Della is the first to come running. “What happened?”
I look down at the weird contraption that’s blocking my way up the stairs.
“What’s this? Have you turned the place into a death zone?”
“It’s a safety door so Daniele doesn’t go up the stairs.” She looks at me, then darts forward. “You got hurt.”
There’s concern in her voice as she reaches up and presses her cool fingers against my forehead.
“Mommy, you have to make Daddy better,” Daniele says, her little face tight with concern.
“Come,” Della says as he takes my hand and pulls me to the bathroom. She wets a towel and presses it gently to my forehead.
When she’s done, Daniele says, “Kiss it better, too.”
Della’s eyes dart from our daughter to me. She looks very nervous as she stands on her toes. She places her hands on my shoulders and pulls me a little forward. Her lips are soft as she presses a kiss to my forehead and I can’t help but smile. She still smells like crushed apples.
When she’s done kissing it all better there’s a flush on her cheeks.
“Yeah, Mom. You have to kiss it better,” I tease her.
She scowls up at me and the words just come. “Careful, babe. Looking at me like that will get you in trouble.”
She starts to laugh, obviously remembering the first night we met.
Her smile, her scent, her flushed cheeks – damn, it still has a way of screwing with me. She’s still the only one I can see a future with.
***
DELLA
I look at my reflection and sigh miserably. It’s my first day at my dream job as cover designer, and I look like shit.
I’m wearing the best clothes I have, but the black pants are faded and the white blouse is stained yellow with time. I’m wearing my hair down for the first time in months. I’ve even curled it a little. It hangs well past my breasts. I pick up a strand and look at the split ends. I have to cut it this weekend. I’ve also put on a little eye-shadow with mascara. This is as good as it’s going to get.
I walk out of my room and go kiss Daniele goodbye. At least we have time before Jamie starts school. I’ll find a good daycare in the next few weeks.
When I walk into the kitchen, I’m surprised to see Carter still here. He looks devastatingly handsome dressed in a royal blue suit.
“Morning, Della,” he says and his eyes sweep over me. “You look beautiful.”
“Morning,” I say, feeling very self-aware of the outfit. I hate that he’s seeing me in these rags. After all, he is my boss.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” he asks.
I force a smile to my lips. “I’m just nervous.”
“Have some coffee before we go,” he offers.
“We? You’re taking me to work?”
That’s bad. I don’t want everyone thinking that I got the job because I know the boss. Even if it’s true.
“We don’t even work on the same floor, Della. No one will know about our relationship.”
I spit the coffee out. “Relationship?” When I look down it feels like the ground is turning into quicksand. I’ve spilled on my blouse. Dammit!
“Yeah, we share a child,” he snaps. “I’ll wait while you go put on something else.”