Poison & Wine - Melissa Toppen Page 0,42
haven’t decided what I want to do. I figured I’d get through today and make a decision from there.”
“I don’t like it. But I will try to do as you asked. I will trust you. But I swear to god, Oakley, if I think something is going sideways, I will blow the whistle so fucking hard people ten miles away will hear it.”
“I would expect nothing less.” I smile for the first time since arriving.
“I love you, you know that. I just want what’s best for you and that sweet little girl.”
“I know, and I love you too.” I pull her into a hug. “And speaking of that sweet girl.” I release her and take a step back. “She’s been going on all morning about how she’s going to give Aunt Kiki a makeover.” I chuckle.
“I’m thinking maybe I should be scared.” She crinkles her nose playfully.
“Let’s just hope you have some makeup remover lying around because you’re probably going to need it.” I wink. “Make sure to take pictures before you wash it off.”
“Why, so you can blackmail me with them later?” she jokes.
“You never know.” I shrug.
It’s funny how we can fight and pretty much make up in the same breath. It’s been like this since I moved here. I guess we really are like sisters.
“I should probably go.” I check the time on the wall clock behind Keira. “I have to go back to the house and pick up Jace.”
“Okay. Take your time today. Don’t rush getting back here. I’m thinking after your daughter paints me into a clown, we might go for lunch and maybe ice cream. Then, I promised her we’d go to the park.”
“Sounds like you have the whole day planned.”
“I do. I don’t get enough Ellie and Kiki days. I’m going to make the most of it.”
“Okay, how about I come back and get her after dinner?”
“You know what, I have a better idea. Why don’t you just let her stay the night?”
“Keira.” I give her a questioning look. “You already keep her three nights a week for me.”
“Yeah, but you don’t bring her until an hour before bed and then she’s gone shortly after waking up. We can have a girl’s night. We’ll pop popcorn, maybe watch Frozen.”
“She would love that.”
“What do you say? That way you can take care of what you need to take care of. Today will surely be an emotional day. Having one more thing off your plate can’t hurt.”
“You realize that if I tell Jace about Ellie, it won’t be today right?” I confirm, feeling like maybe this is the real reason she wants to keep her.
“I know. But it might do you some good to spend some time with him without Ellie around. Get a feel for things, ya know?”
“I’m starting to think you have split personalities,” I joke.
“Shut up. This is about me and Ellie, not you and Jace. I could really use this time with her.”
“Fine,” I concede. While I don’t like leaving Ellie when I’m not working, because I like to get all the time I can with her, I know she’ll have a blast with Keira and it will take some of the worry I have away going into today.
“Yay!” Keira claps her hands together. “Now get out of here.” She shoos me toward the door.
“Give Ellie kisses for me,” I say, knowing that if I go back there and tell her I’m leaving she will throw the fit of all fits.
She does it almost every time I leave her anywhere. I’ve gotten into a routine of sneaking out while she’s playing. If I do that, she’s completely fine and doesn’t even notice I’m gone until hours later.
“I will. And good luck today. Call me if you need anything.”
“I will.” I pull open the door and step out onto the front porch. “Love you.”
“Love you,” Keira calls back, seconds before I hear the door close behind me.
Chapter Fifteen
OAKLEY
* * *
“Thanks for the ride,” Jace says from the passenger seat of my car, fidgeting nervously with the seatbelt strap across his shoulder.
“Of course.” I nod, honestly not sure how to act right now.
It’s been such a weird morning. Between my back and forth with Keira and the awkward silent car ride with Jace, I feel like I’m sitting on pins and needles. My whole body is tight with tension and I find myself questioning everything.
“This still doesn’t seem real,” he mutters, more to himself than to me.
“Are you doing okay?” It’s a stupid