“Well, I don’t actually know, do I?”
He looked completely bewildered. “Are we really back to that? Just because a few men out there are shitty fathers doesn’t mean I’m going to be one of them, Ces. It’s unfair to blame me for their sins.”
I scowled. Men always made this excuse. If I had to hear one more sentence start with “not all men,” whether it had to do with domestic violence, catcalling, or even just doing the dishes, I was going to scream.
“I’m sorry, but no,” I replied stoutly. “It’s no different than getting a vaccine. Or STD testing. Or putting on a seat belt, for crying out loud. We don’t do it because every single driver out there is a maniac. But enough of them are that we prepare for the possibility. And just like some people shouldn’t be drivers, there are also many who shouldn’t be parents.”
Xavier rubbed his chin, looking like he wanted to argue back.
“There’s another reason, too,” I added.
“Oh?” He didn’t sound particularly thrilled.
“My family.”
“I thought you loved your family.”
“I do. But like I told you, they consist of four extremely nosy sisters, my very protective big brother, and a pushy grandma who would like nothing more than to see me married and Sofia have a dad. If they catch wind you’re back in my life, they will be on you like white on rice, my friend. I’m okay with that. But I’m not sure you’re quite prepared.”
For the first time all night, Xavier actually looked unsure. I sort of hated him for it, but I’d been banking on it.
“I see,” he said. “And I’m guessing Sofia can’t keep a secret.”
“Well, she’s four.”
If he needed more explanation than that, then he really had a lot to learn about children.
He was quiet for another minute.
“It will just be until she gets used to you. And until you…” I almost said “love her,” but caught myself in time. He had already made it clear that was too much to ask. “Until you get used to her too. If you can do that, you can meet her this week.”
He looked up like an alerted animal. “This week?”
I tipped my head. “Too soon?”
“No, it’s just—I was thinking—fuck.”
I chuckled. It was nice to know he didn’t have everything under control.
“How about Friday?” I asked. “It’s movie night. My brother is out of town. If it’s nice, I’ll pick her up early and meet you at to the park. Next time you can come over and watch Moana. That’s her favorite. If you learn how to sing ‘You’re Welcome’ like The Rock, she’ll adore you.”
He looked at me like I was speaking a foreign language but gave a short nod. “Friday, then.”
“Meet me outside my school again at three thirty,” I said. “And this time, stay put.”