Page 34 of Keeping the Score

“We went for a walk.” Andi slides away from the couch then stretches out flat on the floor on her back. “So we got out the woolly clothes.” She turns her head and peers up at me. “She might need a few more things for winter. All her clothes are pretty summery.”

I guess that makes sense. “We can do that. It’s important to be well dressed, right, Tilly?”

I realize I’ve said the nickname without even thinking.

“Ha!” Andi lifts her head, grinning. “You called her Tilly!”

“Fine, fine. It’s easier than Matilda all the time.”

“I like it. Okay.” She rolls over again and stands, stretching. “I’m outta here. Got stuff to do.”

“Don’t you want to come shopping?”

She tilts her head, looking conflicted. “Nah. That’s okay. You have some daddy time with her.”

My public outings with Tilly have been minimal. Once to a doctor’s appointment we set up to make sure she’s on track with all her immunizations and growth, and once to the bodega down the street when I needed milk and Andi wasn’t here. But I guess I can handle it.

“Also, I have a date tonight. I need to get ready.”

My head snaps around. “What?”

She nods. “Yeah! It’s been a while. It’s Saturday, though, and I knew you’d be home so I get to go out and drink adult beverages—woohoo!” She pumps a fist in the air as she walks toward us. She bends down to kiss Tilly’s cheek. “Bye, honey bunny. Be good for Daddy.”

The scent of Andi’s hair drifts to my nose as she leans in, that sweet-like-sugar-and-flowers scent. Sexy.

No. I just mean it’s different than baby lotion. Which is the only female scent I’ve smelled recently.

“I should go shower so I don’t smell like poopy diapers.” She shakes her head. “What has my life become? Okay, bye!”

I watch her walk out, her tight ass perfectly outlined in a pair of black yoga pants.

“What about tomorrow?” I call to her.

She stops at the door and frowns at me over her shoulder. “You have a day off, right?”

“Yeah.” But… but what? “The guys are coming over to meet Tilly.”

Her frown morphs into a huge smile. “You told them!”

“Yeah. And Coach. It went better than expected.”

“Oh, good! I’m glad they’re coming over. But… you don’t need me for that.”

“No, no. Just letting you know.”

“Great! See you Monday, then. I have your morning skate on my schedule, and the game that night. Call me if you need me when you try to nap.” She holds up her hands, palms out, in a reassuring gesture. “All good.”

“Okay. Yeah. See you Monday.”

The door closes behind her and I look down at Tilly, also watching Andi leave, her bottom lip pushing out. “Oh, man. You want her to stay, too?” I move with Tilly on my hip, distracting her. “But we don’t need her! We can have fun together, right, baby girl?” I pick up a soft toy and shake it for her. It works. She forgets Andi.

But I don’t. She’s going on a fucking date?

11

ANDI

On my way out for the evening, I stop at Ford’s door and knock.

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