Page 24 of Don't Hurt Us
“How many days do you have off a week?”She arches a brow.For being six years old, she sure does know how to argue like a pro.
“Two, sometimes three.”
“And when is your next night off?”
“Monday.”I grin.I love this little girl.She’s so sassy and adorable.
“Fine,” she groans.“I expect you to be here in two days for dinner!”
“Only if Mommy’s ok with that.”I arch my brow right back, hoping to remind her she’s not the boss of this house.She doesn’t get to dictate what happens.
“Oh, right!”She facepalms herself before turning towards Sydney.“Mommy, can Maverick come over on Monday for dinner?”
“Let’s see if he likes my cooking first.I'm not sure if I’ll have to work on Monday night though.One of my employees was sick today.If I don’t have anyone, I’ll have to go in.”
“Will Uncle Pecker be here with us?”Danny pipes up for the first time since sitting down.
“I'm not sure.I think he’s working.”Sydney frowns again.
I can only imagine how hard she works between being a single parent and running her own business.I know some days I struggle with it and I'm only one person.I never have to juggle anyone else’s schedule or worry about having someone home with the kids.
I make a mental note to talk to Sydney later.If she needs help with the kids, I'm more than happy to help.Her kids are amazing and I think they both like me.
“Then who will watch us?”Danny almost sounds nervous about it.
“I'm not sure, Danny.I’ll figure it out and let you know when I do.I guess worst case scenario, you can hang out in my office while I work.”Sydney drops her gaze to the table and begins dishing out food to everyone.
“Could Mav… Could Maverick watch us?”He asks hesitantly.
“Danny…” Sydney trails off, shaking her head.“You can’t expect-”
“I’d be happy to hang out with you guys,” I cut in before Sydney can get her entire thought out.
“Maverick,” she sighs.
I'm not trying to push too hard, but I want a place in her life.I understand that means not only being in her life, but also the kids’.I need to be comfortable around them even when Sydney isn't with us.
If things work out the way I want them to, we’ll be living with each other sooner or later.We’ll be like a real family.
“How about we discuss it later?”I suggest.I don’t want to argue about this in front of the kids, but I want her to know how I feel about all of this.Where my head is at.
“That sounds like a good idea,” she says softly.
She hands me a plate piled with spaghetti and meatballs.I wink at her, making her cheeks flush.She’s adorable.Absolutely perfect and exactly what I’ve been looking for.
I cut into a meatball right away and take a bite.So many flavors wash over my tastebuds, making me groan.
“Where did you get these?”I take another bite, twirling some spaghetti onto my fork this time.
“I made them.”
“When?You couldn’t have done it since I got here.”
“This morning.”She chuckles.“They’ve been cooking in the crockpot all day.”
“Well, Bree, I’ll be here on Monday for dinner and every other day I have off if Mommy’s going to cook like this.”I point my fork in her direction.
“Yes!”She fist pumps the air before settling down and digging into her food.
