Page 128 of The Single Dads Club
Alexa’s eyes caught mine and we both laughed.
“Hungry, little one?” I asked, settling her into her chair.
“Yep. And guess what?”
“What’s that?” I placed a napkin over her lap.
“I helped Lexa roll the meatballs.”
“Oh yeah? I bet they’ll taste extra good then.”
She basked in the compliment. It was times like this, witnessing her sweet innocence and desire to belong, to fit in, that pulled at my heart and made every hour of hard work worth it. I loved her fiercely and I would always protect her and do whatever was needed to ensure she had the life she deserved.
Alexa gathered up her purse from the counter. “I had fun with you today, Lily.”
“You’re not staying?” I asked, realizing then that the table was only set for two.
“Oh, no.” She looked down, adjusting the strap of her purse. “You guys enjoy.”
“But you haven’t had dinner yet, have you?”
She shook her head.
I stood and directed her towards the table. “Sit.” I guided her into the chair next to mine then retrieved an extra plate and silverware from the kitchen, setting them in front of her. “Here.” I scooped up a heap of spaghetti for Lily first, then some for Alexa.
“Oh, that’s way too much.” Alexa gestured to the full plate.
“Mine’s too much too,” Lily said, grinning over at Alexa.
“Hush. Both of you girls are too thin. Eat up.”
I sat down and dug into my own plate, noting the satisfied smile tugging at Alexa’s lips.
We enjoyed the delicious pasta and flavorful meatballs in relative silence. For once I didn’t have to prod Lily to stop playing with her food and eat. She gulped the food down greedily and was soon coated from chin to forehead in tomato sauce. I couldn’t help but steal glances at Alexa throughout the meal, and I remembered that she hadn’t answered my question earlier. I wondered just what, exactly, had prompted her to come over.
“We’re going to need to hose you down out back, Lils,” I chuckled.
She slurped the noodle dangling between her lips and grinned. “No way! I want Lexa to give me my bath tonight.”
A smile tugged at Alexa’s mouth.
“Not tonight, baby doll. It’s too late for a bath.”
Lily pouted but let it drop. Alexa exchanged looks with me across the table, and I could tell she wouldn’t mind helping, but there was no way I was doing that to her. She’d already done too much. Working with Lily. Cooking us dinner. I wasn’t used to accepting hand-outs and I wasn’t about to start now.
Once we were through with dinner, and Lily thoroughly wiped down, she escaped to play in her room while Alexa and I lingered at the table.
She tapped her fingers against the wood surface, studying me. “So I take it you weren’t shooting a new film today.”
“Ah, no. I work construction most days. That was just a stupid mistake.”
“So you don’t do it anymore?” she asked, raising a brow in my direction.
“I don’t plan on it, but the money’s damn good. And Lily’s healthcare costs…” I shook my head. “Never mind, I don’t know why I’m telling you all this.”
She tucked her chin down, fiddling with her hands in her lap, not meeting my eyes.
“Are you finished?” I nodded toward her plate.
