Chapter 17
Jaxon
I’mjustsneakingout of Andy’s room after he fell asleep when my phone buzzes in my pocket. When I look at the screen, I see Denise’s name. Worry fills my mind. Is everything okay? Why’s she calling so late?
“Hello,” I whisper as I close his bedroom door partially.
Coughing fills my ears, and I have to pull the phone back. “Denise?”
“Yes, I’m here. I’m so sorry about that.” Her voice is hoarse, as if she had smoked two packs of cigarettes a day, which isn’t true.
“That’s all right. Are you okay?” Based on that coughing, I would say the obvious answer is no.
She coughs again. “No, actually. At some point from the time you picked up Andy on Friday, I came down with something.” Oh shit. “It might just be a cold, but I’ve stopped vomiting long enough to call you. I’m so sorry for calling so late.”
Last time I checked, I don’t recall vomiting as a sign of a simple cold but more like the flu.
“I am so sorry to have to do this, but I can’t watch Andy for the next few days till I’m better.”
“Oh no, I totally understand. Please don’t apologize. You need to get yourself better. Is there anything I can do or bring you?”
“You’re so sweet.” She coughs again, and I yank the phone away. “Sorry about that. But no, you don’t have to do that. I have everything I need. Kelsey has already swung by with some soup, even though the thought of food… well—”
“Say no more. Please keep me posted if that changes. Feel better, Denise.”
“Thank you. Again, I’m sorry to put you in such a bind.”
“It’s not a problem. I can figure it out. Talk soon.”
After we hang up, I rest my head against the wall. “Well, shit,” I mumble to no one. The joys of single parenting—you talk to yourself a lot. The scariest part is I even answer myself, too. Taking tomorrow off shouldn’t be an issue. I pull up my calendar on my phone, and right there in big, bold letters is the reminder of a client meeting with the owner of Sedbrook Properties.
Fuck! I can’t reschedule that since he’s only in town on a limited schedule, and Finn is tied up with the outdoor learning project at Central Academy.
I enter my bedroom and pace the floor, trying to think of options. When I come up empty, I sit on the edge of my bed and hang my head in my hands.
Finn’s words from what feels like a lifetime ago ring out in my head. Kate is home. Why not just ask her? She’s great with kids.
What are my other options…? Nothing.I realize I don’t have her number, and I feel like maybe it’s too late to walk across the street and knock on her door. The way things have been so stressed between us, I wouldn’t put it past her to hold a shotgun to my head, opening the door at this hour.
I respected her wishes and pushed my feelings aside because she made how she felt clear. We have remained amicable around Lauren and Finn, and she smiles and waves to Andy, but that smile does a total one-eighty when she directs it at me. I’m pretty sure in her mind I’m burning in hellfire.
I pull up Finn’s number and shoot him a text.
Me: Two things… I need a favor and for you to not ask questions.
Finn: A no questions asked favor, huh? Haven’t heard that since your bachelor party.
That fucker would bring that up now. This was a terrible idea.
Me: You know what, never mind.
Finn: I’m kidding, and I’d do anything for you. So what do you need?
I sigh heavily, dragging my palms over my face. This is a bad idea, but I can’t reschedule this meeting, and there’s no one else.
I type out four words before pressing Send and wish I could see Finn’s expression as he reads my text.
Me: I need Kate’s number.
A few moments pass, and I wonder if maybe I gave him a heart attack. My phone finally buzzes with a response.
Finn: Kate Hudson? Kate Middleton? Because you couldn’t possibly be asking for my sister-in-law Kate Lawson’s number.
Me: What happened to no questions asked?
Finn: The last part technically wasn’t a question, and the first part was to confirm which Kate you wanted to call.
Me: Lawson.
Me: I also highly doubt you have Hudson or Middleton’s phone numbers.
Finn: That is very true—my wife would have my balls.
I bellow out a deep chuckle. I’m pretty sure she would have more than just his balls. He might be six feet under.
Me: Can we stop talking about your balls and just get the number?
A new message pops up with her contact information.
Finn: For the record, I’m pretty sure you have a better chance getting Kate Middleton than Kate Lawson.
Me: I’m not trying to GET ANYONE, but good to know. And thank you.
I quickly save the information into my phone.
Finn: No problem. I won’t ask questions, but if I get yelled at for giving this to you, I’m kicking your ass.
Me: I expect nothing less, but I think I could take you.
Finn: Pssh. Fuck off. See you tomorrow.