Page 15 of The Opposite of Romance
“My day was super boring,” Asher interjects, hijacking the rest of the conversation until we get home.
“Wow, your house is amazing,” Kayla says as we walk in.
Liv’s cheeks flush, and she grabs her hand. “I need to show you my room.”
My throat tightens, so I clear it before saying, “You go and enjoy yourselves, and we can watch something later, all together. I’m even making Liv’s favorite—sushi.” Yes, like every other ten-year-old, my daughter’s favorite food is sushi. I’ll order a pizza, too, in case her new friend is an actual kid.
“Sure.” Liv shrugs, and I barely resist pumping my fist in the air.
“Come on, you’re helping me.” I say to Asher, and he follows me to the kitchen.
A few hours later, we are all sitting on our living room sectional, bingeingWednesday. Liv and I are eating sushi, while Asher and Kayla munch on the pizza. Not that we normally eat on the couch, but I’m a cool mom, right?
The doorbell rings, and I get up to open the door. In snug dark jeans and a gray Henley, Will looks like he took his time getting ready. I, on the other hand, am in yoga pants (brand new ones, at least).
“Hope I’m not interrupting?” he asks, his eyes wrinkling with a smile.
“No, of course not. Come in.” I wave him in. “Want to join us for sushi?”
“I wouldn’t want to impose.”
“The girls will want to finish the episode, anyway.”
“I don’t want to go home yet,” Kayla tells him instead of a greeting, and I chuckle.
Will rolls his eyes. “Guess I could take a bite of that sushi, after all.”
My chuckle gets louder as I bring him a plate and a set of chopsticks. It’s nice to talk to someone who understands exactly what I’m going through, what with raising a preteen.
The episode ends, and Will manages to get Kayla to put on her shoes and head home.
“How about you wait for me in the car, Kay?” he tells her.
Kayla nods. “Bye, Olivia. See you in school.” She waves at my daughter.
“I was thinking,” Will starts, his gaze dropping to the side. “Maybe you guys could come to our house next weekend?” His tone is hopeful. “The kids can play, and you and I can have a glass of wine.”
“Oh.” My lips part in surprise. “Asher and Olivia are at their dad’s this weekend.”
“Sure. Next time, then.” He winks. “Drop by for an ice cream if you’re around.”
“Will do. Have a great night.”
My overextended smile falls away as I close the door. My stomach churns. Guess it’s part excitement, but it feels mostly like nerves.
Will’s a great guy. He’s hot, nice, and a stand-up single dad. He also owns an ice cream shop, which is a dream come true on its own.Can you sayunlimited ice cream? But the thought of opening myself up to someone makes bile rise in my throat. Physically, I guess, it would be ok. I haven’t had sex in so long that I’m bursting at the seams with the need for it. But emotionally?Ugh,a shudder runs through me. Emotionally, I’m dreading it.
Chapter Eight
The sun has just started searingthrough my office window, blinding me, so I turn away from my desk and check my phone, where I find Sandy’s text.
Sandy
I’m coming over.
Me
Of course. So nice of you to ask.
