by Mary Smith
The next meeting had been a blur. The lunch meeting went faster since I barely touched my food. Then as the afternoon appointments came and went, my feet hurt more and my temples throbbed. However, I made it through and as I walk in my front door, I’m greeted by the giggles of my sweet little monkey and...Teo.
“Where’s Emma?” I ask, leaning down and kissing Klara’s cheek. She and Teo are stretched out on the floor.
“I sent her home. I figured she didn’t need to be here since I was,” he tells me without even looking up at me.
I want to pick up my daughter and cuddle with her, but it seems it’s Teo’s turn. I try my best not to pout, but it’s hard. “I’ll go put the breast milk away then.” I get up and grab the small cooler I have. I pump a lot at work to ensure Klara has enough. I’ve been lucky she’s not had to take formula.
I go to the kitchen and put everything away. Then I head to my room, kick off my shoes, wash away my makeup, and put on my yoga pants and tank top. Back in the kitchen, Emma left dinner for me in the oven. She’s an amazing cook and keeps up with my healthy eating menus I had been doing before. I sit at the breakfast bar and eat a bit as Teo comes in holding Klara.
“Are you okay?” he asks.
“I’m fine. Why?”
“There’s a lot of banging going on. If you’re upset, just say so.”
I sigh. “I’m not upset. Just tired, I guess.” Okay, it’s a lie because I am upset. I want to play with my daughter, whom I’ve not seen for almost thirteen hours.
“You’re lying.” He places Klara down next to me on the bar and he sits on the stool. “I know you weren’t expecting me to still be here, but I want to spend time with her. With the season about to start, it’s going to be harder for me to do that being on the road all the time.”
My heart grows heavy. “You’re right. I’m sorry. This is a lot to get used to.”
“You don’t think I feel the same way?” He furrows his brow.
“No, I think you do.” I contend. “Why don’t you put her to bed?” I suggest.
“She wants you. Trust me, she’s bored with me.” He smirks.
Oh, I miss his smirk.
He hands me Klara, who smiles. She makes everything better.
“Thank you, Teo.”
He nods and kisses Klara before he leaves. Maybe it won’t be horrible between us. He’s been civil and he wants to spend time with Klara–it’s what is most important.
It’ll be okay.
I TYPE UP the notes from the last meeting Uncle Oliver and I had. I think my fingers could fall off because I hate when I miss a single detail. As I finish up and email them to him, I race off to the conference room to set up for his next appointment.
I actually will enjoy this appointment. Liam Brown is coming. Liam is one of Uncle Oliver’s chief financial officers. Sometimes I think he’s flirting with me, but I just overthink it because he wouldn’t like someone like me.
“If it’s not the most beautiful female this side of the Mason-Dixon line.” Liam’s tender voice fills my ears.
I turn around. “Mr. Brown, it’s outstanding to see you again.”
Liam is older but has the George Clooney hotness about him, with a deep southern drawl. His salt and pepper hair is cut short but distinguished. His dark suit is tailored tight to show off his muscled arms and thick thighs.
Damn, he’s hot!
“It’s always nice to see you, Nova.” He smirks. “Will you be joining us in the meeting? I hope so. You’re much prettier than Oliver’s bald head.” He thumbs over to Uncle Oliver walking over to us.
“Shut up.” Uncle Oliver greets Liam with a grunt and a hug. “What the hell are you going on about?”
“I was just getting ready to ask Nova out on a date,” Liam states and I freeze in place.
“No,” Uncle Oliver firmly tells him. “Now, let’s get down to business.” He pushes on his shoulder to a seat next to the head of the table. “Nova, sit here.” He points to the seat across from Liam.
My knees are knocking as I make my way over to the seat. Liam Brown asked me out. Well, kind of. What should I say? Should I say something? I should but not now. When is the best time to say something? The questions are spinning around, and I wish I could text Janan for some advice. She’d know what to do.
Uncle Oliver and Liam begin their meeting discussing the minor league team Uncle Oliver purchased. The Nashua Tigers, located in Nashua, New Hampshire.
