Page 31 of The Last Thing
I switch the light off, then head out to the kitchen. I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing or what I want, though, so I prowl around the apartment, trying to be quiet as I wait for Soph to drift off.
Unlike when she was young, she’s a great sleeper now, so I don’t have to worry too much. Still, I’ll take the video monitor over to Hallie’s place when I go.
I just want to talk to her. Get it all out. Move on.
Because if I don’t do that, my mind will keep wandering to what-ifs, and that’s a dangerous place to be.
Carefully, I creep down the hall to Sophia’s room and stick my head inside. She’s snoring softly and cuddled up with her favorite purple bear.
Grabbing the video monitor, I quietly walk back down the hall and to the door, grabbing my keys and then locking it behind me. Even though there’s a door at the end of the hall that automatically locks along with the one downstairs, I’ll never risk Sophia’s safety.
In the hallway, I let out a long breath, then take the three diagonal steps over to Hallie’s door and knock.
There are soft footsteps on the other side, then the door swings open.
The slightest smirk appears on her lips. “Deck.”
Her playfulness relaxes me a little, and a smile slips out. “I told you it was a real name.”
“Anickname. For Decker. Wilson Decker.”
“Hallie Baker. Though I still prefer Hells Bells.”
She laughs lightly. “Where’s Sophia?”
I shake the monitor in my hand. “Asleep.”
“Ah. Well, come on in. We should talk.”
“Yeah. So… this morning was a surprise.”
“You’re telling me.”
She takes a seat at the far end of the couch, and I sit down at the opposite end. That’s good. Keeping space between us.
Whatever it is about her that attracted me to her after only a look across the bar hasn’t gone away. As much as I’d like to pin her to this couch and hear her scream my name again, that’s not an option.
“Do you think Frannie knew?” I ask.
Hallie immediately shakes her head. “No. I mean, I wouldn’t put it out of the realm of possibility for her to meddle like that, but I never mentioned to her that I hooked up with anyone. It’s pure coincidence.”
Or fate. But I’m not stupid enough to say that.
“So, what do you want me to do?” Hallie asks.
My gaze darts to hers, and she laughs.
“As your nanny, Deck.”
I clear my throat. “Right.”
“Assuming you still want me to take on that role.”
“I do. It’s the perfect situation. You’re close by and Sophia already loves you. I saw a flash of your abilities this morning, and I trust Frannie when she vouches for you. And Sophia needs someone like you.”
“Someone like me?”
“Upbeat. Fun. Not a curmudgeon like me.”
