Page 22 of Hold Me Tight

How is this kid so damn cute?

No, seriously.

It’s mind-boggling.

When Nora points to the television, I grab the remote and turn it on, flipping through a few channels until it lands on a cartoon that looks age appropriate. Nora plucks the pacifier off the coffee table as she snuggles Gaffy in her arms.

My thoughts wander to Callie as I sneak a peek at my phone. Beau better be talking about pastry orders and not trying to flirt with her.

With an exhale, I drag a hand through my hair. The idea of Callie out on a date with another man eats away at my insides.

I glance down at Nora. “Think we should check on your mama? Make sure everything’s good?”

If it’s not…

She plucks the pacifier from her mouth. “Mama!”

I nod. “Exactly what I was thinking, ladybug.”

With my phone in hand, I type out a message.

Me: Just wanted you to know that Nora has tied me up and is running wild through the townhouse. JK. We’re fine. She colored a masterpiece for you, and we hung it on the fridge. Now she’s watching a show. Then we’ll read a few books, and it’s lights out for this girl.

I hit send and then wait for a response. When one doesn’t pop up right away, I grow impatient and hit her name until a map appears on the next screen.

Did I happen to turn on her share location when she went to the bathroom before walking out the door with another man?

Damn right I did.

Looks like she’s at one of his restaurants. It’s only a couple of miles from here. Nora and I could be there in less than ten minutes if we needed to.

Me: If I don’t hear from you in two minutes, I’m coming to get you. FYI-I know where you are.

It takes less than ten seconds for her response to come through.

Callie: Okay, I’m calling your bluff. Where am I?

I fire off the answer.

Me: Sweet Surrender.

There’s a longer pause this time before she responds.

Callie: Did you turn on my location?

Me: Consider it a safety measure.

Callie: That’s a little stalkerish.

Me: Agree to disagree.

Callie: Is everything okay?

I snap a pic of Nora sitting contentedly next to me watching TV, totally engrossed in the show.

Me: She’s perfect. I just wanted to check on her mom.

Callie: I’m fine. I won’t be out much longer.