“Oliver, the team is draining money. In fact, it’s like a punctured artery!” Liam’s voice raises. “I know you have a hard-on for sports and shit, but this is killing us.”
“The plan will work.” Uncle Oliver glares at him.
“No, it won’t.” Liam counters. “You need to dump it and take your losses. No one wants to see second rate players. They want the Bears. They pay to see the best.”
They’re both coming out of their chairs, and I know in about two seconds the screaming match of who’s better than who is about to start.
“Wait.” I stand up and go between them. “I have an idea.”
They’re staring each other down but slowly turn toward me.
“What is your idea, beautiful?” Liam smirks as Uncle Oliver slaps the back of his head.
“Stop hitting on my goddaughter.” He growls. “What is it, Nova?”
“Have a scrimmage match between the Bears and the Tigers. Host it in Nashua. Both teams are back because they’re about to report to training camp. This would be perfect to introduce them together for the new season.”
Both of their mouths hang open.
“Why didn’t we think of it?” Uncle Oliver asks Liam.
“Because we’re not as pretty or half as smart as Nova,” he answers.
Uncle Oliver slaps him again, and I do my best to suppress a giggle. “Stop hitting on her. You’re almost fifty-five.”
“I’m not dead.” He winks at me.
They both sit back down and go over the details of this potential scrimmage game. I even added the idea of having the Manchester Cats and Concord Rams show up as well. Make it a big Oliver Matthew’s sports party.
“The money could go to charities.” The ideas could keep flowing through me. “Or some of the money?”
“We can give it to the Bears foundation.” Liam mentions.
Uncle Oliver has always had a big heart. Last season Janan did a high-scale fundraiser for the domestic violence shelter and it had a great turnout. It gave Uncle Oliver the idea to start a foundation and attached the New Hampshire Bears to it. It helps shelters–both domestic and homeless–remain funded. He even added in some underprivileged children and families. It’s been a huge hit for the area and many have been helped because of it.
Once they finish out the details, with me helping a bit, the meeting ends and I begin to clean up and head back over to my desk. Liam and Uncle Oliver are standing by it. Uncle Oliver looks pissed with his arms crossed over his chest.
“I don’t like this.” He grumbles.
“Nova.” Liam’s bluish gray eyes are staring deep into mine. “Would you like to go to dinner tonight?”
“Um...what?” I look at Uncle Oliver. “Don’t you have a dinner meeting tonight?” Have I forgotten something?
“No, I do not have a dinner meeting. Liam feels you and he would have a good time together.” He glares at Liam.
“Like a date?” I furrow my brow at them both.
“Yes,” Liam answers with a smile. “I’m certain you’ve been on dates before.”
I glance at Uncle Oliver. He knows the truth about my dating experience. The only boyfriend–if you can say that–was Teo. He was my first kiss. My first sexual partner. He was the only one who took me out on dates, and we only went out a few times–nothing else. Well, the sex was the something else.
“Seriously? You want to take me to dinner?” I’m certain it’s not a date-date. It’s a date slash business meeting.
“Yes. Tonight.”
“Oh.
” I gasp. I have the perfect excuse to get out of it. “I can’t go tonight. I don’t have anyone to watch Klara.”
There’s still a small smile on his face. “I can bring dinner to you. Simple.” He pats Uncle Oliver’s back and leaves us standing there.
“Should I be concerned?” I sigh.
“Liam is really a good guy. If you want to date him, I know he’ll treat you right,” he tells me with sincerity in his voice.
“I’m twenty.”
“I’m aware.” He nods. “Liam is fifty-five. Is this a problem?”
I think about Hamilton and Janan. Hamilton broke Janan’s heart because he was ten years older than her. It killed her. Liam is a good guy. He’s never been rude or insulting to me.
Now, what do I do?
“HE ASKED YOU out?” Janan is on the floor playing with Klara.
“Yes, but I don’t know.” I fold more baby clothes Klara can’t fit in anymore. I’m boxing them up to donate.
“Don’t know what?”
