Then There Was You: A Single Parent Collection

by Gianna Gabriela

  Emerson.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey, Levi. It’s Emerson. I hope I’m not calling too late.”

  I look at my watch: eight fifteen.

  “No, not at all. It’s only after eight. That’s not late.”

  “I know, but I didn’t know if you were trying to get Lily to bed, and I didn’t want to wake her up or throw off her routine.”

  “That’s incredibly sweet, but she goes to bed at seven thirty. I’m just lounging on the couch before I eventually get to bed myself. Are you just getting off work?”

  “Yeah, I had clinical plus a regular shift.”

  “What do you mean?” I ask, getting more comfortable on the couch.

  “I’m in my final year of nursing school, but I work at the hospital in the housekeeping department to pay for my house and such. I’ve been in that department for four years now.”

  “Oh, I gotcha. Well that’s good. I hope you don’t pull too many of those doubles. You’ll wear yourself out real fast, sweetheart.”

  “Trust me, I’m always worn out. I’ve learned to adjust. How about you? I never asked, what is it you do for work?”

  Smiling, I place my beer down on the coffee table and switch off the television.

  “I own a tattoo shop downtown with my brother, Caden.”

  “Oh, how cool!” Her voice rises with excitement and I can’t help laughing.

  “We think so.”

  “How long have you owned it? You seem young to have your own business.”

  “Only a couple years. Bought it just after I turned twenty-eight.”

  “So, you’re thirty?”

  “Yep.” Standing from the couch, I shut all the lights off and make sure the front door is locked before heading upstairs to my bedroom.

  “Yeah, I thought you were way older than that. You aren’t much older than me.”

  “How old are you?”

  “Twenty-seven.”

  “And here I was thinking you were younger. You said nursing school, so I assumed you were in your early twenties.” Peeking my head into Lily’s room, I see her still sound asleep with her bunny tucked under her arm, so I shut her door halfway and venture into mine, switching the light on before closing the door behind me.

  “Yeah, I got my associate’s after high school, but I was working full time at this day care and one day, one of the kids had a seizure. Scariest moment of my life. Here I am, this twenty-year-old, thinking I want to be a teacher, and I watched a child almost die in front of me. Something switched in my head and I was like no, I need to help people. So I started applying to every job I could find at the hospital, and when I had enough money saved up to start applying to nursing school, I did.” She giggles softly, then sighs. “Geez, listen to me ramble on and on about myself, and I’m not even letting you talk. I’m sorry, Levi. Tell me more about you.”

  Laughing, I climb onto my bed and lean back against the pillows.

  “No, I like listening to you. And I think it’s amazing that you took charge of your life like that. Not many people would be brave enough to change their plans and go after something that I’m sure is as difficult as being a nurse. I’m in awe of you.”

  Well, would you listen to this chick I’ve turned into.

  “Thanks. So, how is Lily feeling?”

  “She’s good, thanks for asking. Once the medicine kicked in, she was almost back to her normal self in a couple of days. Thank fuck.”

  “She’s a very sweet little girl. I don’t know your situation, but you’re doing an amazing job with her. You should be a proud daddy.”

  Emerson’s words cause something in my chest to swell, and my smile grows even larger.

  “Thank you, sweetheart. I appreciate that.”

  “Of course, Levi. I’m gonna get going, I need to take a shower. Hopefully my neighbors will keep it down tonight. I need some sleep.”

  Narrowing my eyes, I sit up in bed. “What do you mean?”

  “Oh, they’re just really loud. I think the guy’s a drunk, and sometimes he goes banging through the building, screaming and raging about the girl.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “Yeah, it happens a couple times a week. No biggie, but I’m tired.”

  “Do you have your door locked? Are you okay?”

  “Levi, please don’t worry about me. He’s harmless, just really freaking loud. I promise. But I’ll talk to you tomorrow, maybe?” Emerson’s voice is quiet, and I worry I spooked her.

  “I’d really like that. I’ll call you, okay?”

  “Okay. Night, Levi.”

