Page 39 of Artemis

God, could hegetany more awkward?

“I didn’t know Alexander was your son.”

“I didn’t know you were Lee. What a pair we are!” Her chuckle sounded forced.

“Look, I owe you an apology,” Finley said. “I shouldn’t have left right after we—” He cut himself off, suddenly aware that the other adults were all listening in on their conversation. “—met,” he finished weakly. “I couldn’t get you out of my mind. That was a huge mistake, and I’d really like the chance to try again.”

Artemis crossed her arms. “You left because I told you I had a child. That’s a pretty big ‘mistake’ to forgive. Not to mention that you left when I was still vulnerable. It’s been two weeks. What makes you think you can apologize and I’ll take you backnow? How have things changed so drastically in two weeks?”

“Fair enough.” Finley rubbed his chin, trying to formulate the proper phrasing. “When we met, I had just had my orientation meeting here. Damien had painted on a wall. It was... a lot. I was scared of what the idea of dating a single mother would entail, and honestly, I panicked. I like to be prepared. I like to know all the facts in advance. Kids are hard to prepare for. I should have stuck around and talked to you about how I was feeling. I regret my actions. As for what changed...”

Finley waved a hand around himself, encompassing the kids and the daycare. “I’ve been here multiple days since then. Hestia has been a rock. And the kids have taught me a lot. I’m still a little anxious, but being around them has shown me that they’re pretty cool kids. And yesterday, I asked Maddie if she knew who you were, that I wanted to try to find you, explain myself, and beg you to try again with me.” He spread his arms wide. “She didn’t tell me you were Alexander’s mom. But this is me, explaining and hoping to get a second chance.”

Artemis bit her lip as she stared at him. “I’m going to have to think about it.”

His heart sank to his toes. “Okay,” he whispered. He turned away, heading for the gate. He passed Jaden on the way. “I’m going for a walk to clear my head. Be back in a bit.” He didn’t wait for his brother’s answer before he pushed through the gate, pausing only to hear the lock click into place behind him.

Did I seriously just lay everything in my heart out in front of all those people?

The parents of the kids I help look after?

And all she said in return was that she’llthinkabout it?

Finley started walking along the sidewalk, not really paying attention to where his feet were taking him.

What the hell am I supposed to do now?

The obvious answer, “wait and see what her decision is,” was an unpleasant pill to swallow, even worse than the thought that he had to return to the party. It was Alexander’s birthday party, and he didn’t deserve to have it ruined by Finley being too embarrassed to go back.

Sighing, Finley abruptly turned around, heading back the way he had come. A car zipped past him and he scowled. There was no way they were obeying the speed limit in the area.

When he returned to the daycare, he reached through the bars to unlock the gate, ready to apologize again, but this time to Alexander for leaving so unexpectedly. Finley scanned the busy backyard, looking for the head of blond curls. Not finding him, he frowned.

Maybe he’s inside?

Avoiding Artemis, he went instead to Maddie, who was standing near the inflatable climbing gym. “Hey, where’s Alexander? Is he inside?”

“I don’t think so. I’m afraid you’ll have to ask Artemis where he is,” Maddie teased.

Finley groaned quietly. “Do I have to?”

“If you want to know where Alexander is, yes.”

“Fine.” Finley sucked up his courage and made his way over to the last person he wanted to talk to right now. “Is Alexander inside?” he asked sheepishly, not wanting to look at her.

“I thought he was with you.” She sounded pissed.

“What?” Finley’s gaze snapped up from the ground to meet hers. “I wouldnevertake a kid away from anywhere without asking their parent’s permission first. Where is he?”

Artemis’s anger dropped instantly, replaced by panic. “I don’t know. I noticed he was gone when you left, and I just assumed... Did you lock the gate behind you?”

“I did. And it was still locked when I returned. Have you checked inside?”

“No.”

“I’ll do that now. You look around out here and then meet me inside. There are lots of hidey holes.”

Heart pounding, Finley burst through the door into the daycare. Nothing looked out of place. He started with the obvious places that he’d seen the children use for hide and seek, checking the bathrooms and rooms down the hallway, calling Alexander’s name as he moved through the building. There was no sign of him anywhere.

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