they might as well be written in Greek. “Do you know anything about refrigeration?” Dani asks.

“Only that it keeps my food cold.” I pull my phone from my pocket. “But I do know someone who does.”

“Really,” Gina says, her eyes wide with relief and gratitude. “Do you think they could come by today?”

“I’m going to check.” I call up my contacts and call my buddy. He answers on the second ring. “Hey, you busy?” I hear his TV blaring in the background and know he’s watching old games.

“Nah, just hanging, and heading over to Noah’s for the party later.” He mutes his TV.

“What’s up?”

“I’m at the Nook with Dani. Gina’s fridge is broken. She can’t get anyone in to fix it for a week. Can you help her out?”

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