After a bewildered Scott has left with his daughter, I ask Jenson if I can have the rest of the day off to go and help him.
“He’s okay, Suki. He’s on his way to his auntie’s house.”
“Oh.”
“I can give you his mobile number if you like, so you can check how he’s doing later?”
A smile finally breaks across my face. “All the times that guy has asked me if I want it and I’ve told him where to go. Yes please. I’m good with kids. I want to help. Did he know the mother?”
Jenson nodded. “He remembered her but not a name or anything, so how he’s going to track her down, goodness knows. I guess he needs to call the police?”
I shrug. “The baby’s probably better off without a mum like that.”
“She might need help.”
“She didn’t look like she needed help. She was dressed to the nines and coherent. It was the baby who had nothing.”
Jenson stares at me for a beat too long. “Well, it’s up to Scott, I guess.”
“Yeah. I can’t imagine what must be going through his head right now.”
“Extreme and utter panic.” Jenson laughs. “I know you don’t get along, but Scott needs all the help he can get right now. So I appreciate you offering to help him. I know what being a single dad is like. It’s not easy.”
“Yeah and I know what being an abandoned baby is like.” I confess.
His eyes widen. “Shit, Suki. I had no idea.”
I shrug my shoulders. “Why would you? I don’t talk about it.”
“Were you abandoned like that? Left somewhere?” Jenson leans over and puts a hand on my arm. “Sorry, I’m being nosy. You don’t have to answer that.”
“No it’s okay.” I take a deep breath. “My childhood was spent in foster care or in care homes. I found out when I was eighteen that my mother was fourteen when she had me. My grandparents made her give me up and didn’t want anyone to know she’d ever been pregnant and that suited her. I contacted her when I reached adulthood and she didn’t want to know. Actually, she offered to pay me off. She’s a trophy wife of an art critic. I’m not good for publicity.”
“That’s awful.”
I nod. “She gave me my father’s details though. My dad died in a road traffic accident at just seventeen years old. But I’m now in touch with my paternal grandparents and I have a paternal auntie and they have a son, Carl, my cousin. He’s lovely, reached out to me and we’re quite close now.”
“Jesus, Suki. We ought to form a club ‘Survivors of mothers who walked’.”
“Yeah, it’s not something that’s really talked about is it? Everyone always thinks mothers love their children and would give their life for them, but my mother, although pressured to give me up, showed she moved on; your wife chose her career, and who knows why Scott’s baby mama has done what she’s done.”
“Knowing how I feel about my kids, I just can’t even try to understand it. The only thing I do know is that if a mother—or any parent for that matter—doesn’t have enough love for their kid, then their kid is better off without them, even if you end up on a rocky road somewhere else.”
“Yeah, she screwed my life up for sure, but I haven’t missed out from what I’ve seen so far.”
“Well, today has certainly been one hell of a day. If he needs you, Suki, ring me and I’ll sort staffing.”
“But we’re so busy.”
“Yeah, but you’ve reminded me what’s important. It’s not the business, it’s that baby.”
“Like you say, Scott might be okay with his auntie.”
“She’s getting on in years though, and I worry he might just consider parking his daughter there and absolving himself of his responsibilities. He needs to step up.”
Jenson looks at me pointedly.
“Okay. I’ll check in and I’ll make sure he does what he needs to do.”
“Who better to order him about than the person who continually gives him shit over his actions? Can you wear a wire and a spy cam? Oh to be a fly on the wall as Scott gets lessons in fatherhood.”
We both laugh, lost in our imaginations.
“Right, I’d better get on and the bar has a queue now I’ve distracted you. You’d better get back to it before Leona kills me for chatting to you for so long. I need to keep her sweet in case she’s needed for overtime.”
I say my goodbyes and apologising to my fellow bartender, I finish out my shift.
Carl says he has no plans and offers to send for a Chinese takeaway. I arrive at seven to be greeted by a huge bear hug. My cousin is amazing. He’s muscly and tall and always warm and gives the kind of cuddles you need when you’re fed up. I was closed off and defensive when I first met him, but Carl doesn’t take much notice of anything like that. He hugged me as soon as he met me and said it was the Taylor way. I told him I was a Madden, although actually that name belongs to my first set of foster parents, so I’m not really anything but the name they gave me, Suki.
And that has me thinking of Baby Sullivan. We don’t know her name.
“What’s wrong? You look like someone just died. Come in. I thought you were just calling round to catch up. Why didn’t you tell me something was up?”
I wave a hand in front of my face. “Nah, it’s not me. Not really. It’s Scott.”
“Oh God, what’s he done now? Are you sure I can’t go and punch him for you?”
I’ve moaned about Scott many, many times to Carl, and when he’s been to InHale I’ve had to beg him to leave Scott alone and not thump him.
“It’s not like that. A woman came in today with a baby. She said it was his and just handed it over.”
Carl’s mouth drops open. “You’re shitting me? Just here you go, Scott?”
“No, he was serving. She passed the kid to me. The baby’s only a couple of months old. It’s definitely his though. She’s his spitting image.”
