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“What’s wrong?” Noah asks, his brows furrowed.
“I have to go,” I say, grabbing my purse and dropping a few bills on the table. “Robbie’s at the museum, and Cole—he just—” I shake my head, still trying to process. “I have to pick himup.”
Noah stands, tossing some cash on the table. “Wait, what? He just left his kid at the museum?”
“Apparently,” I say, slinging my bag over my shoulder. “Trust me, I know how it sounds.”
“Are you serious?” he asks incredulously, standing to follow me.
“I know,” I say, exasperated. “But I can’t just leave Robbie there.”
Noah snorts, shaking his head as we head for the door. “Apparently, his dad has no problem with it.”
“You don’t have to tell me that,” I mutter, pushing the door open and heading for the parking lot.
Noah keeps pace with me, his expression showing disbelief and concern. “Do you need me to come with you?”
“No, it’s fine,” I say, unlocking my car. “I’ve got it under control.”
He hesitates, clearly torn, but finally nods. “All right. Call me later, okay? I want to make sure everything’s okay.”
“I will.” I give him an apologetic smile as I slide into the driver’s seat. “Thanks for lunch.”
“Yeah, yeah,” he says, waving me off. “Go save the day, Supernanny.”
I laugh despite myself and start the car, Noah’s sarcastic tone lingering in my ears as I pull out of the parking lot and head toward the museum.
***
Robbie’s room is bathed in the golden light of his bedside lamp. The soft glow reflects off the pale blue walls decorated with dinosaur decals—T-Rexes, Stegosauruses, and Velociraptors frozen mid-roar. His bookshelves are neatly packed with picture books, adventure stories, and a few chapter books I’ve been encouraging him to try.
I sit on the edge of his bed, waiting as he rummages through a small stack of books on his nightstand. The comforter, patterned with little dinosaurs, is pulled back, ready for him to climb in. Robbie’s brow furrows in concentration as he flips through the pages of one book, then sets it aside to inspect another.
“Take your time, buddy,” I say softly, suppressing a yawn. It’s been a long day, but this is one of my favorite parts—just me and Robbie, winding down together.
Robbie finally picks a book with a triumphant grin. “This one,” he says, holding it up.
“The knight and dragon one again?” I ask with a smile, though I already know the answer.
He nods eagerly. “It’s myfavorite.”
“Good choice,” I say, patting the bed. “Hop in, and we’ll get started.”
Robbie climbs onto the bed, his little legs tangling briefly in the comforter before he settles in. But just as I’m about to start reading, he freezes, his hazel eyes wide with panic.
“Rexy!” he cries, sitting up abruptly.
I glance around the room and spot the green stuffed dinosaur sitting on the chair by the window. “He’s over there,” I say, already getting up to retrieve him.
Robbie visibly relaxes, but his hands fidget with the edge of the comforter as I cross the room. Picking up Rexy, I can’t help but smile. The little dinosaur is well-loved, with a slightly faded fabric and a tiny tear near one of his legs.
“Here you go,” I say, handing it over.
Robbie hugs Rexy tightly to his chest, his small fingers stroking the plush fabric. “Thanks, Annie.”
“No problem,” I say, sitting back down. “You really love Rexy, huh?”
He nods, his voice barely above a whisper. “I can’t sleep without him.”