Chapter 182
Adrian asked if four o’clock worked, and since I had nothing planned. I agreed.
Now I’m standing in front of my mirror, trying to decide if I look like a woman going for casual coffee with a friend, or a woman who is trying too hard not to look like she’s going on an actual coffee date.
The twins are sprawled on my bed, watching me like I’m on some kind of stage.
Nova sits cross–legged, her chin tucked into her hands. “Do you have to leave p>
I turn from the mirror. “Yes, sweetheart. I’m meeting a friend p>
“Is it Aunt Lilly?” Nolan asks without looking up from the paper he’s scribbling on.
“No, it’s not Lilly… It’s someone else”
Nova flops backward dramatically. “Who is it? Do we know them p>
I can’t help smiling at how inquisitive she is. It’s like she has to know everything… She kind of reminds me of me, when I was younger.
“No, you don’t know them p>
She pauses as if thinking and then, “Can we come? I’m sure Daddy won’t mind p>
As much as I love them, I can imagine bringing them to this meet up. It would make things hard to explain. Not to mention awkward as fuck.
I laugh softly. “Not this time, baby p>
Her face folds with sadness. It’s like the very thought of me leaving them, hurts her. Which just makes me wonder how things will be once I finally leave.
I kneel beside the bed. “Hey, it’s okay. I won’t be gone long p>
“But I don’t want you to leave.” She whispers, her voice soft and sad.
“How about this, I’ll bring you cake when I come back p>
Nova gasps like I’ve offered her treasure. Immediately, she brightens “Really p>
“Really p>
She leans forward, squinting suspiciously. “But I still don’t understand why we can’t come. Are you going to meet a boy p>
The question hits me so hard I choke on my own spit. How did she even come up with that?
“My friend told me that her big sister gets panicky when she’s about to go meet with a boy for ice cream p>
I swallow, wondering why they even talk about such things.
“I–what? Nova–no–I mean–well-“I laugh nervously, smoothing my hair even though it doesn’t need it.
I leave it at that because honestly? I don’t think it’s appropriate telling them that I am indeed going to meet with a man. They’re kids for heavens sake.
Nolan’s head snaps up, eyes narrowing like a tiny overprotective dad. “Well are you? Going to meet with a boy?” 1
I stare at him, noticing the emotions behind him. I swear I can see anger flashing in those grey eyes. Why the hell does he look like the very idea of me meeting a man offends him?
“I’m meeting a friend, that’s it.” I repeat, turning back to the mirror because somehow it feels safer than facing their interrogation.
“When will you be back?” Nova asks, rolling onto her stomach to watch me curl the last pieces of my hair.
“I’m not sure. But if you two are awake, I’ll call you down for cake. If not, I’ll put it in the fridge, okay p>
They nod at the same time, though while Nova seems okay with it, Nolan looks like he is still pissed off at the idea I might meeting a ‘boy‘
When I finish with my hair and slip on my shoes, Nova claps her hands. “You look pretty p>
“Very pretty,” Nolan echoes, though he frowns again. “I just hope you’re not meeting any boys.” 1
What the hell?
I stare at him in the mirror, confused. “Why does that bother you so much p>
He shrugs, but his ears turn pink. “I don’t know. I just don’t like it.” 4
Huh! I don’t know what to say about that. Should I be worried? Or should I take it that he’s only worried about me?
I ruffle his hair gently. “I’ll be fine. Both of you behave and finish your homework, okay p>
They nod, though Nova looks like she’s already plotting the exact flavor of cake she wants.
I kiss their foreheads, grab my bag, and head out.
The driver pulls up outside the café, and before I can unbuckle, he clears his throat. “I’ll be in the parking lot, if you need to leave p>