Page 27 of Because You Loved Me

She pinches her lips together, like she’s regretting this conversation. She shrugs and averts her gaze. “I was young and stupid.”

That could mean all kinds of things. Still, I deserved that because I was being nosey. If she doesn’t want to tell me, that’s her prerogative. “I understand.”

Skyler wanders over to the play area, finally done with running through the water. I shut off the hose and motion to her. “Come on inside. I’ll get you a towel, and we can make those sandwiches.”

Kiki makes a face. “You’re not really going to make me eat peanut butter, jelly, and banana sandwiches, right?”

“Hey, I used to eat them as a kid. They’re Skyler’s favorite. Don’t judge before you try them.”

She brushes the last of the sand off her clothes. “All right. I’ll try a bite.”

Skyler runs up to me. Water drips from her hair and sticks to her eyelashes. “This was fun!”

“I’m glad you had fun. Let’s go get you dry.” Kiki takes Skyler’s hand, and I love how my little girl looks up at her, like she’s the greatest thing since the invention of the garden hose. Kiki really is a great nanny for her.

I trail along behind them as they enter the house. I grab a towel from the laundry room and hand it to Kiki. She rubs it over Skyler, then wraps her up in it and picks her up, hugging her to her chest.

I go into the kitchen to get the bread out. I make the sandwiches, and Kiki comes in with Skyler when I’m almost finished. Kiki’s cleaned Skyler and herself up. I slice through the middle of Skyler’s sandwich and hand the plate to Kiki. She sets the plate down on the counter and lifts Skyler on to the barstool. “Here you go. Your disgusting sandwich is ready.”

Skyler laughs. “It’s good!” She lifts one triangle. “Try it, Kiki.”

“Don’t worry. I made her one.” I set the plate in front of Kiki as she slides onto a barstool.

“All right, all right. Here goes nothing.” She picks up one triangle and bites into it. Skyler and I watch her intently as she chews.

“Well?” I ask.

She sets the sandwich down and folds her hands into her lap. “It has some fruity notes to it, with an underlying nutty flavor that combines well with the light and airy brioche.”

Skyler looks confused. I can’t help but laugh. “I think that means she likes it,” I say to Skyler.

She giggles because I’m laughing and nods. “Yes. She likes it.”

Kiki smiles and boops Skyler’s nose. “I’m shocked, but it’s good.”

After our lunch, I hide myself away in my office. I have emails to answer, and I have to do something about the art gallery that’s failing. I spend the next three hours working on my computer while I listen to Kiki and Skyler playing in the other room. When the noises stop, I get up and walk into the family room. They’re no longer in there.

I find Kiki and Skyler in the kitchen. Kiki is stirring a pot of chili, and Skyler is sitting on the counter. Kiki hands Skyler a small measuring spoon and the bottle of cumin. “Measure out one scoop.”

I lean against the door jam and watch as Skyler carefully measures out one spoonful, scraping the mound off. I assume Kiki taught her that. Kiki lifts the pot and brings it close to Skyler so she can pour her cumin into the mixture.

“Great job.” Kiki stirs it in.

Kiki continues to hand Skyler measuring spoons and different ingredients. My heart swells watching them together. Skyler hasn’t had this kind of attention from a woman, ever. She’s never had a mother figure in her life, not after Courtney left. Sure, Violet helped me watch her, but Violet was so particular in the kitchen, she wouldn’t ever let Skyler help cook. Violet was kind to Sky, but watching Kiki with her stirs up emotions in me. Kiki is showing love to Skyler, which is different from being kind.

Kiki glances at the door and nods at me. “You done with your work?”

I exhale. “For today.”

She lifts one eyebrow. “Things not going well?”

“It’s just the gallery.” I push off the door jam and enter the kitchen. “Did Josephine and Ellie tell you about it?”

“Josephine did say something about running an art gallery. Is it having trouble?” Kiki grabs a spoon and dips it into the pot.

“It’s losing money each month.” I slide onto the stool next to Skyler, who is now spinning back and forth, bored with our conversation.

“What do you need to do about it?” She cups her hand under the spoon and brings it to me to taste.

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