Chapter 23 Benjamin was needy the second I got home, bouncing around me like he had springs in his feet. Love and pats didn't calm him, so I pulled up the Come on Rover app, breathing a sigh of relief when the yard across the street was free. The kids ran outside almost as soon as we arrived. Lacey's hand slipped into mine like it was the most natural thing in the world. And strangely, it kind of was. Talon beelined for Benjamin, who nearly did a backflip, he was so excited to see his boy. His boy. Damn. Where had that thought come from? Probably Benjamin. He'd telepathically slipped it to me. That made the most sense. He pretty much considered the entire world his. "Scarlet and Grandpa are painting," Lacey said. "Oh yeah? What are they painting?" "They're doing the painting game. It's so fun. They trade canvases back and forth until the end." Her eyes grew impossibly round. "No one knows what the pictures are gonna be 'cause they can change at any minute." "Wow. That's a cool game. If I played, both pictures would probably turn into blobs." She snickered. "You're a bad artist?" "No, I just like blobs," I deadpanned. She nodded sagely. "What kind? Rainbow sparkly blobs would be cool." I squeezed her tiny hand. "How'd you guess my favorite kind?" She shrugged. "I'm smart like Uncle Sally, I guess." Talon and Benjamin skidded to a stop in front of us. "Come on, Lace. We're going to have a race." I waved at him. "Hi, Tally. You know, I'm here too." His brow creased. "I know. Benjamin can't come over by himself." Leave it to an eight-year-old to lay down the cold, hard facts. "Not yet. I bet he's plotting how to do that, though." Talon gave me another skeptical once-over then took off down the yard, Benjamin hot on his heels, ears flapping like he might take flight. Lacey's fingers wiggled free from mine, and she chased after them, laughter trailing behind her like streamers. Propped against the deck railing, I watched them play for a while. Benjamin might have kept going forever, but the kids began to flag. I called him over, and he came, tongue lolling and eyes bright, his springy energy finally dipping. "Come on, wild man." I gave him a pat. "Time to go home." Lacey hugged me goodbye, so hard she vibrated. It was sweet, and I liked it, albeit reluctantly. Kids still weren't my thing, but I was considering making an exception for this one. Talon gave me an obligatory wave, already turning back to Benjamin like I was borrowing his dog for the night. If I hadn't been the keeper of the good snacks, Benjamin probably would have dumped me for Talon in a heartbeat. By the time we got back to my place, Benjamin had downgraded from springs to cinder blocks. I barely got the door closed before he flopped, full body, onto the rug with a long, theatrical sigh. "You okay down there, bud?" I asked as I toed off my shoes. He gave a quiet whuff I decided to take as barely hanging on. I flopped onto the couch and reached for my phone, half thinking I should check emails. The first thing I saw was a message from Tore. Tore: How are you? A swell of relief threatened to sweep me under. I hadn't even realized how tense I'd been since saying good night to him yesterday until I wasn't. This wasn't a repeat of two years ago. He wasn't disappearing off the face of the earth without a word. Me: My dog is on death's door, but I'm good. Tore: Is he having a medical emergency? Do you need help? Me: No, no, I'm joking! He was playing with the kids across the street. Now, he's dramatically flopped on the floor, becoming one with my rug. He's fine. Sorry I alarmed you. Tore: No, it's my fault. I can't always read tone through text. If we'd been speaking, I would have picked up on the joke. Me: How is that your fault? It's mine for not being clear. I'm making a mental note not to be sarcastic through texts. I'll reserve that brand of charm for when we're face to face. Tore: Don't change for me. I'll read you better. Me: And I'll read you better. How are you? Tore: Still at work. I haven't gotten half of what I need to get done because you've been distracting me. I couldn't stop the silly, giddy grin from spreading across my face. Me: We haven't even spoken today! Tore: The memory of you from last night is enough. I want to see you again tonight, but I can't. Me: I get it. I'm wiped out. We should take it slow, anyway. Tore: We should, but I'd rather not. One of the artists I collect is having an opening Saturday. Go with me. Disappointment curdled in my stomach. I was scheduled to work, but a real date, where he shared something he loved with me? Turning that down was almost impossible. Me: Can I get back to you? I'm supposed to work, but I might be able to figure something out. Tore: I'd really love it if you did, Beatrice. We texted back and forth for a little while, telling each other about our days. I knew he was still at work, but he didn't seem in a rush to end our conversation. Sharing casual, easy banter shifted something between us. Like we'd been off-balance and a lever had been pulled, setting us into the proper place, moving forward instead of wobbling to the side. Eventually, he had to get back to work, so I let him. And without dread, almost certain I'd hear from him soon. I was making dinner when my phone pinged with a notification. I wiped my hands and checked the screen, staring in disbelief. A new inquiry through my booking system. Another company requesting weekly catering for their team meeting. For fifty people. That would be... A lot of money. It would more than replace my waitressing job. My heart thudded. A huge part of me wanted to throw caution to the wind. Would it be crazy to count my chickens before they hatched? Hell yes it would. But... I could give up my shift this once. And maybe, if this gig panned out long term, I could quit once and for all. I wouldn't know how to handle just having one job, but I could damn well learn. My teeth dug into my bottom lip as I made my decision. I was going to do it. Me: Hey, if the offer still stands, I'd love to go to the gallery opening with you this weekend. His reply was immediate and exactly what I needed. Tore: You've made my night, Beatrice. Thank you for making time for me. Yeah, I'd definitely made the right choice. Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!