  “Sweet dreams, Emerson.”

  She disconnects the call and I’m left reeling, staring at the call log on my phone. Scrolling to my texts, I fire off one to her, hoping I didn’t upset her.

  Levi: I didn’t mean to freak out, I was just concerned.

  Emerson: It’s okay, really. I’m moving out next week. They’re just annoying.

  Levi: Okay, just checking. Night, Emerson.

  Emerson: You can call me Emmy. Emerson makes me think I’m in trouble.

  Levi: Yes, ma’am.

  Emerson: Night.

  Levi: Night, Emmy.

  Putting my phone on the charger, I drop it on my nightstand after turning on my alarms, then strip to my boxer briefs, pull down the blankets, and climb into bed. It takes me forever to fall asleep and when I do, visions of a tiny blonde fill my dreams.

  The next morning, I’m getting ready for work and Lily is in her room getting dressed when my cell phone beeps with an incoming text.

  Emerson: Morning, Levi and Lily. Hope you both have a great day!

  Levi: Thank you, sweetheart. Don’t work too hard today. Call you tonight?

  Emerson: Looking forward to it.

  Tucking my phone back into my pocket, I hear Lily rushing back into the room and can’t help but laugh when I see how she’s dressed. Blonde hair everywhere, she has on a pink tutu with a long-sleeved shirt with a unicorn on it. Her ensemble is completed by a pair of rainbow sandals. Lily runs over and stands right in front of me, looking incredibly proud.

  “How do I look, Daddy? Did I do good?”

  “You look stunning, baby. You did fabulous. Nana is going to be so excited to see your pretty outfit. You ready to go?”

  “Yes, Daddy!”

  She gets her backpack from the couch, and after grabbing my travel coffee, I hold the door open for her and lead her to my truck. The entire drive, she chatters on about her new Barbies and how she’s going to show Nana the new dresses they have. I can’t keep a smile off my face at my little girl’s excitement, coupled with the idea of talking to Emerson again tonight.

  Yeah, life is real fucking good right now.

  4

  EMERSON

  I’ve spent the last three days doing nothing but thinking about Levi. It’s almost like I’m entirely obsessed with the man. We talk every day, and every night we sit on the phone for hours. We made plans to go out on Saturday with Lily and I can’t wait to see him. I feel like a teenager, talking to a boy on the phone every night and getting all giddy when he calls me sweetheart. I seriously need to rein it in. It’s ridiculous.

  I got off shift early, and now I’m trying to decide what to do with my day. Checking the time on my phone, I see it’s only one thirty. I should go home and finish packing up my apartment, considering I’m moving on Monday and I’ve hardly started. As I make it to my car, an idea forms in my head, my lips tipping into a smile. It’s totally crazy, but I decide to just go with it.

  Ten minutes later, I pull up to the drive-through of the local Starbucks and order two hot coffees, one black and one loaded with cream and sugar. Putting them both into my cup holders, I take off for downtown, not entirely sure where it’s located. I see it on the left-hand side a few minutes later, nestled between a tiny coffee shop and a bakery.

  Well, this was a stupid idea. He has coffee right next door.

  Oh well, I’m already here.


  I pull in behind a large Ford and park, then grab the coffees and climb out of my car. Setting them on the roof, I brush my hair off my face and smooth my scrubs down. I look a mess, but I don’t care. I take a deep breath and head inside Marveled Misfits Ink, both drinks in hand. It’s very brightly lit, with a small coffee table and chairs all around it. There are black binders stacked on the table, and the walls are covered in intricate artwork and photographed tattoos.

  I can see a small hallway off to one side, and music plays over the speakers, some sort of rock with a heavy bass line. I make my way to the small desk where a young girl with long brown hair is sitting.

  “Hi, can I help you?” she asks, looking up from whatever she was typing.

  “Yeah, is Levi around?”

  “Did you have an appointment?”

  I suddenly feel nervous and am rethinking this surprise. “Uh, no I don’t. He’s a friend, and I was just hoping to say hi for a moment.”

