Page 69 of Blindside Love

It’s bullshit that she feels like she needs to do that. It just shows that people have let her down enough that she just expects it.

“Take a breath, it’ll all be fine. I was just about to order pizza and watch a movie. I’d love her to come join me,” I tell her with a smile, noticing that Addy has a backpack with her, so hopefully, she’ll have stuff to do and won’t get too bored. “Take all the time you need. We’ll be just fine.”

“Yeah, mom. I brought fun stuff to do. T-Rex and I are going to have fun. I told you he wouldn’t mind.”

“T-Rex?” I grumble.

“Yeah, I saw your name on a piece of paper, and it looked like T-Rex. It made me giggle. So now it’s your name,” Addy says matter-of-factly, and she’s so damn cute that I don’t even care about the name change.

“The show ends at ten, but I’ll make sure everyone leaves right away so I can get back.”

“Don’t worry about it. Here, take this spare key.” I hand her a lanyard from the kitchen. “Just come in whenever you’re done. Don’t worry about the time. We’ll be in the living room watching movies.”

Addy runs into the living room and starts unpacking her backpack, leaving me and her mom at the doorway. But Ellie still looks apprehensive.

“Are you sure you don’t mind?” she asks, her big eyes showing just how insecure she is about the whole situation.

Reaching forward, I tilt her chin up, making our eyes meet. “Kitten, I care about you both. And if this means you don’t have to call Tom, I’m even happier to help.” Leaning forward, out of sight of Addy, I press my lips against Ellie in a quick, chaste kiss. “Now, I know you’re not used to having people you can rely on, but you can rely on me. Now, go enjoy your night. I’ll text you as many updates as you want.”

With that, she turns and walks towards the elevator, her sexy ass swaying with every step in her tight black pants. Fuck, I hate that she’s leaving, but damn, she looks great walking away. Turning back around, I shut the door and lock it out of habit.

“What should we order, Addy-girl?”

“Pepperoni! With extra ranch, just like my mom likes,” Addy says proudly. “Can I paint your nails?”

I laugh, unable to help it. Her question surprised the hell out of me. “Uh, let me order pizza then… sure?”

“Did you just answer a question with a question, Mr. T-Rex?”

“I guess I did. Why, of course you can, just give me a minute.”

After two hours, we’ve eaten pizza, watched Sing, and have now started Sing 2. She’s painted my nails twice, finally deciding purple was more my color. It’s been fun. I’m surprised as hell at how easy it’s been to just hang out with Addy. There’s something about this little girl. I love the hell out of her and am lucky enough that she actually enjoys hanging out with me.

I start cleaning up and putting our dishes in the sink when I realize Addy has fallen asleep on the couch. Grabbing a blanket, I cover her up. I’m gathering the rest of the dishes when I hear a knock on the door. Weird, it’s nearly nine at night. Who could it be?

I look through the peephole and see a slightly older lady dressed to the nines. She’s dressed nice, but her face is twisted in such a sour way that she doesn’t look nice at all. Opening the door, I smile and start to say hello, but before I can talk, she cuts me off.

“I’m here to see Eleanor. Where is she?” she spits out at me.

“Well, unfortunately, ma’am. Eleanor doesn’t live here. Now, is there anything else I can help you with?”

“That can’t be true. This is the address my husband gave me for the apartment he loaned her. Besides, isn’t that my granddaughter on the couch?”

“Let’s try this again, ma’am. My name is Trevor Adams. I’m your daughter’s neighbor. Addy and I were watching a movie while Ellie was away for a minute, so if you don’t mind, I’m going to go back to that.”

“You’re him,” she says like it’s a fact, although I have no idea what she’s talking about.

“Pardon me?” my hands grip my door, ready to slam it in her face, but I don’t let the intrusive thoughts win.

“You’re the reason my daughter left her marriage. You’re the reason she’s divorcing him,” she snarls, like an angry bear, but it’s all misdirected and pissing me off.

“No, ma’am. Tom managed that all on his own, but that’s not my story to tell. The only thing I’ve done is try to heal two hearts I didn’t break. So, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to get back to my evening.”

She opens her mouth, but I don’t wait for her to speak as I shut the door directly in her face and go to text Ellie.

Not to put a damper on your evening, but your mother just stopped by.

Ellie

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