Page 6 of The Baby Bargain

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She presses her lips together. Turns her gaze to the ground. "I… uh… excuse me." She moves up the stairs. Slams the door. Turns her music on.

It's something from the 80s, a synth-pop jam that is somehow peppy and depressing at once.

I want to follow her up there. To knock on the door. Wrap my arms around her. Whisperit's going to be okay.

But I can't promise that.

I have no idea how to get over my broken heart. How am I supposed to help with hers?

* * *

Forest talksme into playing another round. Then a third. A fourth.

The sun sets. The automatic lights turn on. My thoughts betray me.

This place is too familiar. Too constant.

When I close my eyes, I can see her here. Sitting on the taupe patio furniture. Sketching as Forest and I played. Humming along to her iPod.

Pressing her bright lips into a smile.

Fuck, I need a break.

"Water." I motion to the kitchen.

Forest nodssure. He takes the ball from me. Turns to the hoop. Lines it up just right—

Swoosh.

Nothing but net.

I'm almost jealous. It's hard to get competitive about sports now. I'm almost thirty and I'm—

Let's just say my life is nothing like I thought it would be two years ago.

No marriage. No kids. No white picket fence around my two-million-dollar house in Santa Monica.

Because it's a good school district. Because the kids are worth it.

My throat tightens. There she is. Trying to invade my thoughts.

Fuck that.

I suck a breath through my nose. Push an exhale through my teeth.

That needs to be my universe. My breath. Stillness. All that new age shit.

After a few deep breaths, the image of Grace fades. My throat relaxes. My feet obey my commands.

I move through the sliding glass doors.

Ariel is sitting at the kitchen table, fingers wrapped around a glass of liquor. Vodka or gin. Something clear.

Her dark eyes flit to mine. "You want one?"

I shake my headno thanks, but the look on her face makes me reconsider.

Fuck, I know that look.

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