Page 73 of The Single Dads Club
Grier frowns at me as if it’s obvious. “T-Rex princess.”
I bend down to kiss the top of her head. “Oh, of course. How silly of me. She’s the most beautiful, ferocious dinosaur royalty I’ve ever laid eyes on.” Not technically a lie—I’ve only ever seen this one.
“Oh, right, I almost forgot,” Corrigan says. “I figured you might be hungry, so I made enough spaghetti for the three of us. Your portion’s on the stove. It should still be warm.”
My stomach growls on cue. I was so wound up with anxiety about Mom and Grier and Corrigan, I haven’t paused long enough to even register my body’s needs before now.
And that soft feeling is back. Probably just because I haven’t had someone around to take care of me in a long time. “Thanks. Let me just get Grier cleaned up, and I’ll walk you out.”
Corrigan shocks me again by saying, “There’s no rush. Why don’t you give her a bath, and I’ll finish cleaning up here?” She stands up as if it’s already decided.
Still somewhat dazed, I follow orders and take Grier upstairs.
This is all so much newness to navigate. I’ve been a single dad since day one, so it goes without saying that I never had a partner. Never shared household responsibilities with anyone at all before, let alone someone I’m insanely attracted toandhave an intense history with. It’s surreal ... but feels natural at the same time. Once again, it’s like a snapshot from an alternate reality. An enviably cozy, contented life.
Fucking snap out of it, Lex. She’s not here to play house with you.
Maybe I’d have a life like this if nineteen-year-old me hadn’t been such a cowardly dipshit. But that’s not how it went down, and that’s not what’s happening now.
Corrigan is just doing what needs to be done for Grier’s sake. I shouldn’t get used to this illusion of a shared home, and I definitely shouldn’t let myself be seduced by its warmth and get wrapped up in what could have been.
“So, what did you and Corrigan do today?” I ask Grier while soaping her up. “Tell me everything.”
“Yummy ice cweam. Seagulls saidaaah!” She cracks up at her own noisy bird impression.
“Sounds like a great day by the beach,” I say. “And you painted too. Was that fun?”
“Yeah. Messy paint. I made big picture.” She flings her arms out to illustrate, pelting me with drops of soapy water.
“I saw. A masterful portrait of Her Highness, the great Princess T-Rex.”
“No, Daddy, it Flapflap playing in da sky.”
This time I’m the one who laughs. “Oh, you’re right. Sorry.”
I keep encouraging her with commentary as I scrub, rinse, and towel her dry. Her merry jabbering puts a smile on my face and melts away my stress about Mom’s health.
And if I strain my ears, I can just barely hear Corrigan working away downstairs.
God, she’s already done enough, but I couldn’t bring myself to tell her to go when she was willing to stay a little longer. Plus, I’d like to talk to her out of earshot of Grier before she leaves.
I spray detangler and comb out Grier’s curls. I learned the hard way that her hair must be brushed after her bath, otherwise it’ll tangle into a snarled mess.
As I dress her in pajamas, Grier says with big, solemn eyes, “My like Cor-gan lots.”
“Me too, baby girl,” I reply.Way too much.
“Say night-night?” Grier asks.
“Yeah, Corrigan has to go home. But we’ll ...” There’s no guarantee we’ll see her soon, or ever again.
“No,” Grier says shrilly. “We give bye-bye!”
“Okay, sweetheart. Come on,” I say as I hoist her into my arms.
By the time I’ve reached the last stair, she’s already half asleep, her head heavy on my shoulder. I round the corner ... and I’m astounded again. Everything is spotless and back in its proper place, except for the foil-covered plate she set out for me at the table, complete with silverware and a napkin.
Corrigan herself is waiting for me by the door with her purse. She looks beautiful.
