mom, feels horrible.”
I wish I had known. I never would’ve let her drive home by herself, but I do have one burning question. “Where is Ava’s dad? Is he involved?”
Nicole shakes her head, and I don’t like the look on her face. “It’s not my story to tell, but he’s never been in the picture and never will be.”
“Do you have any more pictures?”
She gets up and disappears down the hall and returns with a small stack of photos. “Ava calls me Coco because she can’t say Nicole. She’s very smart for her age and such a sweet girl who loves her momma something fierce.”
I take the pictures and smile as I look through each one. Most are of them making silly faces at the camera, but one causes me to pause. Laken is lying on her side with a sleeping Ava tucked to her front. I don’t know much about babies, but Ava couldn’t have been more than a few months old.
Every picture I look at tells me the little girl is well loved. Am I ready for a relationship? A relationship where there’s a child involved? That’s a big deal, and unless I’m in a hundred percent, I shouldn’t be in at all; it’s not fair to Laken or Ava.
I set the pictures down and stand. “I appreciate you talking to me. Don’t tell Laken I was here.”
“That’s it? You’re not going to ask what you should do or anything? That’s why she didn’t tell you about Ava. Most people don’t react well when they learn a twenty year old has a three year old. If you want to meet her, Ava’s staying with us during break. The Sunday before, they’re bringing her here. I’ll text you the time and if you come, great; if not, Laken will be none the wiser, and you guys can go your separate ways.”
I don’t say anything, just give her a chin lift and head out. I pull my phone out of my pocket and call the one person I can talk to about this.
“Hey, my boy. What’s going on?” My dad has always been there for me. It’s safe to say he’s my best friend.
“Laken has a daughter. Ava’s her name, and she’s three.” Silence greets me. “Dad?”
“I love you, you know that.” Well, this doesn’t sound promising. “You need to be very sure that you’re ready for the responsibility of being with someone who has a child. I’m not blind, I know the type of girls you lean toward, and I know why, but I’ve seen the way you look at her.”
“I’ve never dated, Dad. What if I screw this up?”
“You’re going to screw up. Son, your mom and I have been together for a long time, and I still screw up; it’s what we do to make it right that counts. I can’t tell you what to do, but I’m here for you.”
I step into my apartment building and head up to my place. “Thanks, Dad. I appreciate it and love you. Give my love to mom and Bree.”
“Love you too, Son. Your mom wants you to come home for a least a couple of days during your break. We’ll do the big family dinner.”
“Sounds good, Dad.”
I’m sure it won’t be long before my mom either calls or texts me to get info about Laken and Ava.
***
These past two weeks have been the longest ever. After I talked to my dad, I drove up to my spot and watched the sun set. It didn’t take long to come to the conclusion that I want to continue seeing Laken to see where this goes. I don’t know a lot about kids, but I want to meet her daughter.
I’ve tried calling and texting her, but she’s either blocked my number or just straight up ignoring me. I’ve looked for her at our normal lunch meeting time but haven’t seen her.
I know her daughter is coming this weekend, and I’ve been waiting for Nicole to text me. I hate feeling like I’m going to ambush Laken, but I’m afraid she won’t see me if I ask to see her and meet Ava.
I’m in the middle of doing some pull-ups when my phone beeps, alerting me to a text. I drop and grab my phone off my bedside table.
Nicole: Avalicious is here.
I quickly jump in the shower and then jump out. After doing all of my business in the bathroom, I walk naked to my dresser and grab some boxer briefs and