Page 41 of Daycare Santa
“You’re here that often?” she asked, placing a few on her plate.
“Nah, Zack loves his private space.” Eli said, picking up a wing. “He’s more of a takeout guy.”
Chuckling, Zack shook his head. “Just give up all my secrets, like anybody asked you.”
“Don’t knock him too hard.” She patted Zack’s hand that rested on the table. “I’m learning more about you.”
“I guess that’s okay, then.” He glanced at her plate. “You better eat more of that food before it goes cold.”
“You ordered so much, we’ll never eat it all.”
The two men stared at each other and broke into laughter. “Just watch us,” they said at the same time.
An hour and thirty minutes later, the four of them sat inside the Cineplex. The movie was light and fun, exactly what Gina needed to take her mind off her cares.
Zack laced their fingers together, and she rubbed his thumb with hers to let him know she was okay with it. His warmth was comforting and reminded her of the early days with her husband.
The memories were sweet, but she kept them locked away to protect her heart. She stole a glance at Zack, who was advancing into spaces she hadn’t allowed Boyd to fill.
Her parents taught Seya and her how to take care of themselves and she’d fallen back on those lessons when Chase died. But it would feel good to lean on someone dependable, someone who loved her, someone who looked at her the way Zack was looking at her now. The affection in his gaze was an open statement that he cared how she felt and was prepared to do something about it if she said she wasn’t okay. She squeezed his hand to indicate she was fine, but he said, “Enjoy the movie. Whatever is bothering you can wait until later.”
She pulled the scarf closer with one hand and settled deeper into the seat. Zack was right. She couldn’t do anything about Thursday’s issues now. This time was hers and Zack’s.
Later, on the way to her house, Gina absorbed the creative decorations displayed on both homes and businesses. When they parked in her driveway, Zack leaned in and pressed a sweet kiss to her lips. She closed her eyes when he nudged her mouth open and enjoyed the sweet connection as his tongue tangled with hers.
After a moment, she pulled back and stared into his eyes.
He touched his lips to hers again, then said, “Please tell me what has you worried. You tried, but from time to time, the problem came at you.”
“That’s true.” She stared at the flower bed, lined with hibiscus and ixora plants, as she explained the issue.
Zack stroked the back of her hand as he listened, then offered a comment. “Not only are you short staffed, you need a babysitter.”
“Yes.”
“And you’re sure Seya will be unavailable?”
She nodded. “With our parents away, and what has happened with Nichelle, we’ve worked out our schedule down to the last minute. Seya helps me around this time of year, but the company she works for is super busy with parties and concerts.”
Zack stroked his beard, deep in thought. Then he nodded. “Lizette is back, and Luca likes her.” He raised both hands and flashed a smile. “And don’t ask me how I know.I know, okay?”
“I won’t ask then.”
“What I’m saying is I’m pretty sure we can help.”
She turned the purse over in her lap, tempted to accept his offer. Aside from the importance of staying afloat financially, she couldn’t shortchange her clients, despite what was happening in her personal life.
When she looked at Zack, his concern was obvious. She swallowed her reluctance and asked, “Are you serious?”