Page 22 of Hold Me Tight
How is this kid so damn cute?
No, seriously.
It’s mind-boggling.
When Nora points to the television, I grab the remote and turn it on, flipping through a few channels until it lands on a cartoon that looks age appropriate. Nora plucks the pacifier off the coffee table as she snuggles Gaffy in her arms.
My thoughts wander to Callie as I sneak a peek at my phone. Beau better be talking about pastry orders and not trying to flirt with her.
With an exhale, I drag a hand through my hair. The idea of Callie out on a date with another man eats away at my insides.
I glance down at Nora. “Think we should check on your mama? Make sure everything’s good?”
If it’s not…
She plucks the pacifier from her mouth. “Mama!”
I nod. “Exactly what I was thinking, ladybug.”
With my phone in hand, I type out a message.
Me: Just wanted you to know that Nora has tied me up and is running wild through the townhouse. JK. We’re fine. She colored a masterpiece for you, and we hung it on the fridge. Now she’s watching a show. Then we’ll read a few books, and it’s lights out for this girl.
I hit send and then wait for a response. When one doesn’t pop up right away, I grow impatient and hit her name until a map appears on the next screen.
Did I happen to turn on her share location when she went to the bathroom before walking out the door with another man?
Damn right I did.
Looks like she’s at one of his restaurants. It’s only a couple of miles from here. Nora and I could be there in less than ten minutes if we needed to.
Me: If I don’t hear from you in two minutes, I’m coming to get you. FYI-I know where you are.
It takes less than ten seconds for her response to come through.
Callie: Okay, I’m calling your bluff. Where am I?
I fire off the answer.
Me: Sweet Surrender.
There’s a longer pause this time before she responds.
Callie: Did you turn on my location?
Me: Consider it a safety measure.
Callie: That’s a little stalkerish.
Me: Agree to disagree.
Callie: Is everything okay?
I snap a pic of Nora sitting contentedly next to me watching TV, totally engrossed in the show.
Me: She’s perfect. I just wanted to check on her mom.
Callie: I’m fine. I won’t be out much longer.