  “One sec.” Standing from her chair, she walks down the hallway, and I’m left alone to my own thoughts. I’m getting ready to turn around and leave when she comes back out. “He’s just cleaning up, so you can go back.” She points behind her to the hallway.

  Heading down the short hallway, my nerves have completely gotten the better of me, and when I get to the room he’s in, I have to take a deep breath. After counting to ten, I come around the doorway and find Levi with his back to me, pulling off a pair of latex gloves. Tossing them in the trash, he scrubs a hand through his hair before turning around.

  “Hi,” I say quietly, unable to keep the grin off my face. Levi’s expression quickly goes from shock to happiness, that damn dimple standing out next to his beaming smile.

  “Hey, you,” he greets, coming over to place a gentle kiss to my cheek. I have to compose myself, so I hold up the coffees.

  “I come bearing coffee, although I have no idea how you take it.”

  “Black, thank you.”

  I hand him his cup and he takes a sip. I watch him over the brim of my own cup, knowing my cheeks are bright red.

  “I can’t believe you’re here. What brings you by?” he asks, gesturing to the two chairs in the room. I take a seat across from him and cross my legs.

  “I just got off,” I stammer.

  “Oh really?” Levi’s lip quirks up and my eyes pop open when I realize what I just said.

  “Work. I just got off work, not ‘got off’ got off. Oh my God, I’m gonna stop talking now.” Shaking my head, I force myself not to run from shame. “I got off work early, and I was thinking about you and wanted to see the shop.”

  “Thinking about me, huh?”

  Yep. My face is beet red.

  I can’t answer him without stuttering, so I take a sip of my coffee instead and play coy. Levi scoots his chair forward until our legs are touching and places his coffee next to him on the floor. I almost drop my cup when he rests his hand just above my knees.

  “Emmy,” he whispers, voice deep and husky.

  “Yeah?”

  “Why did you come here today?”

  His blue eyes bore into mine and I chew on my bottom lip, unable to look away.

  “I wanted to see you.”

  “Why?”

  Be brave, Reese. Be bold. Just tell him.

  “Because I like you, and I didn’t want to wait till Saturday to see you.”

  Levi smiles and leans forward until our faces are only inches apart.

  “Good. And for the record? I fucking like you too.”

  And then his lips are on mine in the gentlest, most soul-searing kiss I’ve ever had. His rough hands move up to cup my cheeks and I forget about anything but his firm yet soft lips, his tongue running along my bottom lip. With a quiet moan, I open to him and his tongue is sweeping against mine, making me light-headed and dizzy. After several seconds, he pulls back and I open my eyes to look at him.

  “Damn, sweetheart. I should’ve known you’d be fucking addictive.” And his mouth is on me again, this time attaching to my neck. He wraps his arms around my waist and without warning I’m lifted onto his lap. I rest an arm around his neck and lean forward to kiss him, needing to feel his mouth with mine.

  Levi groans and pulls me tighter to him. When his erection presses against me, I drop my coffee, the splashing sound jolting us apart.

  “Fuck,” he mutters, sliding me off him to jump up and grab a towel. My cheeks heat and I sit in my own chair. My cheeks are burning and I’m embarrassed knowing that I basically just mauled him in his office.

  Levi looks at me while he’s cleaning up, smirk on his face.

  “Sorry,” I mutter, casting my eyes away from him.

  He doesn’t respond, and I’m contemplating my next move when he kneels in front of me, hands on my legs.

  “For what?”

  “For acting like a little slut.”

  Levi throws his head back and laughs, forcing me to let out a little giggle.

  “Jesus, Emmy. You’re the furthest thing from slutty. And for the record, I enjoyed that. More than enjoyed it. You’re lucky I don’t have you up against the wall right now.”

  My cheeks heat once more, but this time it’s not from embarrassment.

  “You like that idea, don’t you?” Levi reaches up to brush a strand of hair from my face, kissing the side of my neck as he does. Nodding, I bite my lip, but when he moves to kiss me again, I lean out of his reach. “What?”

