Jake
While Sailor helps Maddie make cards at the dining room table, I watch them and wonder what the fuck I’m doing with Sailor?
I decided on my drive to pick Maddie up that I wouldn’t be more than a friend to her teacher, yet the first thing I did once I was standing in front of her was touch her.
Breaking the rule was easy when she was staring up at me like I hung the damn moon. If I’d known kids were chick magnets, I would’ve been using my niece as my wingman long ago. She’s way more fun than Elliott.
Shit, Elliott. I didn’t see the harm in bringing Sailor here since I figured she’d be gone before he came home from the hospital, but if I were to continue seeing her, they’d find out about each other, and I don’t know how he’d feel about Sailor being around him.
Part of me thinks it would be good for Elliott to talk to her. He’d see that she’s moved on and made a life for herself. Maybe then he’d put what happened to Rebecca behind him.
I should tell Sailor he’s my roommate, and about my connection to her sister, but she’s been through enough today. There’s no reason for her to find out this weekend.
The doorbell rings, so I go to answer it.
“Hi,” I say to Brad before he walks in.
“How’s Maddie?”
“Good. She’s in the dining room with her teacher.”
He turns back to look at me. “Her teacher?”
“Yeah, her apartment burned to the ground this morning. It’s a long story, but she ended up here.”
“Fuck, Jake. Is there any woman you won’t seduce?” He rubs his forehead. His tall forehead. The guy should cover it with some of his red hair. He’d look better. Not cooler, but better.
“You’re an ass. I happened to be at the school right when she found out the news.”
Brad points his finger at me. “If you upset Ms. Lockwood, she might take it out on Maddie this year.”
“That statement tells me you don’t know her teacher well. She’s too nice to ever be mean to one of her students. You obviously don’t know me, either, if you think I’d do something that could cause my niece pain. Now, take your daughter and show her some attention this evening. She’s really missing her mom today.”
Brad drags a hand over his face, one that’s beginning to match the color of his hair.
“I’m sorry, Jake. Between work, caring for Maddie, and dealing with all the shit with your sister, I’m stretched too thin. I feel like I’m losing it, but I haven’t forgotten what a help you’ve been. I need some rest is all, so I plan on staying in with my little girl all weekend.”
“That works, except you do need to take her to the post office in the morning. She made Marcy more cards.”
“Daddy!” Maddie yells as she comes running toward us. Looking behind her, I see Sailor, too, carrying the cards they made.
“Ms. Lockwood,” Brad says, “Jake told me about the fire. I’m terribly sorry.”
“Thank you. I think I’m still in shock.” As if she remembered she’s in my clothes, she crosses her arms.
“Any idea what you’re going to do about housing?”
I roll my eyes. “Brad’s in real estate, but he’d never take advantage of your vulnerable state.”
He smacks my back. “No more than the next guy.”
“Cheap shot,” I mutter.
“Do you handle leases?”
“I can find you a place, even furnished and short-term if you need.” He pulls out his wallet and hands Sailor a business card. “When you’re ready, give me a call.”
“Thank you.”
Maddie swipes the cards she made from Sailor’s hands.
“Daddy, Ms. Lockwood helped me make these for Mommy. Aaaand, she said I’m special and can call her Sailor when we’re not at school.”
“That’s great. Did you thank Ms. Lockwood?”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, sweetie. It was fun spending time with you.”
“Grab your backpack, Maddie,” I say before looking at Brad. “Whatever you do, make sure she has everything in her backpack Monday morning. I learned the hard way today. Oh, and you need to buy her some washable markers.”
Once Maddie returns with the energy of a marathon runner, she gives me a hug.
“Bye, Uncle Jake. Bye, Sailor.”
She waves back at her. “Bye, Madeline. I’ll see you Monday morning.”
The door shuts, but not before silence enters. I turn and face Sailor, and with her arms crossed, she bites on her lip, her gaze bouncing around the room.
“Heavy shit today,” I say. “You know what I think we need?”
Her eyes zero in on mine with curiosity.
“What’s that?”
“We need a libation staycation. Drinks are on me.”
Quirking her mouth into a smile, she blushes.
“Like stay in and drink?”
“What do you say?”
“As stressful as the day’s been, I can’t imagine trying to shop for clothes on a busy Friday night, so sure. I could use some alcohol.”
“Perfect. What’s your drink of choice?”
“I seldom drink, so whatever you have is fine. Is your fridge stocked? I could cook.”
“Do people cook while on vacation?”
“It would keep my mind busy. Do you care?”
“Knock yourself out.”
She heads for the kitchen and opens the refrigerator.
“Do you have an aversion to salad?”
“Not if there’s meat on it.”
Giggling, she closes the door and opens the freezer.
“Would grilled chicken on top of salad work?”
“Sure.”
Once she’s away from the fridge, I pull two beers out and open one for her.
“Here … to new beginnings.”
Taking the bottle from me, she dings it against mine.
“I’ll drink to that. Cheers.”