But he’s a single dad, so maybe he’s not using baby soap on the little girl.
“She has a little reddening on her bottom. Just keep an eye on it and use some diaper cream and the redness should be gone by morn—”
My words fall away when angry eyes snap up to mine. Tears sting the backs of my eyes under his offended stare.
“I know how to take care of my own damn child,” he snaps before turning around and storming away.
One tear rolls down my cheek, then two. Before long, the river is flowing.
I don’t have a clue what it is about me that he hates so much, but it’s taking a harder toll on me than I ever thought possible.
I jolt when a warm hand rubs a circle on my back. I take a step back, feeling even more upset when I see Misty looking at me with pity in her eyes.
Emmalyn is out the door of the daycare in a flash, and I know she’s probably going to go speak with Harley, but I also know from experience in social situations that being chastised for bad behavior rarely alters it. If anything, Em talking with Harley will only make things worse.
“I didn’t mean to startle you,” Misty says softly, the concerned look still on her face.
I brush my hands over my cheeks, wondering just how much of my eye makeup is now staining my face. I normally don’t wear much, but my eyes were extremely puffy from lack of sleep. I didn’t put it on out of vanity, but because I didn’t want parents dropping their kids off and wondering just what in the hell I got up to last night.
“I’m-I-I don’t know why he hates me.”
“I’m sure he doesn’t,” Misty cajoles. “What made him upset this time?”
My existence, I want to mutter, but that’s a little too morose.
“I mentioned the redness on Aria’s bottom and suggested diaper cream. He snapped at me that he knows how to take care of his daughter.”
“He’s going through—”
“A lot,” I interrupt. “I know, but with the risk of sounding a little childish, it’s not fair of him to take his issues out on me. Maybe I shouldn’t care for Aria. I’ll avoid him at all costs from now on.”
Misty gives her head a little shake, and for the first time, the pitying look on her face makes me want to scream about injustices and her quickness to defend such awful behaviors from a man old enough to know better.
“We don’t solve problems around here by ignoring them.”
“Please tell me you don’t suggest a roundtable meeting so all parties can get on the same page. It will only make things worse.”
“Aria likes you, Ali. I’m not going to make her suffer because her dad is in a mood.”
In a mood.
I scoff at that. “Sorry. It’s just—”
“You’re frustrated, and he’s treating you unfairly. Em will get to the bottom of it.”
“I’ll keep taking care of her, but maybe someone else needs to give him her reports at the end of the day.”
“That may be best for a while.” She gives me another soft smile, and I try to return it. “There’s another matter we need to discuss.”
I jerk my eyes away from her, wondering just what in the hell perceived wrong I’ve committed.
“What’s that?” I ask, trying my best not to sound annoyed because the hits keep coming.
“The couch in the living room.”
I clear my throat, but can’t find any words.
“Did you not like the house? If there are any issues, I can work on resolving them.”
“I’m just not ready to be alone,” I whisper, the confession taking more strength than I thought it would.
“That’s understandable.”
“How did you know? Did Boomer—”
“Shadow is responsible for overseeing IT stuff. He found it odd that the front door cameras were triggered so late at night.” Misty looks over her shoulder when Apollo walks into the room to pick Nate up. “Just know that you’re welcome here anytime. You’re safe at either place, but just be aware that if any of the guys see you sleeping on the couch, there’s a good chance they will offer up their room.”
I laugh at this, remembering the conversation I had last night with Boomer who seemed almost mad that I wouldn’t take his bed, even after the promise of changing the sheets.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I tell her before she turns to greet Apollo and give her little Nate’s report.
I keep myself busy as long as possible, even staying behind to straighten and clean after the last child is picked up, but I know I’ll have to leave, eventually.
“You’re stuck with me again tonight.”
I turn to see Boomer standing in the doorway, and a genuine smile tugs up the corners of my mouth.
“Yeah? I figured you’d beg someone else to sit outside the house.”