  “We haven’t even been on a date. I hardly know you. We need to slow down.”

  Levi nods and then stands, holding a hand out to me. I take it and stand up next to him.

  “You aren’t angry with me?” I ask.

  “No, why would I be? You aren’t wrong, but for the record, we will be doing that again. Like, every time I see you. Prepare yourself, Emmy. Now, would you like a tour?”

  Nodding eagerly, I take the hand he holds out to me, giving it a squeeze. Levi takes me around the rooms out back, showing me the equipment and such. I have no tattoos, and even Levi doesn’t seem to be that inked up, but I have a new appreciation for what he does. This isn’t just a job for him—it’s his life. He’s an artist, and a damn good one, if I do say so myself.

  When he leads me back out to the waiting room, the girl who was there earlier is on the phone at the desk. When she hears us come out, she ends the call and comes over.

  “Levi, your two o’clock just rescheduled for next week.”

  “Thanks, Syd.” I watch him lean over to kiss her on the forehead, and I’m immediately jealous. I should have known.

  Syd waltzes back over to her desk and Levi walks us over to the front doors, holding them open for me. Once we’re outside, I move to brush past him but he catches my wrist and turns me around, pulling my body into him.

  “Sydney’s my little sister, before you go running away.”

  “I wasn’t running away,” I retort, but Levi raises an eyebrow.

  “Em….”

  Em, huh? I like that.

  “Okay, fine. I hardly know you and I just got jealous over something silly. I feel absolutely ridiculous.”

  “Don’t be. I like it.”

  “You like me being ridiculous?” I laugh, walking to my car and leaning my back against it.

  “No, I like that you like me so much you got jealous over my sister. Listen, I know we only just met a couple weeks ago, and we’ve been talking less than that, but I really like you, Emmy. You’re kind, and sweet, and you make me laugh. Since I broke it off with my ex and gained custody of Lily, I haven’t dated. Nothing. She’s my only priority.”

  I can’t help my eyes widening briefly. This is the first Levi has spoken of Lily’s mom.

  “I didn’t know.”

  “It’s not something I really talk about, and it’s much more complicated that it sounds. One day I’d like to tell you, but today isn’t that day. Meeting you has helped me realize what I’ve been missing.”

  Levi steps forward and places his hands on the hoo
d of my car, caging me in. Looking up into his blue eyes, I smile and his face lowers to mine.

  “You gonna take off?” he asks quietly.

  “Yeah, I have some packing to get done. I told you I’m moving Monday.”

  He presses his lips to my forehead and doesn’t pull away, lingering against my skin.

  “Let me know if I can help, okay?”

  “I will, Levi. Can I FaceTime you tonight? I’d love to say hi to Lily.”

  “We’d like that.”

  Leaning down, he takes my lips in a gentle kiss, and I can’t help smiling against him.

  “I’ll talk to you later.”

  “Yeah, you will. Drive safe, baby.” Levi softly kisses the corner of my mouth. With a wink, he backs away and heads inside his shop, leaving me alone with a dopey grin on my face. Going around the hood, I climb into my car and touch my lips with my fingers.

  Did he just call me baby? And why do I like that so much?

  Shrugging, I put the car into Drive and take off for my apartment, ready to get down to business. I hate packing, so if I’m smart I’ll get everything done as fast as I can. I brought a ton of boxes home from the hospital yesterday, so hopefully they’re enough.

  Soon enough, I’m pulling into my apartment complex. As I shut the car off, my phone dings with a message.

  Levi: Hope you made it safely. If you need help moving, let me know.

  Emerson: I’m here. My dad is helping me, but we could use an extra vehicle.

  Levi: I have a truck. It holds stuff. Let me help.

  Emerson: Geez, fine. If you must. Already meeting my dad, this must be serious.

  Levi: Don’t worry about it, I’m a big boy. I can handle your dad.

  Emerson: I’m his only child, and I’m a girl. You sure?

  Levi: On second thought, what kind of beer does he like?

  Emerson: I’m joking, Levi. Calm your tits.