Page 70 of Play For Keeps

It’s only after I close her bedroom door that I drop my head and exhale a deep sigh.

“I know what you’re thinking, baby and I’m sorry. Your ex is a giant ass.”

Grant forgot to call his own daughter on her birthday.

My heart is racing as I drive through the pristine streets of the posh neighborhood I used to live in. I am dreading leaving Birdie with Grant, but I’m trying my best to remain calm. I keep reminding myself that Ida will be there, and she would never let anything happen to my baby girl. She loves her, and if I was going to make a bet, I would say she will be the one keeping Birdie occupied for the weekend.

When I pull up to the iron gates in front of the estate, I roll down my window and wonder if my access code will still work. I punch in the four numbers and watch the gates swing open, admittedly surprised that he hasn’t changed the code. Pulling up the long stone driveway, I see the house Grant and I once lived in together; large, opulent, with extensive manicured grounds and a four-car garage. The hairs on the back of my neck prickle as I get closer to the home that holds so many dark memories for me and my marriage.

This would be so much easier if Jake was here with me, but I dropped him off at the hotel before heading over. It felt like the best decision keeping Jake away from my ex. I can only imagine the fit Grant would throw if he knew I was dating Jake, not to mention the fact that Jake is still livid with Grant for forgetting to call Birdie on her birthday.

When I put my car in park, Birdie is unbuckling her seat belt and wiggling out of her booster seat. She grabs her overnight bag and the cat stuffy Jake bought her then swings open the door, Daisy the cat held securely in her hand.

“Ready, baby girl?”

“I’m ready,” she says, excited to see her dad.

She hops out of the car and I meet her on the driveway, taking her bag from her hands. I take her hand and walk slowly towards the front doors. My heart is in my throat as I lift the heavy metal knocker. I never know what kind of mood my ex will be in. Will he pick a fight with me to ruin my day? Will he have a list of demands?

Thankfully, it’s Ida who opens the door and scoops Birdie up in her arms. Birdie giggles as her former nanny holds her close to her chest. The two of them always had a tight bond, and I can’t help but smile at how happy they look to be reunited. Ida was a good friend to me too. Near the end of my relationship with Grant, I would confide in her about my marriage and how unhappy I was. She was always empathetic and kind.

“I have missed you, my angel. You’ve gotten so big!” Ida says, taking a good look at my daughter.

“That’s because I just turned eight,” Birdie tells her.

“That’s why,” Ida says, running her hand down Birdie’s blonde ponytail. “Come in, you two.”

As soon as I step inside the foyer of the house, I pause. I swallow at the artwork on the walls, the grandeur of the double staircase with handmade iron railings, and gleaming oak hardwood floors. My eyes linger on the marble table at the base of the staircase where a crystal bowl still sits, a wedding gift from his parents that I later found out cost close to 5 thousand dollars. I remember wondering to myself what on earth we were supposed to do with it. Grant wanted it on display for everyone to see. Besides Miranda and Douglas’s estate, it’s the most opulent home I’ve ever stepped foot in. Suddenly, I remember everything I hated about living here. I always felt so out of place.

“Where’s my daddy?”

The happiness drains from Ida’s face, and I know what she’s going to say before she says it— Grant isn’t here. Of course he’s not. He’s probably out banging some chick whose name he can’t recall.

“Your daddy will be here soon. In the meantime, I thought we could bake your favorite cookies. Good idea?”

“Yes!” Birdie cheers. “Can I go put my things in my room?”

Ida turns and looks at me, and I hesitantly nod. “Give me a hug first, my baby. I’m going to go. I’ll pick you up on Sunday around lunchtime. If you need anything, you ask Ida and she’ll call me, okay?”

“Okay, Mommy. I love you.”

I crouch down in front of her. “I love you to the moon and back. I am going to miss you so much.” My eyes blur with tears as I watch her run upstairs.

“She’s going to be fine. I’ll make sure of it,” Ida assures me, pulling me into a warm embrace that settles my nerves. “You look beautiful, by the way. I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too.”

I shift uncomfortably on my feet. Although I’m happy to see Ida, I’d like to get out of here before Grant comes home. “I better go.”

I turn and walk to my car, blinking away tears. My rational side knows Birdie will be okay, but she’s my baby and I’m still anxious to leave her. I take a deep breath and concentrate on driving back to the hotel and the only person I want to see.

Jake.

JAKE

The sadness in Everly’s eyes when she walks into the hotel room is more than I can handle. My instinct is to wrap her in my arms, but I don’t. She looks like she’s on the verge of tears, so I give her a minute, a little space to breathe.

The clock on the nightstand reads seven when I glance at it. It’s been a long day. She must be tired, so I decide that instead of taking her to dinner like I had planned, I’ll order room service, maybe draw her a bath. I want her to know I’m here for her.

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