Page 55 of Baby Blue
Indigo was breathing quietly, her face the epitome of peacefulness. After brushing his teeth and slipping out of his clothes, he crawled into bed. In a flash, he reached for his phone and sent a quick text:You’re probably already asleep, but I just wanted you to know that I love you.
Seconds later his phone pinged with a message:I love you too.
Blue smiled and sent another:Will you be my family?
The last thing he saw before his eyes closed in sleep was her reply.
Too late, Wallace. I already am.
“Well, I called Tidal Wave and talked to them.”
Blue was almost holding his breath.
Glen grinned. “They’ve got a one hundred and twenty day right of refusal, meaning they have the rights to a song for four months and if they don’t pay for it by then, it reverts to you and it’s yours again. The contract is very well written, and it’s obvious their attorney is experienced in the legalities of the business. It’s an authentic deal.” Blue almost leaped out of his chair until Glen said, “But there’s something you need to know.”
“Yeah?”
“I looked the deal over.”
“Yeah?”
“This is going to give you a good supplemental income, but it won’t be something you can live on. It’s great that it happenedright now while you’re without a job, but you’re not going to be able to live on what they’ll pay you for the songs, at least not for a year until they renegotiate the contract,” Glen said, pointing to the bottom line.
“Oh, I know that,” Blue said, nodding. “But right now, it’s money.”
“Agreed. And that’s a healthy check to get you started. Will that catch up your bills and get gas for your truck and food for the two of you?”
Blue nodded again. “Yeah. I think it’ll take care of everything for about two months, but you’re right. I’ve got to find a job.”
“However, I will say this: Congratulations. This is a great opportunity for you. I hope you enjoy it and make some money,” Glen said, standing. Blue took it that was his signal to leave, so he stood and stuck out a hand. The attorney took it and shook it.
“I’ll have enough money to pay you too,” Blue offered.
“Nah. This is fun. You’re a great guy and I’m enjoying working with you on this. Now if we can get social services off your ass, everything will be good.”
“Yep. Well, thanks, sir.”
“Please, call me Glen.”
Blue grinned. “Thanks, Glen!”
“You’re welcome! Have a great week.”
Blue left Glen’s office more hopeful than he’d been in a long time. He could cash the check! It wasn’t some huge amount, but it was more money than he’d seen in a long, long time and over half of what he’d been making at the garage in a year. Glen didn’t understand?that money would last Blue a good while, especially since he wasn’t driving to and from work.
After the check was deposited in his account, he decided to take Indigo to the toy store on his way home, so he set her carrier in a cart and strolled down the aisles. One of the employees was hanging out in front of the video games, but one look at Indigoand she was ready to help Blue find some toys a little one would enjoy. He’d chosen a couple of learning-type toys and a new stuffed animal when the girl said, “She’s so cute. I bet your wife’s pretty.”
“I’m not married,” Blue said, never thinking anything of it.
“Really? Well, I love babies. Maybe I could watch her sometime when you’re home.”
Blue took a look at the girl. God, she was stacked! She couldn’t have been more than about twenty-eight with a headful of straight, blond hair and big blue eyes. And those perky tits… his palms almost itched when he looked at them. He was about to give her his address when he pulled himself up short.What the hell, Wallace! You’re going to throw away what you’ve got for a fifteen-minute fuck? That’s pretty damn stupid.“Um, I’m sorry. I’ve got a girlfriend.”
“Oh. Well, if you ever decide you’re in the market…” the girl said and trailed off.
“No. Thanks. You’re very pretty, but I’m crazy about my girlfriend.”My girlfriend!Blue loved saying that. Anne was his girlfriend. God, he hadn’t had a girlfriend in forever. “But thanks for your help. I don’t know anything about baby toys.”
The girl mumbled, “You’re welcome,” and disappeared down the aisle. Blue was proud of himself. He’d run into temptation and met it head on, defeated it, and moved forward. For a split second he closed his eyes and thought,I love you, Anne.That was all it took to put a smile on his face and a spring in his step. He pushed the cart through the checkout lane with Indigo gurgling and squealing at one of her new toys.
