by J. P. Comeau
“It’s yours now, Eva. In fact, when it comes time to renew the lease, I’m more than happy to recommend you to the property manager.”
“That’s a great idea, thank you! I absolutely love it there, you guys. The views are phenomenal, and just like you did, Ginger, I watch the ocean every morning while sipping my coffee. The only thing missing is…well, you know.”
I sighed while thinking about how lonely Eva must have been. Jorge gave her a sympathetic look, too. She had never been someone who did well on her own. If Eva weren’t in a relationship, then she wasn’t happy. And the men she’d been casually dating were nothing but jerks who treated her like an object.
“It’ll happen when the timing is right, Eva. I’ll keep my eyes open for anyone who looks worthy enough of being called your boyfriend too. Just keep telling yourself that, all right?”
Jorge interjected, “Me too, Eva. Unfortunately, all of the guys I work with are not interested in a lasting relationship.”
I chuckled while leaning back in my chair. “That’s because you used to be one yourself.”
He held up his hands while shrugging. “Hey, if I could change my past, I would in a heartbeat. Except for the part where you and I get together, that is.”
Eva rolled her eyes as Jorge and I kissed. “Get a room, you two. On second thought, why don’t you go to your room while I watch Brooks?”
I laughed while shaking my head. “We can wait, Eva.”
She giggled while continuing to play with Brooks, who was delighted at seeing one of his aunts again. They looked so cute together, and I couldn’t help but think what a wonderful mother Eva would be one day.
“I just wish I didn’t have so much free time. There are only so many movies I can watch at home before I go stir-crazy.” The doorbell rang, and Jorge went to answer it. “Take last night, for example. There was a back-to-back romcom feature on television, and even after it was over, I still couldn’t sleep. Ugh, I just hate sleeping alone. You’re so lucky, Ginger.”
Gavin poked his head into my office, and Eva’s eyes instantly lit up. “Hello, I’m Gavin.”
“Hi, I’m Eva.”
I took Brooks out of her arms, thereby allowing her to shake Gavin’s hand. There was no denying the spark between them, either.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He turned to me and smiled. “Is that Brooks?” Gavin took him from me, and once again, Brooks was elated to see another face.
“That boy just eats up attention,” I said while sitting back down in my chair.
Gavin walked back and forth, carrying Brooks, smiling from ear to ear.
“Gosh, I miss having my daughter. She was so cute at this age. They’re just so cute and cuddly, you know? When they get older, watch out Ginger: they love to run all over the house. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to chase after my little girl while she giggled and ran away from me.”
Eva and I laughed while Gavin continued playing with Brooks.
“Anyway,” I said to Ginger, “I’ll be sure to keep my eyes and ears open if I hear of any part-time job openings.”
Gavin’s eyes lit up as he turned to face Eva. “Did you say that you’re looking for a part-time job?”
“Yes, I am. I work at the Lavender Dreams Spa with Ginger and Margo, but I have plenty of time on the nights and weekends.”
“Really? Because I’m in desperate need of a babysitter.”
Click here to follow Eva and Gavin’s journey to their HEA in
Single Dad’s New Nanny