Page 21 of Give Me a Reason

Finn

Last night, I couldn’t fall asleep until after Aria told me she’d arrived home safely. I told myself I’d feel that way about anyone who was babysitting my daughter, but I wasn’t so sure. I’d never followed up with anyone else.

Tonight, I was looking forward to seeing her again. I knew it was only a few minutes before and after work, but it sustained me through the day while I was teaching fourth- and fifth-grade band and later, the general music classes.

The general music classes were a little tedious because not everyone enjoyed music, and the classes were mandatory at this age for everyone. The kids who signed up for band and orchestra were different. Those kids were eager to learn an instrument.

After school, I made pizza, not wanting Aria to think she’d need to cook and clean for me. I’d been impressed that Aria cleaned up the house, but I hadn’t expected that. I’d pay her a little more to cover her efforts.

I still couldn’t figure out why she was babysitting to earn extra money. I would have thought working as a waitress or a bartender would bring more in with tips.

My heart strangely picked up pace when the doorbell rang, signaling Aria’s arrival. I waited for Paisley to get it for me. She was enamored with Aria, and I couldn’t blame her. Aria seemed genuinely interested in playing with her.

She wasn’t one of those babysitters who watched from a distance. She got down on her knees and played with Paisley’s dolls.

She’d make a good stepmom. I wasn’t even sure why the thought entered my mind. Aria wasn’t a good fit for me, even if she was for my daughter.

This time, Paisley led her into the kitchen. “Daddy made pizza.”

“How nice.”

“I didn’t want you to think you needed to cook every night. If I get home early enough, I can take care of it.”

Aria waved me off. “I don’t mind.”

I placed a slice on a plate and set it at Paisley’s spot at the counter and then plated a second for Aria.

“Oh, I’m not hungry.” Then her stomach rumbled.

We all laughed.

“Are you playing the same bar tonight?” Aria asked as we ate.

“It’s a different one.”

“May I ask if you do it for fun or just for extra money?” Aria asked.

I didn’t get the impression she was judging me as a parent. But I wouldn’t blame her if she did. I had enough guilt over being away from Paisley. “It’s both. I love teaching, but there’s something about playing for a crowd that really gets my blood pumping.”

“I can imagine,” Aria said with a smile.

“You should come watch sometime.” For some reason, I wanted her to listen to me play, especially after she’d enjoyed my music at the Happily Ever Afters party.

“I’d like that,” Aria finally said.

“I want to come too,” Paisley pouted.

“Kids aren’t allowed at bars.” I glanced at the clock and realized I was late. “I need to get going. You girls behave tonight.”

Paisley rolled her eyes like I knew she would. “I’m always good.”

“Are you?” I arched a brow, teasing her.

She pressed her lips together, trying to suppress her smile. “You know I am.”

I squeezed her tight and had the strangest compulsion to kiss Aria’s cheek, but I didn’t. She was my daughter’s babysitter. Maybe if I said it enough, I’d remember it. “I’ll be home late again. Make sure you’re in bed by eight.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Paisley said as she bounded into the living room, probably to play with her toys.

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