Page 22 of Rule 5: Never Crush on the Captain

Vinnie

I wave goodbye to Jasmine and Isaiah, and the tension in my chest finally eases.

Evan snorts.

I glide my gaze toward him. “Something wrong?”

“I rarely see you so happy.”

“Why are you sad, Vinnie?” Stella asks.

Evan looks stricken. Guess you’re not supposed to make seven-year-olds worry.

Well, the good thing is, I’m not sad. Not really. Sad I can’t be with Evan, sad that every moment is bittersweet, but that’s not what some people go through. And to be honest, I’m really glad I met Evan. I’m glad he exists in this world.

I crouch down to Stella. “I’m not sad.”

Her eyes narrow. “Are you sure?”

I nod solemnly.

“Then what’s wrong?”

I hesitate. “Sometimes adults get a bit lonely.”

Evan gasps, and I dart my gaze to him.

Stella gives me an understanding smile. “Everyone gets lonely sometimes.”

Evan squeezes Stella’s shoulder. “That’s right.”

“You get lonely too, don’t you, Daddy?” Stella asks.

Evan’s jaw drops. “Well...”

Stella turns to me. “He does. I know it. All my friends’ parents have husbands or wives.”

“And I just need you,” Evan says.

“You shouldn’t lie, Daddy,” Stella says.

Evan clears his throat, and a ruddy shade that wasn’t there before moves over his cheeks.

“Some people are single,” I say. “I’m single. It’s not that unusual.”

Evan gives me a relieved nod.

Stella assesses me again.

“That’s why Vinnie can take care of us this weekend,” Evan says. “Aren’t we lucky?”

Stella nods. “Let’s watch a movie!”

“Maybe you should ask Vinnie if he likes movies,” Evan suggests.

“Do you like movies, Vinnie?” Stella asks.

“I like movies.”