Page 61 of Child of Mine

I go backto the bookstore the next day, and the next, to read with Lilah. I’m afraid that she’ll get bored with this, but when I make suggestions for outings like playing mini golf or going to the movies, she politely declines.

After I say goodnight for the third time—an awkward wave because she doesn’t seem ready for a hug—I decide it’s time to check in with Bella.

“So, is Lilah really shy?” I ask.

Her head ticks back and forth slowly. “Not at all. But she hasn’t had a lot of men in her life.”

Now I’m wondering if that means that Bella doesn’t date, which make me inordinately happy. Even though she’s keeping me at arm’s length at the moment, it makes me feel like there could still be a chance for the two of us.

“Do you think she’s afraid of me?”

“You are a bit… intimidating.”

I can’t help but sigh. “I don’t know how to be any other way, I guess.”

“Give her time. This is her safe place. It just may take a while for her to trust you.”

“Yeah, okay. That makes sense.”

When I get back to my apartment, Ribsy greets me enthusiastically. Going to the bookstore after work instead of coming straight home means that he’s alone for even longer. “Sorry, buddy. Let’s go for a walk, huh?”

He’s grabbed his leash even before I get the “w” word out. I guess we both need the time outside because by the time we get back, I’ve not only sorted out a few niggling issues with my shooting plan for the next day, I’ve calmed down about Lilah.

It makes sense that she needs time to get used to the idea of having a father, and to get used to me specifically. I just don’t want her to get bored. Plus, sitting still for an hour every day after so much time at my desk has me itching to move.

When we step into the kitchen, the red button’s blinking on the answering machine. After I dump kibble into Ribsy’s bowl, I play the message.

BEEP. Dude, it’s been three days. What the heck? What’s happening? I’m seeing Mom tomorrow at work. Have you told her? Call me.

Ribsy whines at the sound of Jill’s voice, but I’m not sure whether he agrees with her or just misses her.

“She’s right,” I say to Ribsy. “I just haven’t known what to say.”

I dial her number anyway, and she answers with, “I have been waiting patiently since Sunday, you asshole. What is going on?”

“Sorry,” I say. “It’s just been crazy at work—”

“I don’t care about work! Did you meet her? What’s her name, anyway? Do you like her? Can I tell Mom?”

“Jesus, Jill. Give me a sec.”

“She’s been driving me insane here, Henry.” My brother-in-law must’ve wrenched the phone away from my sister. “If you don’t fill her in, she’s going to fly up there this weekend.”

“What he said,” Jill’s voice comes back on the line.

“Okay, okay. The family owns a bookstore, so I’ve been going there after work every day and we read together.”

“That’s it?”

“Pretty much. She’s a brainiac, this kid.”

“I guess the mom must be smart.”

“Seriously. Didn’t get it from me. She just finished kindergarten, but she reads books for junior high kids. And writes reviews for the store. She even leads a story time on Saturdays.”

“Oh, Henry.” My sister’s voice sounds uncharacteristically sentimental. Maybe even teary.

“What’s wrong?”

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