Page 17 of The Single Dad Dilemma

It’s just one more thing on the list that makes this piece of forbidden fruit so damn juicy.

NINE

RIDGE

The first few days with Darcy caring for Lou have been a dream. We’ve fallen into something of a routine rather quickly. Lou thought it would be nice to have breakfast ready for Darcy every day, and since Lou and I need to eat anyway, I’ve added enough for Darcy each morning. I also make sure there’s coffee for her.

Although, she did mention on the second morning that she prefers iced coffee, so I’ve taken to brewing some and setting it in the fridge for her. When she comes in, she pulls it out and makes herself a cup, then she washes the pot and puts it back on the machine. I know it’s wild of me to have a normal-ass drip coffee maker in this day and age, when there are much fancier machines, but I’m just not that guy. Thankfully, she doesn’t seem to mind. But if she mentioned wanting one of those fancy ones, I’d probably go out and get it for her just because she’s so good with Lou. I’d consider it a much-earned bonus.

After breakfast, I leave and have a pleasant non-stressful day at work. Well, at least where Lou is concerned. After the first day, I really felt like Darcy was a perfect fit. And when she told me what she did about Lou and wanting to work with her, I nolonger worried about receiving a phone call like I had with all the different daycares.

When I get home, the two of them have already started making dinner based on what I shopped for. Or sometimes they go out and get something totally different. Not that I mind either way. I help where I’m needed, or sometimes I just sit while they finish up. Then we all eat together and they tell me about their day and they always ask about mine. Well, usually Lou has already excused herself and then Darcy asks me. But I really appreciate it. She seems genuinely interested and always asks questions.

Yesterday, I explained to her that every Friday we have a staff meeting and that the co-owner, Avery, always attends. He’s much more hands off right now, with his wife being pregnant with their first baby.

This morning, I stopped to make the customary donut run for the meeting and added extra for Helena, Avery’s wife. He’s mentioned she has a major sweet tooth while pregnant. I figure getting your boss’s pregnant wife some donuts is a good move.

When I arrive at the shop, Killian is pouring himself a cup of coffee from the machine we have here. Banks and Waylon are laughing about something in the hallway toward the office, and Avery isn’t here yet.

I set the boxes of donuts down and walk back to see what Dumb and Dumber are up to.

“This one is the best,” I hear Waylon say with a laugh.

“Give it back, dude,” Banks says.

“What are you two going on about?” I ask, slinging my bag into the chair in the office.

“Check out Banks’ new headshots,” Waylon says, holding one far above his head.

Waylon is the tallest of us all, and none of us are short men. But Banks is also the shortest of us, making it impossible for him to reach the photo.

My eye catches the image as it sways in his hand. Banks is shirtless, leaning against a brick wall with a very serious look on his face. And if you know Banks, he’s anything but serious.

“Whatever, dude,” Banks says. “That photo’s rights were already sold, so you can laugh all you want, but I made a cool grand off it.”

Waylon stops waving the photo around, his hand dropping to his side suddenly. He looks Banks straight in the eyes. “Are you serious?”

“Yep,” Banks says.

“Hook me up,” Waylon says. “I can take my shirt off and make a pouty face too.”

Waylon runs his hand over his chest, pressing his lips out like the duck face all the teenage girls do. It’s not great.

“Sorry, man,” Banks says. “You actually have to be attractive to do what I do.”

I roll my eyes and pinch the bridge of my nose between my fingers. “You’re both insufferable, you know that? Go get a donut and sit down.”

The two sulk off, leaving me in the hallway alone. I take the chance to check my cell phone for messages before I get out there.

There are two from Darcy, who has taken to sending me live updates of what her and Lou are up to.

DARCY

We’re taking a trip to the pet store!

Attached is a photo of Lou in her booster seat in the back of the car, wearing sunglasses with a small paper cup from a coffee place next to my house.

DARCY

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