Page 14 of Better Left Unsaid

Maria smiled and bent down, getting on her knees as best as she could in the high as fuck heels she was wearing. “Make sure he takes you on the merry-go-round,” she told her, fussing with her shirt, making sure it was tucked in nicely in the skirt. “Okay?”

Isabella perked up, her eyes widening as she turned to me and confessed something that didn’t really need confessing, “I love the merry-go-round.”

“I know,” I said, ruffling Isabella’s hair, something I also knew about her—she disliked it when people messed with her hair. “You think I didn’t know that? Huh? Huh?”

With a scowl on her face, she fixed her hair.

“I can help,” I said and put my hands in her hair again, but really only to ruffle her hair again. I couldn’t help myself, she was just too damn adorable.

Isabella whined, “Mommy.”

Maria gave me a you’re-bad look, and I pulled on the back of my neck. “Come here,” she said, her arms out. Isabella turned around and backed up into Maria’s hands.

When Maria was done, she patted Isabella on the butt and sent her back my way. “Next time he bugs you, take away his bracelet,” Maria told her and winked at me. “Have fun today.”

“I will,” Isabella assured her, blowing her a kiss and skipping to the door.

“Thanks,” Maria said silently to me, and I read her lips.

I replied, “You’re welcome,” and she nodded.

“You coming, Uncle Dom?” Isabella called after me.

Geez, she was almost as bad as Maria—everything had to go according to a schedule. It wasn’t like we were losing daylight.

“I don’t want someone to be on the brown and pink horse at the carousel, so we have to go now.”Naturally.

“Why didn’t I think of that?” I asked, walking out with her.

“Don’t worry, Uncle Dom,” she replied, placing her little hand in mine. “You have me.”

Chapter Five

Dominic

Maria:I almost threw away my friendship bracelet. Took it off to wash dishes and nearly scooped it up when I was cleaning the counter.

Dominic:Rookie mistake.

Maria:Whatever. What are you doing now?

Dominic:Why? Feeling horny?

Maria:Not particularly. I’m in my sweats, scrolling through my social feed.

Dominic:You deserve to chill.

Dominic:I was summoned by my father. We’re currently playing chess. Well, he’s getting a drink, then we’ll finish playing.

Maria:The two of you and that game. It’s ridiculous, really.

Dominic:Gotta go. He’s back.

Maria:Good luck!

Dominic:You make your own luck in chess.

Maria:Right, right. Whatever you say.

---