When I get back home, Mom and Peyton are sitting on the couch with Harper in Mom’s lap. They are cooing and laughing as she looks up at them with a smile. I walk over to the back of the couch and watch them.
“How did she do?” I ask.
“She took a short nap and just finished her bottle before you got here,” Peyton tells me as she looks up. “Look at you, looking human again!” she jokes.
“Shut up, my hair wasn’t that bad.” I smack the back of her head.
“I beg to differ, you looked like a homeless person. Smelled liked one too at times.”
“Be nice, Peyton,” Mom interferes.
“Ugh, fine. I need to go anyways. I have to get some work done.”
Peyton gives Harper a kiss and heads out. She’s working on a big project at work and doesn’t have much free time right now. Mom would live here if I didn’t kick her out, which is what I do next. She needs to get back to her own life, not worrying about me twenty-four/seven.
Now that Harper is content in her swing, I pull out my computer and begin to look at some work emails. I’m a fraud detective for the Chicago police department. I didn’t actually plan on going this route in my career. I had a finance degree and was working for one of the big four accounting firms, when my buddy, Colson, told me about a position at his work. It was a huge change, but I’m happy that I did it. I find the work to be much more rewarding and interesting.
I see a message from the chief telling me that I’m needed back in the office in two weeks. I knew this was coming. I knew they couldn’t hold my position forever, but knowing the end of my time at home with Harper is near, I feel panicked at the thought of letting anyone else take care of her. My mom agreed to three days with Harper, leaving me two days to fill in. I can’t let a complete stranger take her for two days. I slam my computer shut and rest my head back on the couch. This is just too much to deal with.