Page 5 of On Santa's Lap

“Ryan made it clear he wanted Max for the next two days because he was home.” A scowl crosses Mr. Daniels’ face, but he swiftly takes my path and masks it. A chill runs through me, so I zipper up my coat all the way.

“Lola, is everything okay?” Mrs. Daniels asks.

“Yes, but if I’m not needed, I can go home. There’s a lot for me to do today.”

“Sure. I’ll tell my ex-husband we sent you home because if you are sitting for Max, then we’ll take him back with us to go see my family.”

“Oh. Okay. Sure. Have a happy holiday.”

She gives me a hug. “Be careful and have a safe holiday.”

I nod and walk up to Max. “Merry Christmas, Max.” I give him a hug and then go back to my car that is parked beside theirs. Just as I drive off, Ryan comes outside, slipping on his coat.

My house is only two miles away, but it feels like an eternity as I drive away. Whatever that was, it was weird. Custody issues can be combative, and I just think I witnessed Ryan being petty about Max going to her side. That’s not kind at all.

I park my car in my small garage and go inside the little house I bought with my hard-earned paychecks and my parents’ high school graduation present. It’s a small one bedroom eight-hundred-foot home, but it’s mine and it’s paid off.

All throughout high school I worked and, in the summer, I worked two jobs. Luckily, the older lady that I bought the house from was going into a retirement home and sold it to me for twenty percent less than its market value.

It’s too early to put on my Christmas lights, so I pop onto my sofa and take a much-needed break from the stress of the day. Jinx, my black cat, climbs up onto my lap. “Hey, buddy. Did you have a great time being lazy?”

He meows with attitude before curling up on me, flicking his tail a couple of times before he’s nice and comfortable. “Just enjoy yourself.” I pet his head and relax, listening to his purr. As I chill there, I think about someone else’s lap, and the image of Trent Nicholas slides into my brain and the way he stared at me. The sound of my phone’s notification goes off, causing it to vibrate on the coffee table. Reaching out, I scoop it up and check it.

Wife, I hope you don’t work too hard.

I won’t, husband. I have a busy day tomorrow.

Yes, you do. I’ll pick you up for breakfast before we head into the mall.

I hesitate, not sure how to respond exactly, so he responds.I promise I’m not some crazy bastard.

Isn’t that what a crazy person would say?

That’s fair, but just ask your sister.

I don’t need to. She already vouched for you. Aren’t you supposed to be in a meeting?

I’m waiting for one other member to arrive.About ten seconds later, another message comes in.They’re here. Have a good day, beautiful.

I set my phone down on the table and close my eyes. I’m not sure how to handle that man. He’s insanely attractive, wealthy, hardworking, successful, and everything that a woman could ask for.

My phone pings again and I quickly pick it up, eager to see what he says, but it’s Ryan.

Sorry about the ex-wife and wasting your time. She’s being difficult for no reason.

It’s not a big deal. I have a lot to do today and tomorrow, so it’s fine.

We hoped to see you before Christmas.

I did see Max, though.I include a smiley face and a Christmas tree emoji.

A strange feeling washes over me and I nudge the kitty off me before getting up and checking the locks on my doors. It’s stupid since I’ve been going to their house for two years, but with their custody issues, I don’t want to be in the middle of it.

My stomach rumbles, so I head into my small kitchen nook and heat up some homemade soup and toast up some bread I bought at the market yesterday. My kitty meows at my feet, rubbing up against them, wanting to sneak outside even though it’s starting to snow.

“Fine, but you’re going to want to come right back in,” I explain to him, as if he understands me. Standing, I open the back door and let him out, closing the door behind him. Taking a seat, I get in one bite before I hear him meowing to be let in. Of course he is, and I shake my head and take a bite of my bread before standing to let him back into the house.

“I told you it was too wet and cold out there.” He wails and meows before rubbing up against me again and then back to his bed in the living room. I shake my head because I don’t know who is crazier, me or him.

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