Page 28 of Falling Together

“Nolan’s dry clothes are in the backpack over there by the table,” Blair said as she walked past. “I’m going to change too, so I’ll be back down in a few minutes.”

Erin nodded in acknowledgment, but didn’t look up until she heard the sliding door open and close.

“Hey, Pops!” she heard Blair say through the thin glass.

A few seconds later, the door opened again, and a man walked out who also closely resembled Blair. His hair was lighter, but his eyes looked just like hers. It was clear that Blair was the perfect combination of her two parents.Emphasis on perfect.Erin once again shook these thoughts from her head.

She smiled at the man walking toward her, but as had tended to be the case since having a child, he was focused on someone other than her.

He stopped right in front of Nolan and put out his hand for a high five. “Hey, little man! What’s your name?”

Instead of hitting his hand, Nolan burrowed deeper into Erin’s legs. Erin ran her hand through his hair and smiled at the man again, who was now looking back at her. “This is Nolan. Sorry. He’s a bit shy.”

Mr. Breckenridge smiled and took a step back. “That’s okay. I understand. Blair told me it took him a bit to warm up to her, but now they’re best friends.”

Nolan shook his head at that. “My mommy is my best friend.” He held up two fingers. “Bear is number two.”

Mr. Breckenridge chuckled. “That’s understandable.” His eyes met Erin’s again, and he held out his hand. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Blaine.”

Erin accepted his handshake. “It’s very nice to meet you, Blaine. I’m Erin.”

“I’m happy to finally meet you after hearing so much about you from Blair.”

“Sh-she talks about me?”Play it cool, Erin.

Blaine chuckled once again. “All the time. This is definitely her favorite job she’s ever worked.” He squinted his eyes as his smile grew. “It certainly helps that it’s theonlyjob she’s ever had, but between you and me, I think it’d be her favorite either way.”

Of course. Blair talks about herjobandNolan. She doesn’t actually talk about Erin, a fact that shouldn’t have hurt quite as much as it did.

Blaine waved a hand at her. “Did anyone show you where the pool bathroom is?” When Erin shook her head, he began to walk back in the direction of the house but veered to the left before he came to the sliding glass door. He opened the door to a bathroom that was bigger than the master bathroom in her house, complete with a shower. “You can help Nolan get changed here.” He pointed to the opposite wall. “That door over there goes into the garage, which then leads into the kitchen, so feel free to go through there once you’re done.”

After getting Nolan dressed in dry clothes, they walked through the garage and into the kitchen as instructed. As soon as she opened the door, the most amazing scent hit her nose. Erin had no idea what Brandy was cooking, but given the smell, it had to be amazing. She was so distracted by the wonderful aroma of a home-cooked meal, she almost didn’t notice Brandy setting the table.

“It smells wonderful in here. Thank you so much for having us.” Erin motioned toward the table. “Could I help you with that?”

Brandy scoffed. “Absolutely not. You’re our guest. Plus, you just got done with a long day of work.”

“I don’t mind. I’m sure you had a long day as well.” Erin remembered Blair telling her that her mom was a pharmacist, so she was sure her job was far from easy. The fact that Brandy could come home and still find enough energy to cook for her family was very impressive.

“Today was my short day, which is why I am the one making dinner tonight. Most nights it’s either Blaine or takeout.” Brandy stopped sorting the dishes to smile brightly at Erin. “There is one thing you can do for me.”

“Anything.”

Brandy nodded down the hall. “Go upstairs and get that daughter of mine moving. I swear we can never start a meal on time when she’s home. I don’t know what she does up there.”

Erin swallowed hard.This is why you never agree to anything before knowing what you’re agreeing to.“Of course.” She put her hand on Nolan’s shoulder. “Let’s go, sweetie.”

Nolan shook his head. “I stay down here with Bear’s Mommy.”

Traitor.“She’s trying to get everything ready for dinner. I don’t want you to get in the way.”

“No. I help.”

Brandy smiled “That would be great. I could definitely use the help of a strong little boy.”

Nolan smiled and tried to make muscles. “I’m a strongbigboy.”

Brandy chuckled. “Yes, you are. Would you like to help me finish setting the table?”

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