Page 12 of The Manny

“Is that me?” Mia asked, pointing at the picture.

“Yes,” I said quietly. “That’s you and your mom.”

“I was a baby.”

“You were.” I smiled. “A very cute baby.”

She glanced up, looking very serious. “I’m not a baby anymore.”

“Uh… no.” I grimaced.

“Maybe you could keep the photo on your nightstand,” Thomas suggested. “That way you can see it when you go to bed at night, and first thing when you wake up too.”

Hugging the photo, Mia nodded. “Okay.”

“You can change stuff in here if you want.” I gestured to the prints I’d hung on the walls. I’d picked colorful art based on children’s books mostly. “Maybe you don’t like the things I picked.”

She turned in a circle, taking in the prints. “I like them.”

“Just let me know if you prefer something else.” I realized the art on the walls was the least of her problems, but I didn’t know what else to talk about.

“Maybe we can hang some of the art you create on the walls, Mia.” Thomas smiled at her. “We could have your favorite ones framed.”

She widened her eyes. “Really?”

“Sure.”

“Yeah, that would be fine.” I nodded. I really just wanted her happy. If she was happy, maybe she wouldn’t be too emotionally needy. I was already feeling the strain of having strangers in my house. The only place I’d be guaranteed privacy was my bedroom, but I didn’t really want to hide in there all day. Hopefully, as time passed I’d get used to having people in my home.

“How about we go to the park in a bit?” Thomas suggested. “It’s a beautiful day.”

“There’s a park?” Mia brightened.

“Yep. A really nice one too with swings.” Thomas moved to Mia’s suitcase. “Shall I help you unpack your things first, Mia?”

“Okay.”

I moved toward the door, deciding this might be a good time to make my escape.

“Jack,” Thomas called out.

I stopped and glanced over my shoulder at him. “Yeah?”

“You should come to the park with us.”

Irritation prickled me. “I have a bunch of calls to make. I took the day off of work, but there are still things I need to handle.”

“We can go after you make your calls.”

Was he serious? I thought I’d made it clear to him I didn’t want him trying to boss me around. “I’ll think about it.”

Mia didn’t say anything and I had no idea if she preferred me to come or stay home. But in the long run, I didn’t care. Mia would have to adapt to me, not the other way around.

“I just thought it might be nice to spend some time with Mia, since it’s her first day here,” he said.

I narrowed my eyes. “Like I said, I have things to do.”

His mouth thinned, but then he shrugged. “Suit yourself. I’ll still let you know when we’re about to leave though. In case you change your mind.”

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