by KL Donn
I take a deep breath. “Yeah, I kind of got that feeling. I’ll try my best.”
“Thanks, Ian.” She hangs up, and I put my phone away.
“Pass code? Swimming? Who are you fooling?”
“Don’t start. I like her.”
“Yeah…I saw those heart-eyes when you turned around the other day.” He leans his seat back and gets comfortable. “Just be careful. You know?”
“What are you talking about?” I ask. My fingers stop transferring her number into my phone.
“Single moms are different. If you plan on dating her, just know they come with a different set of rules. You aren’t just entering her life. You have the kid or kids to think about. They come with a lot of baggage and most of it is emotional,” he warns, giving me that look that says he knows from personal experience. “You have to have your shit together and be prepared to put up with a lot of other shit while being silent—ex-husband with new wife and blended families with all that chaos. I just don’t want to see you get hurt. Or worse, used for your money. I’m just sayin’ be careful man.” He quirks an eyebrow at me before closing his eyes and ending the conversation.
I stand by what I said. I like her. I go with my gut, consequences be damned. Neenah is not a ‘Cherry Wright.’ And besides, she’s already warned me about her baggage.
I finish typing in her number and start a new message.
Me: I’m sorry I fell asleep last night.
I darken my phone, but before I can put it away, it buzzes in my hand.
Neenah: Not as sorry as I am.
Me: Oh really? Tell me how sorry you are?
Neenah: Come over and find out.
Me: Where’s Dane?
Neenah: Day camp. Bus picked him up at 7:30.
Neenah: …and won’t drop him off until 2:30.
Me: Every Wednesday?
Neenah: Every Mon/Wed/Fri until school starts.
Me: ☹ I’m sitting on a runway at DuPage Airport bound for Cincinnati. I’d rather be there.
Neenah: Finally running far away from the media? By the way, your Instagram needs updating.
Me: U stalking me?
Neenah: Took me a while to find you. @I.An.Legend Very clever!
I straighten my shirt and finger-comb my damp hair, lean over towards a sleeping Mikael and smile for a selfie. After I check it to make sure my eyes aren’t closed, I post it to Instagram with the caption “Hangin’ with this sleepy brunette instead of the one I want.” I add in #sleepingbeauty #roadtrip #hesnores #buthesmellsnice #wannabehomealready #MLS #ChicagoFire #win #score #goals, tag Mikael @MikaelBaptiste and then hit post.
Me: Check my Insta now.
Neenah: Oh good God! Those eyes…