Page 89 of Spotlight
“See you later, sweetheart.” He hesitates and then glances at Greer. “Do you want to help me this afternoon?”
“Really?” Her eyes get big. She loves going on “adventures” around the stadium.
He nods and clicks his tongue. “Maybe we should make a whole night of it.”
“Like a sleepover?” she asks and immediately looks to me.
I know what he’s doing, trying to give me time alone with Flynn. I’m torn between being excited at the prospect and then feeling guilty about it.
“Please, Mom?” Greer’s voice is all excitement.
“Are you sure?” I ask her. “I can wait while you help Grandpa.”
“I want to have a sleepover with Grandpa and Gigi!”
I meet Grandpa’s expression to double-check it’s okay. He gives me a reassuring smile and nod.
“Okay,” I relent.
“Yes!” She bounces toward Grandpa and takes his hand.
“Give me a hug first though.” I squat down and she comes back to let me hug her. “Be good. Have fun. If you change your mind, tell Grandpa and I’ll come get you.”
I give her a kiss and then she runs back to him.
“You kids have fun,” Grandpa says to us.
“Bye, Hotshot!” Greer waves at Flynn.
Once they’re gone, I turn back to Flynn. “Free tonight?”
21
FLYNN
“This is it,” I say as I step into my apartment. Olivia follows behind me. I flip on a light in the kitchen and drop my keys onto the island.
“It’s nice. When did you move in?” She bypasses the kitchen and walks into the living room, turning slowly to take in the main space. The kitchen, dining room, and living area are all one big open space. Although, I don’t have a table or chairs, so the dining area is empty. In the living room there’s a fireplace that I use quite often. Plus, I have a TV, couch, and coffee table, only the essentials. I also bought a couple barstools for the kitchen island.
“January.” I grin sheepishly. “I hate picking out stuff and I’m not here that often.”
She laughs softly and picks up the cactus she gave me off the coffee table. “You still have it.”
“That’s Dick.” I cross over to her and take the plant from her. “I’m trying not to kill him and he’s attempting not to take it personally when I forget to water him.”
“You named him?” Her blue eyes spark with amusement.
“Yeah, I talk to him sometimes.” I set Dick down on the coffee table and then wrap my arms around her. “It’s not as homey as your place, but for now it’s fine.”
“You just need a few more plants and then it’s basically my place only bigger and fancier.” She rests both palms against my chest as she grins up at me. “And a few dozen princess costumes strewn about.”
The image of Greer today in my shirt with a tiara on top of her head flashes through my mind. That kid is a riot.
“You haven’t seen my closet yet.”
She giggles and I dip my head and cover her mouth with mine. I’m having to hold myself back from mauling her. Weeks of hanging out but rarely being alone has me wanting to immediately capitalize on the moment. But I sense Olivia needs to take this slower. Confirmed when she pulls back, cheeks flushed, and a shy smile is splashed across her face. “It’s been a long time since I was at a guy’s apartment. I feel a little out of my depth.”
“I just introduced you to my plant, Dick. I think you can safely relax.” I step back, running my hands down her shoulders to her hands. “Are you hungry?”
