Page 10 of Bratva Daddies for the Single Mom

“Nearly,” I whispered at Tina.

She nodded. “It looks great, though.”

“Best one we’ve looked at so far.” I made my way down to the end of the hallway, where two bedroom doors stood next to each other. “These rooms would be great for me and the girls.”

“Yeah.” Tina shrugged, and her blue/black hair shimmered in the lighting. She’d touched it up a few days ago, brightening the blue to an electric color that I envied. I’d never been able to pull off colors like her. I was too conservative, too normal. The one time I’d dyed my hair pink for a Halloween party, I’d been so uncomfortable with everyone complimenting me that I’d ended up hiding out in the bathroom for hours. The green dress I’d worn to the auction was the craziest I’d dressed since then, and the dress wasn’t even mine but something I’d borrowed from Tina.

“Are there any other places you’d like to look?” Our realtor stood with his hands locked at his waist, a stack of pamphlets tight in his fingers. He’d been amused when Tina and I firstshowed up at his office. Neither of us looked like we had the money for the down payment this place required.

Honestly, I wasn’t sure we could afford this place long term. I exited the kids’ room with its pink and purple twin beds and raised my shoulders in a casual shrug. “This place is on the high end of our budget. It would be a stretch.”

“Agreed.” Tina sighed her disappointment. “It’s the nicest one we’ve seen.”

“My favorite so far,” I agreed. “But we have to be conservative.” I couldn’t guarantee that my job would improve, even though I’d taken on a new string of clients to help stretch the money as far as possible. Chicago wasn’t the cheapest place to live, but I loved the city.

“Thank you for your time, Mr. Valent. We’ll let you know.” Tina shook the man’s hand, then led the way to the front door. We stopped on the sidewalk and looked up and down the street. “Seems like a nice neighborhood.”

The quiet serenity wrapped around me. Tidy lawns led to cute condos on either side of us. Across the street, where I’d parked my car, a playground boasted a series of swings and a slide, along with picnic tables and a carousel. “And the girls would have a school nearby.”

“I could pick up a few more night shifts at the bar.” Tina waited for a car to pass before she started across the street.

I kept pace, thinking my way around the obstacles while unlocking my new car using the key fob. There was something about theboop, boopsound that tickled me. I’d never owned a new car before, and I’d found this one for a cherry of a price because it had a scratch on the bumper. All in all, things were looking up since my night at the auction. New car. New place to live. My girls were happy and healthy. I checked my watch. “We’d better head home. The girls will be there soon.”

“I’ll cook dinner tonight.” Tina’s offer wasn’t new. She helped out enough around the house that it almost made me feel like I took advantage of her.

I slid behind the wheel. “You don’t have to do that. We could order something. I’d offer to cook, but…” I held up both hands and waved them in front of my nose. “I’d rather not set off the smoke detector again.”

“I still don’t understand how you burned toast that badly.” Tina shook her head and grinned. “I like cooking. All I get to do at the bar is throw peanuts in front of people. Cooking gives me a chance to relax.” She elbowed me as I pulled out onto the road. “Stop taking my fun away from me.”

“Fine.” I rolled my eyes even as I smiled. “Have all the fun you want.”

We continued to discuss possible solutions to our housing situation as I drove. Our current house was fine, but with the increase in rent, we found out we could go slightly bigger and more comfortable at almost the same price. If we were careful with the money I’d made and stayed within our budget, we’d manage just fine with a decent upgrade.

Tina made her way straight to the kitchen when we arrived at our little three-bedroom apartment. Dishes clanged and the refrigerator door opened and closed. “I’m making fried chicken.”

“Sounds great.” I picked up the girls’ play shoes from the living room and tossed them onto the shoe rack beside the door. A line of toys marched down the short hallway, the threadbare carpet turning pea green when I flicked on the lamp. The gray walls absorbed the light, creating a weird contrast between the walls and floor.

Grease sizzled and popped, and the smell of chicken permeated the house. I gagged and covered my nose, pinching my nostrils shut. “Is the chicken ruined?”

“No. Why?” Tina’s question came with a hint of hysteria. “I just bought it yesterday. It can’t be bad.” She rounded the corner, bowl of chicken in one hand and batter-dipped hand dripping on the floor. “Smells fine to me.”

She held the bowl in my direction, and I gagged again when I tried to give it a sniff test. The invasion of fried chicken sent me running to the bathroom, where I heaved into the toilet for several minutes, purging my system until nothing but dry heaves remained. I closed the lid and flushed the toilet, cold sweat sending shivers across my shoulders.

Tina handed me a wet washrag. She’d washed her hands and stood in the open door with her arms crossed. “Better?”

“No.” I sank onto the edge of the bathtub and pushed the clear plastic curtain out of my way. Scrubbing at my face until I’d eliminated the tears and snot, I focused on the chipped vanity and the single sink lined with toothbrushes and makeup. I knew this feeling churning my stomach. I’d experienced it long enough with the girls. Tears rushed into my eyes. “I think I might be pregnant.”

Tina blinked. Once. Twice. She shook her head. “How?”

“Well, you see, when a man and a wom?—”

She smacked at the empty air and rolled her eyes. “I don’t need a lesson on reproduction. I meanhow? You haven’t been with anyone.”

“Except at the auction.” I filled one of the tiny cups on the sink with water and washed out my mouth. “My period was already late. But it’s the chicken.” I pointed toward the kitchen, my lips snarling in a grimace. “I couldn’t stand the smell of chicken when I was pregnant with the girls.”

“Wait.” Tina held up both hands and closed her eyes. “But they used protection. Right?”

I swished and spat another mouthful of water. “No condoms. And I’m not on the pill or anything else.” I washed my face,dampened the rag with cold water, and set it on the back of my neck. “They did give me a pill on my way out. Even watched me take it.”

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