Page 69 of Time for Change

“They’ve rented bounce houses again for the kids, a big taco pinata, and have a taco truck coming to serve food.”

“Sounds like a good time,” I say, meaning it. I love that she’s finally getting to know her family.

After a beat, she adds, “I’m nervous.”

“Why? You’ve already met everyone that’ll be there, or at least most of them,” I remind her.

I hear her sigh through the phone line. “I know, it’s just…still new. I wish you were going with me,” she says softly.

“You know I would, but I have the kids on Sundays.”

“I know, I’m just being clingy,” she states with a chuckle. “Ignore me. I swear I’m not turning into the needy girlfriend.” Then she pauses. “Wait, I’m not saying I’m your girlfriend. I mean, we just started seeing each other,” she blurts out, clearly trying to backpedal.

Smiling, I sit up on the couch. “Stevie?”

“Hmm?”

“I know we haven’t had any talks about titles or futures, but I didn’t mind you calling yourself my girlfriend,” I tell her, hoping she can hear the smile and joy in my words.

“Yeah?”

“Yes, Sweets. I don’t know exactly what our relationship status is, but I’m not seeing anyone else and I’d hope you aren’t either. I enjoy spending time with you and getting to know you, and I want to continue to do so. Someday, I hope to introduce you to my kids, when the time is right, so if that means you’re mygirlfriend and I’m your boyfriend, then fine. Throw labels on it. Just as long as I get to keep seeing you.”

She doesn’t reply, which starts to make me worry I went too far with my little spiel. Even though it was from the heart and I meant every word, I don’t want to seem too pushy where our relationship is concerned.

“I’m not seeing anyone else and don’t plan on it anytime soon. I really like you, Jack.” Her words are soft and go straight to my heart.

“Good,” I say, leaning forward with my elbow on my knee. “I like you too, Sweets.”

“Daddy?”

I startle, like I’ve been busted kissing a girl in the back seat of my car by her father. “Hold on,” I mutter quietly, standing up and walking to the staircase. “Hey, Gi. What’s wrong?” I ask, wondering what she’s doing up at almost ten.

She’s standing at the top of the stairs in her Taylor Swift nightgown, her dark, curly hair wild from being in bed, and a watchful look on her face. “Who are you talking to?”

“A friend,” I reply, quickly adding, “What do you need?”

Her eyes narrow. “What friend? Uncle Caden?”

“No, Gianna,” I reply, wishing I had set the phone down and wasn’t still holding it in my hand. I’m certain Stevie can hear my conversation. “What’s the matter? Why are you up?”

“I needed a drink of water,” she says, lifting her chin. There’s no missing the hint of defiance in her eyes.

“I’ll grab you some water and meet you in your room,” I tell her, waiting for her to head back to her bedroom.

When she finally turns, she flips her hair over her shoulder and storms off. Only when I see her enter her room do I exhale and lift my phone to my ear as I head to the kitchen. “Hey, sorry. Gianna is awake.”

“I heard. Everything all right?”

“Yeah, she needed a drink,” I reply, filling a small cup with a little bit of water.

“I’ll let you go so you can take care of your daughter,” she says, making me smile.

“Thanks. I’d say I’ll try to call you back, but it’s getting pretty late, and you have to work tomorrow.”

“I do, as do you. I also have to finish an English assignment I started earlier. It has to be submitted before midnight.”

“Maybe Caden and I can stop by for lunch tomorrow if work isn’t too crazy.”

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