Page 11 of Lost Times

Was he seriously going to choosenowto dig his heels in? He all but forced me to go home when I was sick, but he didn’t understand why I needed to be at Jasmine’s school play?

None of this made sense, but I also didn’t have time to puzzle it out.

“I understand that, but I already made a plan, and I can’t stand my daughter up on it. She’s expecting me there, so that’s where I’ll be.” I said, tone a touch icy now. This was more like the man I’d gotten used to while working here, the one Ididn’twant near Jasmine.

What if she got attached to him and he never showed up for any of her school events? It would crush her, and he wouldn’t even bat an eye at it.

No, I’d made the right decision in not telling him about her, and this just proved it.

His lips thinned, but something about his eyes didn’t match the severe expression on his face. There was confusion, yes, but something deeper…

Something old and painful.

It didn’t matter, I reminded myself. What did matter was Jasmine, and she was waiting for me.

When he didn’t look ready to move out of my way, I bit out. “The best I can offer is coming back to work after her play is finished, but then I’ll have to bring her with me.”

And I sincerely doubted he’d be okay with that.Iwasn’t okay with that, but for completely different reasons. Jasmine looked, for the most part, like me, but how long would it take someone to see the similarity between her and Ludwig?

The odds were slim, but never zero.

Whatever I’d seen in his eyes vanished behind the stone wall he always kept around his emotions, then he nodded. “That’s fine. As long as she’s old enough to stay out of trouble without a babysitter.”

Whatever, Jasmine was well-behaved, and she’d just have to stay nearby while I worked. Grinding my jaw to not show my irritation, I gave a clipped nod.

“Then I’m leaving, I’ll be back in a few hours.”

Before he could open his mouth to say anything that would doubtlessly frustrate me further, I brushed by him, snagging my things on the way to the door. All eyes were on me, but this time I didn’t care. Let them stare.

I was willing to help where it was needed, but I had plans, and I refused to disappoint Jasmine. I caught Kelly’s approving smile from the corner of my eye before the door shut behind me and I headed for the parking lot. The dim glow of the lights nearby would have been soothing, if I wasn’t steaming mad.

I’d been right about not including him in her life, with the whole ‘sick day’ thing and his confusion around thanking people, I’dalmosttold him about her, just so he knew, but now I could only be relieved I hadn’t.

Mom’s words chimed back through me but I shelved them, not letting the guilt sink in. I had to do what was best for Jasmine and as long as he showed these colors, he wasnotthat.

Forcing the entire topic to the side, I got into the car and drove, already dreading what could happen later when I came back.

Chapter 7

Jasmine all but vibrated against her seat, her costume still on and offering a bit of color to the otherwise dreary car interior.

She’d been a flower, like the rest of her class. The petals were brilliant blue and the shade complimented her eyes. I’d gotten enough pictures for Mom to fill a small photo album, as promised.

She watched through the window, her mouth stretched in a wide smile as she gushed. “I can’t wait to see your work! Can I meet Kelly? You made her sound super nice!”

I offered a tense smile and a nod in return. “Of course, but I’ll have to work, and you’ll need to be on your best behavior. Okay?”

She hummed, only half paying attention as we pulled up to the building. “We’re here?” She asked and I nodded, ignoring the sour feeling taking over my stomach.

I’d promised to come back and help out, I couldn’t stand them up now.

Taking one of her hands, I led her inside, waving at a few of the others as we went. Doing a quick sweep of each floor as we passed, I heaved a sigh of relief when Ludwig was nowhere in sight.

One less thing to worry about.

Finally we got to my desk, and Kelly set her stack of papers to the side and beamed at Jasmine. “You must be the infamous Jasmine we hear so much about.”

Considering I didn’t talk about Jasmine a lot for fear of Ludwig hearing…

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