Page 19 of Comeback
“Shh,” I soothed her. “It’s okay.”
Nicole sidled up to us. “I’m sorry, Emma, but I didn’t know what else to do.”
“What happened?”
“She’s been crying all day. I thought maybe she’d stop if she saw you, so I swung by your work, and they told me you’d come next door for coffee. I’ve got a million orders to fill, but I can’t work, and now I feel like I’m failing you, Mackenzie,andmy business—”
Nicole was obviously distressed. With Mackenzie in my arms, I gave my cousin a hug and squeezed her tight, too. “I’m sorry I put you in this position,” I said.
“It’s okay …” she said, looking guilty.
“No, it’s not. You’ve got work to do. Look, I’ve got Mack now—you go home and work. I’ll give you some space. We’ll be home later, alright?”
Nicole glanced at Jack. “Are you sure,Ems?”
“I’ve got it,” I said. “Jack, I want you to meet my cousin, Nicole. Nicole, this is my friend, Jack.”
Jack extended his hand. “Pleasure to meet you.”
“Right.” Nicole reluctantly shook his hand. She turned me to again. “Are yousureyou don’t want me to stick around for a little?”
“Yeah, Nicky.”
“Alright … well … bye then.”
Nicole headed for the door.
With a sigh, I sat back in the booth with Mackenzie in my lap.
Jack smiled and waved at Mackenzie, trying to cheer her up. “Hi, Mackenzie! Remember me?”
Mackenzie hid from him, burying her face in my side.
“Guess not,” he chuckled.
“She’s had a rough day,” I told him. “God, I don’t know what to do.”
“About what?” Jack asked.
“We’re living with Nicole right now. Nicole works from home, and she’s been kind enough to watch Mack for me while I’m at work.” I lowered my voice, pointing at Mack. “But she’s having some separation issues right now. And I’m barely making enough money to pay my half of rent, let alone daycare. I feel like I’m putting Nicole out, but I don’t know what else to do.”
Jack frowned. “That’s tough. Does the father help out?”
“No.”
Jack shook his head. “I hate to hear that.”
“I’m just glad he’s out of the picture.”
“That bad?” he asked.
“You’ve got no idea,” I said. “Anyway, Mack and I should get going.”
I slid out of the booth and stood, with Mackenzie hanging onto my side.
“Alright.” Jack stood. “Thanks for the coffee, Emma.”
“I was only repaying a favor,” I reminded him.
