Page 37 of Seduction

“Can we have burgers? Oh, and fries?”

“You can have a snack, but I’ll make dinner when we get home.”

“Is a burger a snack?”

“No.”

“Why?” he asks.

“If you have one, you’ll be full. Then you won’t have room for dinner.”

“Please, please, please, Momma?”

I smile down at him, knowing I’m going to give in. He’s not a child who throws tantrums for everything, and I’m grateful for that. When he does ask for something, I try not to be too hard on him.

“Okay, baby. We’ll share one, how about that?”

“Thank you!”

As we approach the car, Einstein jumps out, opening the back door.

“Hi, Ice-tie!”

“Hey, little buddy.” He bends at the waist, raising his hand for a high five. “Up top.”

Giggling, Mikey slams his palm against Einstein’s. I watch him strap Mikey into his car seat, and out of nowhere, a thought pops into my head—he’s going to be a great father.Could he be a father tomyson?I shake my head, as if that can dislodge the thought from my mind. I can’t think like that. Mikey and I will always be the extent of our little family.

“Ellen?” I look up to find Einstein staring at me, holding my door open. “Where did you go?”

“I’m here.”

I climb in, buckling up as I listen to Mikey rattling off the events of his day. I’m grateful for the distraction; with him talking, it prevents Einstein from asking any more questions. We stop at a drive-thru and get Mikey his burger. Back home, I take him inside while Einstein brings in the shopping bags. I set up Mikey in front of the TV with his little table and chair, then cut his burger in half and give that to him, along with half the fries.

As I start getting things together for dinner, I listen to the conversation coming from the living room. The boy and the man are currently discussing their favorite foods. Leaving the kitchen, I stand in the hallway and watch them. Einstein is sitting on the floor across from Mikey, his mouth open to accept a french fry. Mikey giggles, yanking his hand back when Einstein takes it and snaps at his fingers. The sight pulls at my heartstrings. I hate to say it, but I wish I could offer this to my son… permanently. He deserves a father figure.

When Einstein notices me, he rises, ruffles Mikey’s hair, and then walks over to me.

“Stay for dinner?”

“I’d love to, but I have to go.”

“Okay.”

I wish that didn’t disappoint me so much. He takes my hand, and I walk him to the door.

“I had fun today.” He turns to face me, chuckling. “Never thought I’d ever say that about a day of shopping.”

“Me, too. Thanks for coming.”

“No problem.”

He turns to leave, but I don’t want him to. Before I can stop myself, I call out to him, “Are you sure you can’t stay?”

He faces me once more, cupping my cheek. I meet his eyes, seeing my reluctance mirrored there.

“I have to check in with Nita at the Kitty, and then I’m gonna try and grab a few hours of sleep before my shift tonight. I’ll call you later.”

“Okay,” I agree.