“I think he’s fooling around. Or not? Heck, I don’t know what’s happening in my life.” I throw up my hands. “It’s a hot mess.”
Janan laughs making Klara cackle softly. “You’re not a mess nor is your life. You have an amazing job, family, and above all a daughter.”
I look at my sweet monkey. “I love her and you too.” I sigh. “What the hell is wrong with me?”
Before Janan could answer, and I know she would have a lot to say, the doorbell rings. “I’m sure it’s Teo.” I sigh, stand and climb over the piles of clothes to go to the door. When I open the door, my mouth drops to see...Liam.
“Hello, Nova.” He lifts up a bag with the steakhouse logo. “I brought you dinner since you couldn’t come out with me.”
Liam?
Liam?
“Hi, Liam.” Janan comes up behind me with Klara. “How are you?”
“Janan, you’re looking lovely as ever.” Liam comes into my house. “This little angel has to belong to you. I saw her in a picture Oliver showed everyone. She’s perfect, Nova.”
“Thank you.” I shut the door and look to Janan for help. She’s standing there, holding my daughter, with a huge grin on her face. “Liam, I’m certain you went through a lot of trouble to bring this all over. You didn’t have to.”
“I have a date with you and I never stand up a beautiful woman.” He winks. “Kitchen this way?” He points in the wrong direction.
“I’ll show you.” Janan volunteers to take him before I can protest.
I follow them as if I’m a puppy being led on a leash. They converse with each other as I stand obediently near the table. Liam is setting up the table and even brings Klara’s high chair over to the edge.
“Well, looks like you two have a date to start.” She hands me Klara and kisses her cheek before hugging me. “Love you, Peanut. Love you, Novabear. See you soon, Liam.”
“Bye, Janan.” He waves and waits for the front door to close before he gestures to the spread. “What do you think?”
I smile, unsure of what to say. He’s standing there in dark jeans and a simple ivory cable knit sweater. He did go through all this trouble. I mean, how many guys would bring over dinner when a girl has a small infant.
A guy wouldn’t, but a man would.
I’ve never dated a man. Just Teo. He treated me good. Of course, the entire breakup is my fault and still a nightmare, but I remember Teo saying all women are liars. I still don’t know what he means, but when we were together he did hint around his distrust for women. I never pushed the issue then.
“Let me get her a bottle.” I adjust Klara on my hip and go to the fridge.
“I’ll help.” He rushes over and takes her from my arms.
“Um…” I’m not sure how she’ll react to him. I stop. He’s softly bouncing her up and down and making odd faces. Klara reaches out and grabs his nose with a smile. “Okay.” Is all I can say and go back to making her bottle. When I turn around he’s at the table holding her.
“She’s a good baby.” He comments as I come over and sit next to them.
“She’s the best. I’ll take her.” I reach for her and my bundle of joy giggles and cuddles into my arms.
Liam begins to fix up our plates and tells me how he enjoyed the meeting today. He talks about his day after leaving Uncle Oliver and myself. I know a lot about Liam, even before working for Uncle Oliver. I know they’ve been friends for many years. I can see the admiration and respect he has for Uncle Oliver.
“How’s school going?”
I’m struggling to cut my chicken and Liam takes over for me. “Thank you.” It’s kind of him to help me as I feed Klara. “Actually, I’m not in school right now.”
“How come?”
“I needed to work and support Klara.” I gaze at my baby’s stunning blue eyes.
Teo’s eyes.
“Oliver would have taken care of everything. He bought this house for you.”
I had always figured he bought this house for me, but he always said I was housesitting. Having confirmation now makes me love him even more. Should I be mad? Sure. However, it’s Uncle Oliver. He is the way he is.
“I know, but I have a child and I need to be responsible.”
He smiles. “You’re very independent.”
I shrug as Klara finishes her bottle. I adjust her and begin patting her back.
“Let me help you.” He takes Klara from me even though I try to protest and starts to burp her. “Finish your food.”
I’m uncertain of what to do. He seems to be at ease with her. “Liam, you’ve never had children, correct?”
