Page 10 of Snowbound with My Dad's Best Friend

The elevator door opens, and I let him go first.

Something about Cam just doesn’t sit right with me, and I want to keep my eyes on him as much as I can.

I practically run to my car and then drive out of the parking lot toward my parents’ house.

It’s been one hell of a day, and I can’t wait to spend some time with my son. I hate being away from him.

Being somewhere strange for too long makes me appreciate everything I have, even living with my parents.

As I walk inside, I find my mom in the kitchen, washing up a few dishes from dinner.

I immediately spot Damian sitting at the table, already bathed and in his pajamas, writing on a piece of paper with his markers.

“Hey, how was your first day?” Mom asks, drying her hands on the hand towel hanging on the oven handle.

“It was good,” I say shortly. “Just tired.”

Damian sees me as I walk over and take the seat beside him.

“Mommy!” Damian exclaims, his dimples showing as he gleams, and his green eyes sparkle, just like his father’s do when he’s happy. “I’m writing Santa my Christmas list.”

“That’s great, kiddo,” I reply, looking down at the scribbles on the paper and giggling. “You’ll have to tell me later what you ask for.”

Mom walks over, taking the seat across from me, and slides me a plate of dinner she saved for me.

“He’s been fed and bathed. Figured you’d be tired. And I saved you a plate.”

Smiling, I thank her.

It’s times like these that living back at home doesn’t feel so terrible.

“So, tell me about your first day.”

I take a bite of the baked chicken with a parmesan crust and close my eyes.

I missed my mom’s cooking when I moved away. I’m in heaven.

“Well, it was a lot of filing paperwork, honestly. Nothing exciting. But it’s a good job, and I think I’m really going to enjoy it.” I leave the biggest part of it out, working with Steven Ricci.

I’m sure Dad has already told her.

Besides, the fewer questions, the better.

As I finish my food, she takes my plate for me, and I put my arm around Damian, hugging him tightly.

A big part of me starts to regret not telling Steven about his amazing, intuitive, intelligent son.

I know he would fall in love with him instantly.

He’s such a great kid, and if I’m being completely honest with myself, he’s just like Steven.

Maybe one day …