Page 142 of Absolute Certainty
Ten.
“Lovebirds,” they heard from Alex then. “If you don’t get back inside to start game night, Pat might actually start throwing things.”
They laughed, parting.
Then, they walked back in, spending the rest of the night as sworn enemies because there would never be room for love when it came to a game of Werewolf.
36
JAY
“So, you’re sure Eloise is okay with this? Should we just tell her I’m your friend?” Sahar asked from the passenger’s seat.
“Myprettyfriend,” he specified, his whole heart buzzing. “And I’m positive. The kid has apparently wanted me to find love before I even considered it.”
Switching the car engine off, Jay leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her forehead before walking out to his mom’s house.
After saying bye to the two of them, Alex bolted inside, promising Sahar that she’d be filling her in on something Jay wasn’t privy to.
“Say hi to your mum,” Sahar added.
It was good to know that Sahar and Alex were already getting along so well, and she fit in so effortlessly with his friends, too. Each new milestone now would continue to matter, and he was eager for Sahar to spend time with Eloise.
Jay walked into the house from the front door, where Eloise was putting on her shoes.
“Was she really okay?” he whispered to his mom.
She gave him a genuine grin.“There’s nothing a trip to Barnes and Noble can’t fix.”
Smiling, he thanked her, passed Sahar’s message along, then bent down and lifted his daughter off the ground with a bear hug.
Eloise leaned forward in Jay’s arms and hugged his mom. “Bye, Grandma. Love you.”
“Love you more, sweetheart.”
As they stepped out the door, Eloise wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, making him stop in his tracks.
“What’s up, baby? You okay?” Jay asked, gently squeezing her back.
“Is your pretty friend nice?”
“Would I ever introduce you to someone who was mean?”
“No,” she confirmed.
He kissed the side of her head. “She’s the nicest, and she always shares her ice cream.”
“And tomorrow we’re going to the beach, right? With Aunt Lexie, too?” she asked again.
He stepped down the porch stairs. “We are.”
“Promise?”
“A thousand times,” he assured.
When they drew closer to his car, she sprang out of his arms, and Jay opened the door to let her in. He watched as Sahar tilted her head, a bright smile shining on her face. “Hi, Eloise,” she said.
“Hi,” Eloise repeated, a little less shy than before. Progress. Good. She buckled herself in as he got in the driver’s seat.
