“Why not?”
“First, don’t shout at me… Second, why do you think I moved out?”
“I didn’t shout.” His jaw is clenched, and he’s a little growly. “I thought you moved out so we could date without people making rude insinuations—because you care what these assholes think, and I don’t.”
Okay.
“I moved out because too many lines were getting crossed. Things were getting muddled, and you have a little girl to consider.”
He exhales deeply and turns, looking out at the street a moment before turning back to me. “So you’re saying you won’t date me while you’re Lillie’s nanny?”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“Is that a no? Is that really what you want, Ruby?” The crack in his voice breaks my heart.
“Not really… I just. I think it’s too soon to have this conversation. I think we need to give it some time.” My hand is on my stomach, and I instinctively rub the pain there. “When I started you said you needed to focus on your work. Maybe we both need to take a step back and think about what we really want.”
His arms drop, and he pivots toward the street. “I have to go. I was just out jogging, and I needed to say these things. I wanted to be sure you know how I feel.”
“Who’s watching Lillie?”
“Eleanor’s at the house. I expect she’ll want to leave when I get back.”
Nodding, I swallow the lump in my throat. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Afternoon.” He does a little wave and jogs off into the night.
I stand and watch him go until I can’t see him anymore. Then I slowly close the door and pick up the knife. I’m not in the mood for black beans anymore.
32
Ruby
I pick up Lillie in the car line for the first time ever since I’ve been her nanny. Not because I don’t want to face the Mean Moms—I’m not that big of a wuss—but because I got a text from Drew as I was leaving the house.
Dotty’s neighbor has free puppies. Miniature Schnoodles!
Just reading the word makes my insides feel happy. I can’t resist texting back, Bless you! Now, Miniature whats?
Her reply is the laugh-crying emoji, and I’m bouncing in my seat waiting for Lillie. I called the school and asked them to send her to the car line, and while I’m waiting, I shoot a quick text to Remi. Important errand to run. Taking Lillie with me. Exciting day!
Remi texts me back with the okay just as the back door opens and Lillie climbs in with all her things. She looks a little sleepy, and I reach back to hold her hand.
“How are you doing, butter bean? Feeling tired?” Sh
e does a little shrug, and I can’t stand it anymore. “Want to go look at some puppies with me?”
That changes everything. “For me?”
“What if…” I turn the car toward Dotty’s house. “What if I get a puppy for you, and it lives at my house?”
She presses her little lips together looking to the side. “Would I get to see it every day?”
“Yes! You could see it every day after school. We can go to my house and play with it, and maybe, if your daddy says it’s okay, we can take it to your house sometimes too.”
“Okay!” She starts bouncing in her seat. “Let’s get a puppy!”
“It gets even better.” We’re pulling into Dotty’s driveway, and I kill the engine, giving her my most excited look. “These puppies are called Miniature Schnoodles!”