Page 21 of Impossible

Chapter Nine

Liam

Harper just woke up while we were finishing up our meals. Riley takes her out of the car seat while I settle the tab. When I look up at them, Riley is making faces at Harper while she grins back at her. Something weird happens in my chest at the sight of them together. I chalk it up to watchinganyonebond with my daughter. It can’t have anything to do with Riley specifically. I think back to the strangest thing happening when she got back in my car after she changed. I got a whiff of her perfume and saw a hint of her cleavage and I swear my dick took notice. It must just be because it’s been a while for me.

After I bring the stroller to the front, allowing me to click the car seat in so we can easily walk back to the car, I realize I’m having a good time. I don’t want this night to end.

“Care for some gelato?” I ask once we reach the sidewalk.

“Sweet Home Gelato?” she eyes me with a smirk.

“The one and only.”

“I could never pass up on their gelato!”

Riley is now a woman on a mission as she picks up the pace towards the shop. I follow her as I push Harper around. When I look down at Harper, she is looking up at me with curiosity in her eyes.

“I think Riley really wants to get some gelato,” I tell her. “What do you think?”

“The answer isyes. Pick up the pace, buddy,” Riley shouts.

I laugh at her dramatics. Harper catches this and smiles up at me. “You will understand one day. I promise, this will be your first taste of ice cream when you are older.”

We turn the block and arrive at Sweet Home Gelato. Riley opens the door, holding it for me to stroll Harper in. I’m hit instantly with the aromas of sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. My stomach growls in appreciation for the flavors it’s taking in.

“What’s your favorite flavor?” Riley asks as she stands next to me in front of the glass.

“I like to try something different every time,” I tell her.

“Youwhat? What kind of weirdo are you?”

She’s looking at me like I just told her I don’t like sugar. She grabs Harper out of the stroller and places her against her belly, facing outward. Harper starts looking around at all the commotion.

“I’m sorry. Did I offend you somehow?” I follow her down the line of flavors.

“Yes! What kind of person gets a different flavoreverytime? Do you get bored easily in life?”

I laugh. “As a matter of fact, I do. Like right now, I’m bored talking to you. So, I think I will move on to someone more interesting.” Her eyes narrow at me. “Okay, I’m kidding! What flavor are you getting?”

“I’m getting my absolute favorite, Butter Pecan!”

“Hm, I’ve had that one. It is really good.”

“Can I help you?” the woman at the counter smiles at us.

“Yes, I think she will have a small butter pecan gelato.” I look to her to make sure a small is correct, she nods her head in agreement. “And I will try a small peach cobbler gelato.”

After we pay for our gelato, we opt to take a seat outside at one of the tables along the sidewalk. Once we sit, Riley places Harper on her lap before she grabs her gelato. She takes a spoonful and closes her eyes again as she enjoys the taste. What is with this woman and her food? I kind of like it, her passion for enjoying her meal is contagious. I take a bite of my gelato, and really pay attention to the flavors on my tongue. Somehow, it feels like this tastes better than I can remember. Maybe she’s onto something with this whole really being aware of the flavors on your tongue.

“You know,” I tell her. “Sometimes, I would look at Becca’s friendship with you and wonder what you two ever had in common. I think I’m realizing why she liked to be around you so much.”

She stops eating her gelato and gives me a look of gratitude. “Thanks. Becca and I were always an odd combination. She was the energetic, adventurous one. I was the more grounded, consistent one. We balanced each other really well.”

“I mean, don’t sell yourself short. You are easy-going and up for new things. Someone who wasn’t would not have jumped in this easily into my life to help with Harper.”

She shrugs her shoulders, clearly not in complete agreement with me. I wonder if she ever thinks of herself as the fun, adventurous one. The more I get to know her, the more I realize I was wrong about her. Maybe she hides behind the façade of a teacher who plays life by the rulebook, but I see someone who likes to take chances and try new things.

It’s getting late, and Harper needs to get home and ready for bed. We walk in comfortable silence to the car and get everything packed up. Once we are in route to Riley’s house, I realize today was probably the best day I’ve had since I lost Becca. It’s weird to think it was all because of Riley. I’m not sure how comfortable I am with the thought of that, so I opt to ignore it.

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