Page 59 of Finders Keepers

I cradle my phone between my ear and shoulder while folding the throw blanket on the couch. Sophie sprawls on her belly on the floor, legs swinging in the air as she works on her latest masterpiece. Mr. Hoppy, her constant companion, sits propped against her side.

“I don’t know, Em. When I’m around him, everything just feels… different.” I smooth the blanket’s wrinkles, trying to find the right words. “Like I can breathe again.”

“That’s called attraction, B.” Emma’s laugh crackles through the phone. “And from what you’ve told me about this guy, he seems genuinely interested in you too.”

I move to straighten the throw pillows, my movements automatic as my mind drifts to Gavin. His patient smile and the way he doesn’t crowd my space. How he seems to understand without me having to explain.

“Maybe.” I bite my lip. “But there’s so much he doesn’t know.”

“Then tell him.” her voice softens. “If he’s worth anything, he’ll understand.”

I pause in my tidying, watching Sophie concentrate on her drawing. “I can’t just dump all that on him. We’ve only been on one date.” I whisper.

“Bailey Monroe, please listen to me. That bastard—”

“Em,” I cut her off, glancing at Sophie. Even though she’s absorbed in her coloring, I lower my voice. “Not now.”

“Fine. But you can’t let what happened control your future forever. Matt’s probably too drunk to even—”

“I know.” I cut her off again, not wanting to hear the rest. The image of Matt sprawled on our old couch, surrounded by empty bottles, flashes through my mind. “Look, I should go. I need to talk to Sophie about tonight.”

“Okay, but promise me you’ll at least think about what I said?”

“I promise.” I end the call and slip the phone into my back pocket.

“Hey, sweet girl.” I settle onto the floor next to Sophie. “That’s beautiful. Is that Buttercup?”

She nods, adding more brown crayon to her horse drawing. “And that’s you.” She points to a stick figure with yellow hair. “And that’s Mr. Gavin.” Another stick figure, taller with dark hair.

My heart squeezes. “That’s very nice. Speaking of Mr. Gavin…” I run my hand over her soft hair. “Remember how I said I was going on an adventure with him tonight?”

She looks up at me. “Uh-huh.”

“Well, Ms. Lucy invited you over to her house while I’m gone. She said since your birthday’s coming up next week, maybe you two could practice baking a cake together.” I boop her nose. “What flavor would you like?”

Sophie’s face lights up. “Chocolate! With purple frosting?”

I smile. “I’m sure Ms. Lucy can manage that. And maybe some sprinkles too?”

“Yes!” She hugs Mr. Hoppy tight. “Can we put stars on it?”

“We can put whatever you want on it, baby.” I pull her into my lap, breathing in her sweet scent. “It’s going to be your special day.”

She settles against me, playing with Mr. Hoppy’s floppy ears. The silence stretches for a moment before she asks, “Mommy?”

“Yes, baby?”

“How come you and Daddy aren’t together anymore?”

My breath catches. We haven’t talked much about her father. I’ve been avoiding it, hoping she wouldn’t ask, but knowing she would eventually.

I pull her into my lap so I can see her face.

“Because Daddy was mean?”

Tears prick at my eyes. How do you explain domestic abuse to a four-year-old? “Well baby, sometimes grown-ups don’t treat each other the way they should. And when that happens, it’s better if they don’t stay together.”

She nods, processing this. “I like Mr. Gavin better.”

---