“Are we bolting?” Her whole demeanor changed. “I don’t want to move again. Please, Mommy, I don’t want to move.” She teared up, her little nose turning red.
“Nova, we’re not moving.” Great way to start the day, Karma. “But what I need to tell you is very important.”
“What?” She sniffled, wiping her eyes.
“After school, we have a visitor coming for dinner.”
“Oh. Is it Miss Jaynee and Sadie?” She smiled as she relaxed in her chair.
“No, baby. I just want you to be on your best behavior. Can you do that for me?”
“Yes. Is it a man?”
“Yeah, it is.”
“Oh.” She wrinkled her brow.
“What’s wrong? I thought you wanted me to get a boyfriend?”
“Is that who’s coming? A boyfriend?”
“Sort of.” I twisted my lips. “You should go brush your teeth. We’re running late.” Yes, I was a coward.
Nova ran off without complaint. She didn’t appear happy, which struck me as strange considering the other day she asked if she’d ever get a new daddy like Sadie.
I didn’t have time to decipher her feelings. We were actually running late. I was also frustrated I hadn’t sat Nova down sooner to prime her about Abe. Maybe it was better to wait for him to help explain…
Explain what? That he faked having sex to secure his position as president in the club, and I overheard them and ran away?
My phone pinged when a new text came in.
Abe: Morning baby. I’ll be there at noon.
How did he do that? Act as if we hadn’t destroyed each other?
Because he loves you.
Does he?
Karma: ok
I didn’t know what else to say.
My phone rang, and his name flashed on the screen.
“Hello?”
“Are you okay?” The concern in his voice made me smile. He seemed to be as overprotective as always. “I expected more in your reply.”
“Oh, sorry. We’re a little behind this morning.”
“How’d she take the news? I’m on fuckin’ edge here. Did she cry?”
“I haven’t told her anything.” I scrunched up my face, preparing for him to yell at me.
“Why not?”
“I’m scared.”