Page 48 of More Than a Helping Hand

“Me too. He’s cool.”

“And Bailey, I’m sorry about everything. Derek was wrong. You aren’t annoying.”

She unbuckles and slides out of her seat. “Anderson said I’m smart and funny. I’m kind of starting to forget Derek. And what is a time suck?”

“That’s not important, and you can totally forget Derek. It’s better for you to think about all the people who love you.”

She hugs my neck. “I love you, Mom.”

“I love you too. So much.”

As she climbs out of the car, she says, “I can solve the Rubik’s cube now. I’ll show you when we get inside. I can’t wait to show DeeDee.”

It’s clear that she admires Anderson, and to her, he seems like a perfect father figure. But I won’t date to find a dad for Bailey. I need someone who loves me for me, who will also accept my kid with all her quirky smarts.

Inside, after she gets all the sides of her cube the same color, she races down the hall. “Don’t forget to call DeeDee about dinner on Saturday.”

I tap out a text to him.

Me:We have a family dinner at my parents’ once a month, and the next one is this Saturday. You’re invited. If I haven’t given you enough notice, I completely understand. Bailey asked if you could come.

Clarence:What time?

Me:Five

Clarence:I’ll be there.

I close my eyes and take a deep breath before sending another message.

Me:Bailey is staying with my sister that night, so we could go out after if you wanted.

Clarence:Yes please. Are we aiming for fun or deep conversation?

Me:Is both an option?

Clarence:Absolutely

I send a thumbs-up, then head into the kitchen to start dinner.

CHAPTER18

ANDERSON

Tired, I stretch out in bed and text Primrose.

Me:Send me a thumbs-up when it’s okay to call.

My phone buzzes a second later.

“Hey there.” A door closes in the background. “She fell asleep pretty quick, but I’m closing my door just in case.”

“Hiya. I wanted to talk about our date.” I’m happy that Primrose brought it up. After so many days of not mentioning another date, I wondered if she was having second thoughts.

“If you are busy, we don’t have to do anything after dinner.”

I’m going to have to work hard to get her to understand that she is one of three people who take priority in my life. I will rearrange my schedule for Brooke, Primrose, and Bailey. “Believe me, I want to go out. So here are some ideas. For the fun part, we could go dancing.”

“Can we do something else? I’m not ready to dance with you yet.”

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