“Yeah, I’d still be needing a DNA test. So tell me all. Tell you what. I’ll call in our order and then you can update me while we wait.”
So I do. I tell him how Scott is now probably at his aunties.
“But the thing is, Carl. I can’t stop thinking about the baby. Because I was once that baby. Baby no name abandoned by my mum.”
“Ah, now I get it. It’s bringing your past up.”
“Scott has no idea what he’s doing and I do. I know how to look after a baby. I’m going to offer to teach him. To help.”
“But you can’t stand the guy.”
“We’re going to have to put our issues aside because until he finds the mum, that baby has to be the priority. He didn’t even know how to change a nappy. I reckon he was spoiled rotten as a kid; probably treated like a complete prince and never had to lift a finger. I’ve totally made my mind up anyway. Tomorrow is my day off and I’m going to call him and arrange to go to his place and see what he needs to set himself up for life as a dad.”
“Oh, Suki. I’m not sure you should get involved. Are you sure this is about Scott and the baby and helping or are you somehow trying to sort out your past?”
I stare at the floor. “I honestly don’t know. I just saw that baby. She’s absolutely gorgeous, Carl. And I just wanted her to be happy. I couldn’t face knowing that Scott landed her on his auntie and went back to his ladykilling ways.”
“He’s just found out one of his conquests had a baby. I doubt he’ll have sex ever again. Not without wrapping it in fifty condoms first.”
I begin to smile. “You should have seen his face. He’s such a cocky bastard in all senses of the word and he looked like he was about to shit his pants to match his daughter.”
Carl sniggers. “I’ve got your back, Suki. You need me for anything with all this: shoulder to cry on, fixing up a cot. Just give me a shout. I’ll put aside wanting to punch his lights out, for how he treats you but only because of the baby.”
“You’re the best cousin ever.”
“I’m the only one you know you have.”
“Yeah, well, I found the perfect one and don’t need another.”
The doorbell chimed and Carl went and got our Chinese while I sent a text to Scott.
Suki: It’s Suki. Jenson gave me your number. How are things going?
I’ve eaten a large portion of my food before I get a ping on my phone.
Scott: My phone is now covered in shit. That’s how it’s going.
Suki: Oops. Have you got used to the idea of being a dad yet?
There’s another pause.
Scott: Okay. I’ve washed my hands and my phone and now my auntie has Doe. Of course I’m used to the idea of being a dad. It’s been like six fucking hours. I’ve even booked a nursery place. What do you think????
Suki: I’m just trying to show some concern, fuckhead. Her name is Doe???
Scott: Sorry. I’m VERY stressed right now. My auntie says I need a DNA test as soon as possible so I’ll go to the docs Monday and sort that. I don’t know whether to call the police as I’m scared if they see me with Doe they’ll take her into care. I called her Doe because I don’t know her name and I don’t want to give her a proper name and then her mum comes back and I find out she’s called Arabella or something. Her eyes are doe-like, plus that’s the surname they give people that lose their memories isn’t it? She’s a Jane Doe. So her name’s Doe.
Suki: She does have doe-eyes. That’s cute.
Scott: You wouldn’t be saying the word cute if she’d just shit on you like she did me.
Suki: *Laughing emoticons*
Scott: Anyway, my auntie is trying (and largely failing) to get me to be baby friendly. I can now make a bottle and she sent me out for a proper sterilising unit, bottles, and milk powder. How many freaking bottles do they need? Then they just sick it up and poop it out. Then winding. Changing. Ten minutes sleep and it all starts again. Is this my life now? Sorry, I’m having a panic attack. I’ll be back in a minute.
I wait and then notice Carl staring at me.
“Fuck. Sorry. I was texting Scott about the baby and kind of… forgot I was here.”
“Charming. Now it’s not only my dates do that, but my family too.”
I scrunch my eyes up. “Am I forgiven if I give you my last spare rib?”
“Absolutely.” He reaches for it. “So, what’s the latest?”
“He went off to have a panic attack.”
“Going well then?”
My phone beeped again.
Scott: Sorry about that. Just all got a bit much. Had to stand on the back and get a breath of air.
Suki: No worries. What did your auntie say?
Scott: That she was surprised this was my first. Then she said she’d help for a couple of days, but I needed to learn fast. I was moaning about having no experience and she laid into me saying no one had any experience with their first child and to grow a pair.
Suki: I like your auntie already. Anyway, I’m offering my services.
Scott: The last thing I need right now is sex, darlin’. You’re too late. *Grinning emoticons*
Suki: Arsehole personality still detected. I’m great with kids. Meet me tomorrow at your place and let me see what you need to become baby friendly and I’ll stay as long as is needed.
Scott: Stay? As in for the day?
Suki: No, I’m going to fucking move in.
But as I type the words, I wonder. Should I actually offer to do just that?
Chapter Five
Scott
I knew my auntie wasn’t going to take the little bundle out of my arms and tell me she’d sort everything, but I wasn’t quite expecting the reality check she gave me. I’ve never hidden my… lifestyle, shall we say, so my auntie is just as aware of my nightly activities as everyone else in my life. She knew, and had warned me time and time again, that this was inevitable. Those are not really the words I need right now.
