Page 147 of The Single Dads Club
“Cade?” her voice was guarded. “I saw you called.”
I hated hearing her so formal and down to business. “Yeah, it’s just…Lily…she’s been pretty torn up since you left.”
“Lily has?” she questioned, her voice tinged with a touch of sarcasm.
“Yeah,” I said, losing my nerve.
“Well, let’s clear something up. I didn’tleave, you pushed me away. There’s a big difference.”
“I know,” I said sheepishly.
She let out an exasperated sigh. “Now tell me what happened with Lily.”
I explained the upturned pot of water on my floor and the fact that Lily was currently camped out on the couch in one of my old T-shirts, eating a bowl of ice cream. Before dinner. Just to quiet her sobs about the spilled the water.
“I’ll be there in ten minutes,” Alexa said.
I sighed in relief. “Thank you, cupcake.”
“Let me clarify one thing,” she snapped, her voice laced with anger, “I’m coming for Lily. Not you.” And with that she hung up.
Damn.
Having Alexa on her way made everything feel lighter, feel right somehow. Even if she was only coming for Lily, the spilled water and the soaking wet carpeting, none of which bothered me anymore. I headed into my room to change my wet clothes and wait for Alexa to arrive.
Alexa’s arrival was met with squeals of excitement and Lily grabbing for her walker to race to greet her at the front door. I stood back and watched Alexa scoop her up in a hug. Alexa was positively glowing. She was more beautiful than my memory could have processed. Her hair was swept up into a loose ponytail, several tendrils escaping to frame her face and she was dressed casually in jeans and a fitted pink top. She looked good enough to eat. My very own cupcake.
But Alexa was all business, taking care of Lily and ignoring me completely. I’d never felt awkward in my own house, but I sure as shit did now. She lifted Lily to her hip, cradling and rocking her as Lily’s bottom lip wavered and fresh tears cascaded down her little cheeks. “Shh sweetie,” Alexa whispered. “I’m here.”
Hearing Lily ask her in between sobbing hiccups why she hasn’t been around tugged at my heart. They talked in quiet murmuring voices for a little while longer while I tried to make myself scarce.
Once Lily was calmed and quieted, Alexa strode into the kitchen, grabbed her purse from the kitchen table and started for the door.
I reached for her hand, but she shrugged herself free from my grasp.
“Please, Lex. Will you stay?”
Her eyes met mine, full of questions. “For you or for Lily?”
I swallowed my pride and gave her my truth. “For me.” I took her hand again, noticing that she no longer fought me, yet her hand remained limp in mine. I gave it a squeeze.
“I recall you saying—” Alexa started.
“I know what I said, but I’m an idiot, okay?”
“Yes, you are,” she agreed. I could hear the smile in her voice, even if her face remained impassive.
“So will you stay? I’ll even cook for you. It won’t be prime rib, but…”
She chuckled as she placed her purse back on the kitchen table. “I suppose I could eat.”
Lily appeared in the kitchen doorway and smiled when she saw both of us.
“Are you staying for dinner Lexa?” Lily asked, hopefully.
“Yep. I’m a little scared about your big brother cooking though. Is he a good cook?” Alexa teased.
“Hey, I’m standing right here.” I scoffed, and my heart sang as Alexa and Lily burst into giggles. I set Lily down on a chair at the table and glanced between her and Alexa. “How do scrambled eggs sound?”
