Page 38 of The Maxwell Brothers
Ella: I second that. I really, really like him.
Oh yeah. So do I.
For the rest of the day, Paisley and Tate were front and center in my mind, along with Mom’s words. It wouldn’t be fair to either of them if I left right now. And deep down, I didn’t really want to. But I had no idea where that left me with Tate, so I worked up the courage to text him that evening… after I received a food delivery. He’d sent me more soup.
Lexi: Hi. Thanks for the soup. I’m feeling much better. I can come back tomorrow morning. I thought about the job, and I’m staying.
Tate: Did you also think about me?
I chuckled.That’s his response?
Lexi: How could I not, what with the soup and the smoothie?
My heart was beating fast.
Tate: You know what I mean.
I bit my lip, hesitating before typing back.
Lexi: Hmm… not really. You said we’ll talk when I’m better. I’m better now.
I added three smiley faces before sending it.
Tate: I know, but I’d rather we talk face-to-face, and I can’t come over now, or even call. I’m reading Paisley her bedtime story.
And just like that, my heart was in swoon mode again imagining him reading to his daughter.
Tate: But tomorrow evening, you and I will talk.
I took a long time before I answered, somehow feeling that if I did, it would turn over a new leaf.
Lexi: Okay.
Mom was right, and I was ready to take this risk.
CHAPTER 11
LEXI
On Tuesday,Paisley and I decided to redecorate her bedroom.
“Are you sure your dad is going to be okay with this?” I asked, looking around her room. I’d shown her a few pictures of my apartment around Christmas, and she was obsessed with decorative strings of lights, especially after I told her that I keep a few all year round.
“Yes, he’ll be okay with it,” Paisley said, looking a bit too innocent.
I’d texted Tate half an hour ago, but he still hadn’t answered. I didn’t want to overstep any boundaries and preferred to check in with him before we started.
“You know what? Why don’t we go and have a second lunch,” I said, “and wait for your dad to answer. Then we can go to Home Depot and buy everything we need.”
“Okay,” Paisley agreed.
We went downstairs, and I made toast with her favorite cheese.
“These are so yummy,” she said.
“Yes, they are, and I’m starving.”
“Why didn’t you come for breakfast today?” Paisley asked.
