Page 38 of The Manny

He narrowed his eyes. “I’d think you get hit on all the time.”

I shrugged. “I do. I’m just not usually interested in the ones who have the courage to ask.”

He sighed. “Isn’t that the truth?”

Percy ran up, Mia close behind him. “Daddy! Can I open my presents now?”

Aiden smiled warmly at his son, ruffling his hair. “How about we cut the cake and sing happy birthday first?”

“But I wanna open my gifts.”

“Be patient, son.”

The doorbell rang as he finished speaking, and a willowy blonde woman opened the door, and poked her head in. “Hello, hello!” she called out. Without waiting to be invited in, she entered the house with long, confident strides.

Ah, yes, the ex-wife finally makes her appearance.

Aiden smiled when he saw her. “Barb, you made it.” He crossed the distance between them. “We were just about to sing happy birthday.”

“Of course, I made it.” Her porcelain skin had a touch of pink as she smiled up at Aiden. “Sorry I’m late. Work was hell.”

He slipped his arm loosely around her slim waist. “Isn’t it always?”

“Yes.” She kissed his cheek. “But I still love it.”

“I know you do,” Aiden murmured.

I found it interesting they were still very affectionate with each other. Obviously there were lingering feelings between them. Were they just friends, or more? Did they still sleep together? Lots of exes did.

Percy widened his eyes when he saw her. “Mommy! You came to my birthday party!” He launched himself at her, and she gathered him up in her arms.

“Of course I did, baby boy.” She closed her eyes, holding him tight. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

I don’t know what I’d expected Aiden’s ex-wife to be like, but she seemed warmer than he’d described her. She certainly seemed to love her son. She covered his cheeks in kisses while he giggled happily.

Mia stood watching them, her eyes wide. She seemed transfixed as she stared at Barb. I wondered if perhaps Percy’s mom reminded her of her own. From the photos I’d seen, Jules had also been a tall thin blonde.

I moved to Mia. “Do you want to say hello to Percy’s mom?”

“Oh.” She wrinkled her brow. “Is that allowed?”

I smiled. “Of course.” I took hold of her little hand. “You should say hi. Why not, right?”

“Okay.”

I led her over to Barb, who was still holding Percy. As we neared, I smiled and held out my hand. “I’m Thomas and this is Mia. She wanted to meet you.”

Barb’s gaze sharpened as if she recognized my name. “You’re Thomas?”

“Yes.”

“Aiden has mentioned you,” she murmured.

“Oh… er…” Not sure what to make of that comment, I gestured to Mia. She was still watching Barb as if she was the most fascinating thing she’d ever seen. “Mia wanted to say hello to you.”

Barb glanced down at Mia, and her expression softened. “Hello, Mia.”

Mia swallowed hard. “Hello.”

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