Page 67 of Unexpected

That was the difference between Cal and me. Which reminded me, I needed to call to remind him about Sophia’s birthday party.

“See you later. I love you,” she said.

I could hear her giggles, the garbled conversation between her and Preston, before I finally disconnected the call. I longed to be there with them, whipping up something in the kitchen. Laughing. Watching movies.

“Everything okay?” Lincoln asked when I returned.

I smiled, smoothing a hand down my skirt. “Of course. Now, where were we?”

“I believe we were about to discuss the property over dinner and drinks.”

I was flattered, but not interested. Still, I didn’t want to piss off a potential buyer, and I was used to deflecting such attention. It was an occupational hazard.

“Unfortunately, I already have plans,” I said.

He leaned against the makeshift railing. “Tomorrow night, then?” He was persistent, I’d give him that.

I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “I’m kind of seeing someone.”

It was the first time I’d admitted it aloud, and I was surprised by how easily it rolled off my tongue. Maybe it was because he didn’t know Preston, didn’t know that he was my daughter’s nanny and a younger man. But it was nice to be able to tell someone that I was in a relationship.

“Can’t say I’m not disappointed.” He turned for the front door. “Whoever he is, he’s a lucky guy. Another musician? A movie star?”

I laughed. “Um, no. He’s actually training to be a counselor for pediatric cancer patients.”

He smoothed a hand over his mouth. “Wow. That sounds…intense.”

“It is,” I said, wishing I knew more about it.

“Well…” He extended his hand to shake when we reached the front door. “Thanks again for showing me the property.”

“Of course. It was my pleasure.” I shook his hand, applying some pressure but not too much. “Let me know if you’re interested, or if you’d like to see something else. I’d love to help you find your dream home.”

After he left, I checked in with the contractor, making sure everything was on schedule for the property, before heading to my car. I slid into the driver’s seat, navigating to the contacts on my phone and connecting the call to Cal before pulling out of the driveway.

“Hello.” He sounded groggy when he finally answered on the third ring.

“Cal, it’s Alexis.”

“Oh.” He paused, and I heard some shuffling in the background. Had he been asleep? “Hey, babe.”

I rolled my eyes but didn’t argue. I just wanted to get this conversation over with so I could move on with the rest of my day.

“I’m calling to remind you about Sophia’s birthday party.”

He yawned. “When is it?”

I closed my eyes and drew in a deep breath, holding it for a count before letting it out. I’d sent him an invitation by mail and email, as well as texted the date and time. I didn’t know what more I could do.

“Next Saturday.”

I heard him mutter “Shit,” but I pressed on.

“Cal,” I chided, though I wasn’t sure why I was even surprised. “You promised Sophia you’d be there.”

“Okay,” he huffed. “Okay. I’ll try.”

“Which means you’re going to disappoint her.Again.” I sighed, hoping that the party, the decorations, her friends, everything else would make up for the fact that her father wouldn’t be there. Even so, I knew nothing could compensate for his absence.