Love Her - Andrea Johnston Page 0,25

a quick text to my sister that we need to catch up soon. There’s plenty to talk about especially if this Al guy is going to be the one to take care of my baby sister.

Jogging up to the front stoop, I lift my finger for the doorbell when the front door flies open. “Jesus, Cap. You scared the shit out of me.”

“Who else is going to open the door?”

“Really? Are you asking me that?”

Chuckling, he shakes his head and steps aside. “Touché. Come on in. I’m building—”

“What’s with you guys and building shit?” I ask.

Seriously, is this what happens when you start a family? Lucky for me, there is no plan for that in my future.

Chapter 10

Felicity

Each month I check my child support account to see if anything has changed. Like the dozens of months before, today is no different. No payment. Only a balance that will likely never get paid. I don’t know why I expect anything different. Michael Thorne was never interested in our children during our marriage, considering them more of an accessory than anything else.

I can’t say I was much different for many years. Sucked into the life he created and convinced me we needed, I put their needs second to his. It’s a decision I have to live with, but one I have tried to make up for since he left us.

I double check my bank balance and smile at the reality there is actually a balance. I’ve paid what little bills I have, added to my savings, and even planned a special day for my daughter. She’s had such a tough go of it lately I wanted to do something special for her.

Leaning over the sink, I get close to the mirror, swiping the wand of mascara across my lashes. Next to me, Clementine brushes her hair, humming a tune I don’t recognize. She’s been doing that a lot. Humming and singing softly as she putters around the house. My mom suggested we encourage her to join the school choir, maybe find a new set of friends with similar interests.

“Mom, can I wear some makeup?”

Slipping the wand into the container and twisting it closed, I toss it in my makeup bag and turn to face my little girl. She’s changed a lot in the last year, growing up before my eyes. I knew this conversation was coming but I can’t say I’m ready. We still have a few years before she’s a teenager and I’d like to keep her young as long as possible.

“What are you thinking?”

“Maybe some lipstick and mascara,” she replies with a one-shoulder shrug. Her efforts to be nonchalant entertain me.

“Hmm . . . How about a swipe of shadow and a little lip gloss?”

A huge smile takes over her face as she nods her head vigorously. Taking a light taupe shimmery shadow, I instruct her to close her eyes and gently swipe a little across her lids.

“There, how does that look?”

Turning to face the mirror she inspects my very handy swiping work and smiles in approval. Handing her the clear gloss, I watch as she slowly and meticulously applies it to her lips. When her tongue runs across the gloss she scrunches her nose in disgust.

“Yeah, not the best tasting stuff. There are some that don’t taste as bad and aren’t as sticky. When we’re shopping, we’ll get you some of your own. The eyeshadow though, that’s for special occasions only. Okay?”

“Okay.”

Her body slams into mine, her arms wrapping around my waist. I hold her to me, relishing in the moment. When I was little, my mom and I had these moments and they remain some of my favorite memories of growing up. Sitting on the bathroom counter watching my mom get ready for date night with my dad or standing on a stool at the kitchen counter while I helped her make cookies are some of my favorites. Clem may not be able to see me get ready for dates with her dad anymore but the cookies I can do. Actually I can’t but my mom can and I’m an excellent support system.

“Alrighty kiddo, ready to go?”

“Yep.”

Clem skips out of the bathroom as I quickly clean the counter and put everything away before following her out to the living room. As I turn the corner from the hallway, I hear her asking my dad if he sees anything different about her. Standing with a hand on her hip and a huge smile on her face as she waits,