Page 56 of Passing Notes
I huffed a laugh and made my way over to Clara’s house.
“Hey there, neighbor.” She was on the porch with her ever-present mug of coffee sitting on the railing and that same podcast sounding out its motivational quotes through her open front window.
“It’s cold out today,” I remarked.
“Are we really talking about the weather?” She laughed. “I thought we’d moved past that.”
“It was the topic du jour the other night, if I recall correctly.”
“Ahh, yes. The thunderstorm. I appreciate your company and big strong arms. Sleeping in my closet is never ideal. What brings you over?”
“Uh, I need your help with Sasha. Morgan is out of town.”
“Maybe you should hire a nanny to help you out. I hear all the single dads are doing it.” Her mouth twitched at the corners and her eyes sparkled with amusement as she teased me.
“Now why would I do that when I have a gorgeous blond heartbreaker like you living right next door?” I reached over and touched her nose with a fingertip.
“You make a good point. What can I do for y’all?”
“It seems like she’s started her period, her first one. Morgan is out of town, on a plane right now, in fact. I wondered if you had any, um, supplies? And would you sit with the kids while I pick up some more? I don’t like leaving them alone. Ethan’s not the best when it comes to making good choices—he’s still a bit impulsive.”
She stared at me for a second, mouth slightly open as a spark of some indefinable emotion flickered across her face. Then her eyes softened on mine and she broke into a sweet, tender smile. “I don’t mind at all. You’re a good dad, Nick.”
“Thanks.” This scenario was the perfect opportunity to bring her closer to my kids without the pressure of letting them know we were dating or getting back together, or whatever it was we were doing. We still hadn’t labeled it. “Would you stay and have dinner with us tonight too?”
Her eyes lit up. “Are you sure about that?”
“Absolutely. We don’t have to say a word about me and you. Just a neighborly dinner, right?” I winked.
“Oh.” The light left her eyes and I frowned. “Of course. What a great idea. And I have pads inside. I might not have food in my kitchen, but I have always those.” She made a joke to cover her obvious disappointment and I couldn’t help but think I’d put my foot in my mouth, big time.
“I appreciate this. Clara? Are you okay?”
“Of course I am. I’m fine. I’m glad I can help her. I’ll grab everything and meet you at your place.” She turned and ran inside, slamming the door behind herself before I could question her further, so I got up and went home, leaving the door open for her to come in.
I arrived in time to hear the water shut off. “I’m back,” I called. “Clara’s coming over.”
Sasha, in her bathrobe, popped her head around the corner at the top of the stairs. “Thank god.”
“Like I said, I got you, honey.”
“Hi, Sasha.” Clara stepped through the open front door behind me and held up a grocery bag. “I brought you some pads. Think of them like puzzle stickers. They fit right into your undies.”
“Oh! That’s all I have to do? Stick it there?”
“Yep. Easy-peasy, lemon-squeezy.”
Sasha ran down and grabbed the bag. “Thank you. Will you be here if I can’t do it and need help?”
“Sure thing. Here, let me show you one before you go upstairs.” Clara dug into the bag and demonstrated what to do.
Sasha beamed up at her. “I can do that!”
“You sure can.” Clara beamed right back.
We watched Sasha run up the stairs with the bag.
“I appreciate this more than I can say.”