Page 65 of Finders Keepers

My fingers drift to my lips, remembering the gentle pressure of his mouth against mine. It was nothing like Matt’s demanding, possessive kisses. Gavin asked permission, gave me a choice, treated me like I mattered.

But the guilt crashes over me like a wave. He doesn’t know about Matt, about the bruises that have finally faded, about the nights I spent planning our escape. He doesn’t know that every tender moment between us is built on a foundation of lies and half-truths.

My phone pings and I see it’s a text from Ms. Lucy:“Heading into town later today. Need anything, honey?”

Perfect timing. We need to go grocery shopping, and having Ms. Lucy along might help keep my thoughts from spiraling. I type back:“Actually, we’re going grocery shopping. Could use your cooking expertise.”

Another ping makes my heart skip.

Gavin:“Good morning, beautiful. Still thinking about last night. Would you and Sophie like to come over for dinner tonight?”

The smile spreads across my face before I can stop it, followed immediately by another stab of guilt. He’s so genuine, so open. He deserves someone who can be honest with him.

Ms. Lucy’s response pops up:“Would love to! Meet you girls up here at 10? We can take my car.”

I send back a quick“Sounds good.”then roll onto my side, staring at Gavin’s message. What do I say? How do I balance this growing connection with the weight of my secrets?

“Good morning. Last night was wonderful. Thank you again.”I hit send before I can overthink it.

Not even a minute passes before his reply buzzes through.

“I’m glad. So… dinner?”

I hesitate, my fingers hovering over the screen. I want to say yes. Of course I do. The thought of seeing him again makes something flutter in my chest. But the idea of going to his house, crossing that invisible line into his space, it sends a ripple of anxiety through me. What if I say the wrong thing? What if Sophie says too much? What if he sees more than I’m ready to share?

Still, I know what I want.

“We’d love to. Could you text me your address and the time?”I finally type, my thumb lingering over the send button before tapping it.

There. It’s done. No taking it back.

Sophie’s voice carries from the living room, probably talking to Mr. Hoppy about another drawing or Buttercup. I need to get up, get her breakfast, and start our day. But I allow myself one more moment to remember the feel of Gavin’s hand on my cheek, his eyes searching mine in the porch light.

It’s dangerous how safe he makes me feel.

I push myself out of bed, padding to the bathroom. In the mirror, I see a woman learning to stand on her own feet again, learning to trust her own judgment. But also, someone carrying the heavy burden of deception.

“Mommy.” Sophie calls. “I’m hungry!”

“Coming, baby!” I pull my hair into a messy bun. Time to focus on what matters most, keeping my daughter safe and happy. Everything else, including the complicated tangle of feelings about Gavin, will have to wait.

In the kitchen, Sophie sits at our small table, Mr. Hoppy propped in the chair beside her. Her hair is a wild mess, reminding me she needs a trim.

“What would my princess like for breakfast?” I ask, dropping a kiss on top of her head.

“Pancakes! With faces!” She bounces in her seat.

“How about we compromise with toast and eggs? We can make the eggs into a smiley face.”

She considers this, head tilted. “Can the toast have jelly?”

“Of course.” I pull out the bread and eggs, seeing our dwindling items in both the pantry and refrigerator. “Guess what? We’re going grocery shopping today with Ms. Lucy.”

Her eyes dart to me. “Can I get some cheesy sticks?”

“We’ll see what they have.” I crack eggs into a bowl.

I whisk the eggs, watching Sophie arrange her silverware just so. She’s humming a little tune.

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