Page 165 of Depths of Destruction
"It's work stuff. I can't get into it."
She sighs. "Okay. My cell is in the other room. Can you watch Taytum?"
"Sure."
I spend the next ten minutes making funny faces and playing patty-cake with Taytum, who keeps giggling.
"He should be here in a few minutes. But I hope he doesn't have a heart attack."
"Why?"
"I told him he needed to come home now, but you told me not to tell him why. He's flipping out."
"I'm sorry."
"He'll—"
"Wah! Wah!"
"Harper is up from her nap. Stay with Taytum again?"
"Yeah, no problem."
"Ice cream!" Taytum jumps off my lap and grabs my hand then tugs me toward the kitchen.
"Whoa. I don't know about that. Your mom has to say yes."
She points to the freezer. "Ice cream."
"Umm, I don't think—"
"Gabriella!" Javier shouts in a panic, and the door slams.
"Shh. You'll scare the baby," I say and step forward.
Javier gapes. "Andre. What are you doing here? Is Gabriella—"
"Calm down. She's with Harper in the other room."
"Daddy!" Taytum runs and jumps up into his arms.
"Hey, sweetie." His face lights up and he kisses her.
"Ice cream."
"After dinner, we can have some."
"Noooooo." She pouts. "Now."
"Go ask your mama. I got in trouble the last time we ate it before dinner." He sets her down, and she races down the hall.
"Gabriella is fine?" Javier asks.
"Chill. She's perfect."
He takes a deep breath then hugs me. "What are you doing here?"
"I need your help. I'm in a situation."