“Correct. I’m like Oliver in a lot of ways. We always put the job first. However, I have a lot of nieces and nephews whom I spoil all the time.” He coos over Klara with a relaxed expression. “Now, Nova, tell me what you like to do in your spare time?”
I giggle. “Spare time? I’m not sure I remember what that is. Between working for Uncle Oliver and Klara, I don’t have any.”
Liam is about to say something else but the front door opens and I gasp. Shit, it’s Teo. I don’t have to see him to know. I quickly take Klara from Liam and head toward the front of the house.
“Hey.” Teo nods. “I knocked.” He points to the door behind him. “I saw a strange but expensive car in the driveway.”
“It’s mine.” Liam strolls up next to me before I can answer.
“Having a dinner meeting?” Teo furrows his brow and looks between us.
“No, it’s a date.” Liam volunteers.
I rush Klara over to Teo. “She needs to be changed. Come with me please.” My stomach is doing flips. “Liam, we’ll be right back.” I brush past Teo but stare at him hoping he takes the hint to follow without making a scene. I can tell he’s pissed. I know this expression well.
I don’t even have Klara’s door shut when he starts. “You’re dating? You’re dating a man quadruple your age?” His arms are crossed, and his blue eyes are staring me down.
“He’s not that old.” In truth, he is, but I’m omitting it from Teo. I lay Klara on the changing table and begin to change her diaper and clothes.
“I didn’t realize you were allowing strange men around my daughter.”
I roll my eyes. “She’s our daughter and Liam Brown isn’t a stranger. I’ve known him for a long time.”
“I’m sure since your birth.” He growls.
“Teo.” I sigh and let the comment go. Arguing in front of Klara is something I will not do. “Why did you come over tonight? It’s later than usual.”
“I was hanging out with Alden and Nathan and time got away from me. I at least wanted to come over and say goodnight to Klara.”
I can’t blame him for wanting to see his daughter. “Would you like to change her clothes? She’s already eaten and all you’ll need to do is rock her a little bit. She’ll fall right to sleep.”
“Sure.” He smiles down at Klara.
I show him where her night clothes are an
d then I go back to Liam. I did have a good evening with him. I feel bad for the interruption because I don’t like to be rude to anyone. Liam is standing by the front door where I left a few moments ago.
“Everything okay?” He smirks.
“It’s fine. I know you know about Teo being Klara’s father.”
“Oliver told me. I didn’t realize he was in the picture.”
“Long story.” I wave my hand in hopes he doesn’t ask any more questions. “Listen, I had a fun time.”
“Let’s do it again tomorrow night.” Liam steps up closer to me and I can smell his spicy aftershave.
“Really?” I breathe out. My heart flutters. I feel as if he’s going to kiss me. I’ve only been kissed by Teo and he’s in the other room taking care of our daughter.
“Yes.” He leans toward me and softly presses his lips to mine. It’s a simple, quick kiss. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I open the door and once he’s gone, I take a deep breath. As I turn to go back to Klara’s room, I see Teo glaring at me from the end of the hall.
This could become complicated.
Chapter Six
Teo
“I DON’T UNDERSTNAD why you’re upset.” Nathan straps on his pads. “She’s single. She’s hot. Why wouldn’t she be dating?”
“She’s dating a man old enough to be her father.” I tug on my practice jersey. “What kind of man is he? He’s going to be around my daughter.”
“Teo.” Hamilton comes over and stands by me. “I’m not trying to stick my nose in your business—”
“Then don’t try to.” I cut him off by putting my hand on his face. “Nova might be your family, but it’s my daughter who is my concern.” I turn my back to him and finish getting ready. I can feel him staring at me, but I continue to ignore him–I’m ready to hit the ice.
I’m pissed off at everyone and everything, even Nathan and he’s my best friend. I can’t believe how my life has changed in a matter of a week. I know I’m not jealous. I don’t care what, or who, Nova does. I tried to give her a second chance and she blew it because of her lies. In Klara’s four months of life, I’ve missed a lot. I know I won’t be missing any more of her life. I won’t be a deadbeat dad.