Sucker Punch (TKO 4)

“Thank you for not treating me differently.”

My eyes widen as I reach out to grab his hand. “You’re not different, Austin. You’re just like everyone else in this room. Even if you had both arms, I’d still like you as much as I do now.”

“You mean that?” he asks quietly.

“Yeah, I do.” I don’t even have to think about the answer. I already know. It’s signed and sealed, I like Austin more than I thought possible.

A thousand questions start running through my head as this attraction seems to grow. How does he feel about kids? Does even like them? Does he want them one day? Maybe kids are a total deal breaker for him. I have no clue and I won’t for a while. I’m happy right now. I’m not quite ready to give that up yet.

We finish our coffee and sit for a little longer before I check my phone and realize I need to get to the hospital soon for my shift.

I push my chair back and walk to toss my empty cup in the trashcan. Austin is behind me and follows me to my car. His lips lightly brush against my cheek as he tells me to have a good day. The blush creeps up my face and I can’t hide it. He’s smirking right in front of me so he knows exactly what he’s doing. He opens my car door and waits for me to get in before he kisses my lips. I want more of his kiss but time is not on my side right now. He breaks the kiss and shuts the door for me. I watch as he walks to his car and I wait for him to drive off before I leave. I just can’t believe I’ve finally met a guy I actually like, but I’m too scared to be truthful with him about my life.

The rest of the day flies by. I was hoping to go home and rest but Nora gets started talking about how she wants a drink and next thing I know, we’re planning a night at home of tacos and of course, margaritas. She wants me to invite Austin over but I have to remind her he doesn’t know about Darla yet.

I run by the grocery store with Darla in tow. Her eyes light up when she sees a can of princess Spaghettios, so I toss that into the buggy for her. She’ll eat taco meat but I just can’t deny that cute face when she pouts. I continue walking through the store to grab the meat, taco seasoning and the shells. Nora insisted she would get everything else we need. I head to the liquor aisle to get a bottle of tequila. She told me she has a bottle of margarita mix at home she hasn’t opened yet, so this works out.

I’m in line to check out when I hear my name from behind me. I turn to see Raegan also in line and her little boy in line. I keep remembering she knows Austin and I’m praying she doesn’t say anything to him.

“Hey Paige, it just seems I see you everywhere now.” She smiles kindly.

“I know, right? Your little boy is so adorable.” He looks just like her. A spitting image.

“Thank you!”

“Mama, I want to see the baby.” Darla squirms in the seat of the buggy. I move out of the way to give her a better view. Her eyes light up when she sees how tiny he is.

“What’s his name?” I ask Raegan.

“This is Lucas.” She introduces him to me.

Darla continues to smile at the baby. “I’m Dawla.” I laugh at how she can’t quite pronounce the ‘r’ in her name.

“Hi Darla, I’m Raegan.”

“Waegan.” Darla grins, showing off her full set of pearly whites.

The line moves forward and now it’s our turn at the register. Darla begins telling Raegan about all of the stuff we are buying. I laugh as I pay for the few things and then tell Raegan and Lucas bye. All the while, I hold my breath and pray she doesn’t slip up anywhere near Austin and tell him my little adorable four year old secret.

***

Nora is already parked outside of my apartment when I get there. I get Darla out of the car and grab the bags of groceries so we can go inside. We both managed to get a day off tomorrow and we are enjoying ourselves. The tacos are delicious and Darla even announces her Spaghettios are ‘amazing.’ While Nora begins making the first pitcher of margaritas, I give Darla her bath and tuck her into bed. As I walk back into the kitchen, Nora hands me a cup.

“Drink up, Paige.” She grins as she clanks her cup against mine.

The first sip is amazing. I go ahead and tell Nora she can stay here if she needs to. Since we’re both drinking, the last thing I’d want is for something to happen to her on the way home.

“So, what’s lover boy doing tonight?” she asks.

I blush at the mention of him. “I don’t know. I haven’t talked to him.”

Her eyes widen in surprise. “You should text him.”

“And why would I do that?”

“To tell him how much you like him.”

“I’m not drunk, Nora. He knows I like him.”