Page 71 of C is for Comfort

“I can watch Lexi for you tomorrow or Wednesday,” Archie says. “If you want?”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“What about Hamish?”

Archie shrugs. “He’ll understand. Besides, it’s not like I don’t see him every day, is it?”

“That’s true.”

“Tell Spencer you’re free either night. Or both if you want.”

My eyes widen. “You’re the best, Archie.”

“Yeah, well, you and Blake are pretty awesome too.” He yawns. “Night, Corey.”

“Night.”

I wait for the sound of Archie’s footsteps to fade before pulling my phone out.

Corey:About the second date… It turns out I’m free the next two nights.

Spence:Wednesday? I’m babysitting my niece and nephew tomorrow.

Corey:Wednesday is perfect.

Spence:I’ll see you then, sweet boy.

Corey:I’m looking forward to it, Daddy.

Damn, did that sound too needy?

Spence:Me too.

Smiling, I put my phone away and go upstairs to Lexi’s room. I open the door as quietly as possible. She’s fast asleep, although her foot is poking out from under her quilt. I tuck her back in and kiss her forehead, staring at her for a few seconds in the chink of light from the door. If this thing with Spence continues, I’ll have to tell her. It won’t be long before she starts asking where I’m going and why Archie or Blake are looking after her instead of me. I have no clue what she’ll think about me dating someone, but what I do know is that Spence makes me happy. I’ve put Lexi’s needs before my own for the last five years, but right now, I need something just for me. I need Spence. I only hope Lexi will understand.

17

Spencer

On Wednesday, Corey and I meet at my train station. I greet him with a kiss, and we hold hands as we go onto the platform to wait for a train to take us into Fenchurch Street.

“Did you have fun with your niece and nephew?” Corey asks once we’re settled on the train.

“Yes. We ordered pizza, made popcorn, watched a Disney movie, and then they went to bed. I dropped them off at school this morning.”

“They stayed at yours?”

I nod. “I’ve got bunk beds in my spare room.”

A room I’ve never shown Corey, something I need to remedy. My lips twitch as I wonder if I should point out that also gives Lexi somewhere to sleep, but I decide against it. Not because I don’t want her to, but because I’m fairly sure Corey can put two and two together himself.

“Sounds like a good evening,” he says after a pause.

“It was.”

“Do you like kids?”