Page 121 of Comeback
Her phone screen lights up and she glances down at it. “Olivia and Greer are on their way up.”
She stands, but I’m faster.
“You relax. I got this,” I say as I head for the front door.
“So bossy.” She grins at me but stays seated.
Greer is as cute and as full of energy as I remembered. She bounds into the apartment in her pink dress with a tiara on top of her head but then comes to an abrupt stop when she spots Brogan. Ever so carefully, she moves behind me.
I squat down so I’m at her level. “Scary looking, isn’t he?”
She doesn’t respond, but her face is filled with trepidation.
Brogan smiles and waves one hand. He’s a big guy and with his shirt off, probably even more intimidating to Greer.
Put a shirt on for fuck’s sake, I sign to him. Then to Greer I say, “That’s Brogan. He’s nice. I promise. And that’s London.”
“Hi, Greer.” London smiles brightly. “I’ve heard so much about you from Sabrina.”
“Nice to meet you,” Brogan says to her. “I like your dress.”
“What do you say?” Olivia asks her daughter, coming to stand beside her.
“Thank you.” Greer’s voice is barely more than a whisper.
“Hey.” Brogan lifts a hand. “Good to see you again.”
“Yeah, you too. Thanks for letting Greer hang tonight.” As Olivia talks, Greer nuzzles back so she’s plastered against her mom’s legs, still keeping a close eye on Brogan.
Sabrina comes over to greet Olivia and Greer despite my efforts to keep her seated and exerting as little energy as possible.
“Are you kidding, we’re so excited.” Sabrina hugs Greer first then Olivia. To the latter, she adds, “I’m so sorry about this.”
“No, this is great. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. How are you feeling?” Olivia asks her.
“Better.”
I make a small huff. She’s still hurting. I can tell by the way she doesn’t stand straight and talks quieter.
Sabrina rolls her eyes at me but smiles. “Don’t worry. He won’t let me do too much.”
Damn straight I won’t.
“I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“Take your time. We got it,” I say.
Olivia eyes me with amused skepticism. Greer still looks slightly terrified. So basically, I’m killing it on babysitting duty.
Leaning down so her face is eye-level with Greer, Sabrina says quietly, “Do you remember how I have a big brother who plays football?”
Greer’s little head nods rapidly.
“Brogan is that brother.”
Her eyes widen. “You weren’t kidding. He is big.”
We all laugh. Brogan blushes for what might be the first time ever.