“You’ll be fine, Scott. Despite what you believe, you are more than capable of looking after another human being, no matter how small she may be.” My auntie waves us off, and Doe and I head home with an Uber full of stuff I’m not all that confident about. Doe now has a car seat. My auntie dropped it into the car like it was the simplest of tasks. Fuck only knows how I’m meant to get the thing out again, and then her out of it once we’re up in the flat.
“I hope you’re prepared for what comes next, kid. It could get ugly.”
It’s in that moment I’m reminded of the unexpected texts from Suki not so long ago. Did she offer to...
My brows drag together as I dig my phone from my pocket. I scroll through the conversation that happened no less than an hour ago and reread. I wasn’t in the right frame of mind when I first read the words. Pausing mid-conversation to have a mild panic attack about the situation I’ve found myself in sure didn’t help things. But at the end of our conversation, plain and simple in black and white are her words:
Meet me tomorrow at your place and let me see what you need to become baby friendly and I’ll stay as long as is needed.
Suki’s offering to come and help. Why?
My hackles rise instantly. She hates me. She probably thinks this whole situation is fucking hilarious and no less than I deserve. Is she intending to come and tell me what a shit job I’m doing already? To laugh at my complete lack of paternal skills?
Anger swirls in my stomach. There’s no way she’s just offering to help. She isn’t that… nice.
The Uber slows to a stop as my building reveals itself and reality once again slams into my chest. My hand lifts in the hope pressing it against my heart will actually fucking help. It does fuck all. My lungs burn as I try to drag in the air I need.
I don’t know if I can do this.
My hands tremble as I stare out of the window, thinking about my third-floor flat and how I’m meant to manoeuvre a baby up and down regularly.
“Are you alright, mate? Do you need a hand?”
I look to the eyes of the driver in the rear-view mirror. It’s as if I’m looking into the eyes of my fairy fucking godmother.
“Do you mind? I’ve kind of got a lot of stuff.”
“Sure thing, man.
With the driver’s help, we have everything up to my flat in under ten minutes.
I lower a still sleeping Doe to the floor and look around.
There’s shit everywhere. Takeout cartons and beer cans litter my small kitchen and the coffee table. I don’t even remember when the last time I ate here was, so Christ knows how long they’ve actually been there. There are clothes strewn about the floor, mostly in the direction of the bathroom and… what’s that smell? Why didn’t I notice that this morning?
Leaving Doe where she is, I throw open a couple of windows and start making the place look at least a little acceptable. I’d hate for her to open her eyes and be even more disappointed in me than she probably already is.
The kitchen surfaces are clear now the bin has been filled and emptied. It smells fresh too. I’m just unpacking the steriliser and bottle prep machine when I hear a small cry from the living room. My heart constricts, my stomach tumbles, and I run full pelt to make sure she’s okay.
“Hey there, baby girl. Did you have a good sleep?” My voice comes out all soft and cooey; the exact way I hate when I hear other guys talk to their kids. I guess there really is a button inside us that makes it happen unintentionally when our baby is in front of us. I unclip her from her seat.
Shrugging at my thoughts, I slip my hands under her little arms and lift her from her seat. Her legs kick with the freedom and I bring her to my chest.
“So, this is home for now, little lady. I’ve tried to make it suitable for guests, but it’s probably best you know from the get-go that I’m a bit of a slob.” She stares at me as if she’s taking in every single word before she graces me with a tiny smile that damn near melts my heart.
“Okay, so… what now, huh? You wanna eat? Poop? Watch some football?” I realise that she doesn’t actually care.
She’s probably just glad so
meone’s looking after her, you dickhead, I tell myself. Thoughts of how we ended up here run through my head; total disbelief that any mother could drop their baby and run like she did.
“Oh, I know.” I lay her down on the floor, noticing that I urgently need to run the vacuum around before running for the bags by the front door. “I bought you a play mat. It’s got loads of colourful animals on it. You’ll love it.”
I shake it out beside her and then lift her onto it, gently placing her under the bar where assorted soft toys, mirrors and other bits hang down. She sucks at her little fist and it looks so endearing.
I’m pretty sure it’s the first night of my adult life where I don’t send my guest home once I’m bored with them, and I’m not just saying that because I literally can’t send her anywhere else, but I actually never get bored of her. The different faces she makes, the cute little sounds that pass her lips. I am utterly and totally in love with this little woman and that is something I never thought I’d say in a million years. My aunt banged on about my need for a DNA test, and I do agree it needs to be done, but I already know categorically that this little girl is mine. I feel it. The connection between us already is just too strong for her not to be a part of me. No fucking way.
As in love as I might be, our first night together is anything but smooth. I feed her, change her, do all the things exactly as my auntie instructed, but right as I lie her in the Moses basket for the night, her face turns purple and a horribly familiar smell permeates the room.
Hot Daddy Package: An Enemies to Lovers Romance Page 3