Page 16 of Pucked Up Plans
To ease some of the tension—not because she’s handing her kid off to a stranger, but because she’s edgy—I also give her my phone number.
“Do you need a car seat?”
Oh crap. Didn’t think this plan through. I hate removing and installing the car seat. You’d think I’d be a pro at it by now, but I fight with it every time. Every damn time. And I just had to remove the cover because Aubrey didn’t make it home in time from the park and peed all over it.
Fun times in the life of a mom. Single or not.
Lennon’s mom shakes her head. “No. I don’t have time to switch it out. I’ll follow you to your place. Which car is yours?”
“The blue Civic.” I sheepishly point it out, intimidation taking center stage.
“K. I’m in the white Audi SUV.”
Of course you are.
“See you in a bit.”
I rush Aubrey to our car, so many theories swirling through my mind about what’s happening. At the forefront is what Walsh is going to say when he finds out.
Too late now to chicken out.
Megan—aka Lennon’s mom, I learned—dropped her off and ran. Didn’t come in to make sure it was safe or anything. I’m more surprised because I would have thought she’d be the kind of person who would want to snoop. Not for her daughter’s sake, but out of curiosity.
Clearly, I’m as judgmental as everyone else.
I set the girls up at the small kitchen table with some fruit while I continue to process how I ended up here. I need to text Walsh, let him know I have his kid, give him my address so he knows where to pick her up.
Digging the phone from the bottom of my purse, I see he’s beat me to the punch. Weird. Wonder how he got my number.
I waste no time opening up the Messages app.
Walsh
Hey, Meg let me know you have Lennon. I didn’t get the entire story, but I owe you one. For Lennon’s sake. Thank you.
Feverishly, my fingers type out a reply.
I’m not sure what overcame me, but you’re welcome. Happy to have her. Anytime.
I hit send before I word-vomit every single thought floating through my brain. My stomach ripples when the three dots appear.
Leaving here in five. What’s your address?
No rush. Woodland Condos. Building A #5
Cool. See you soon
We’ll be here
As soon as the conversation ends, butterflies flutter inside me. The notion of seeing him again starts a chain reaction in my mind.
I should change my clothes.
I should redo my hair.
I should tidy up the mess.
I should put on some makeup.
