Barely Breathing(47)

“So you believe in second chances?” Her eyes were hopeful when they met mine.

“I didn’t used to,” I admitted. “But my girlfriend has made me believe in things I never did before.”

“I didn’t know you had a girlfriend. You’ve never mentioned her.”

“Yeah. Vivian. I’ve never brought her up because I wanted to keep the focus on Brooklyn at first. I like spending our time together talking about her life, you know?”

Cori nodded. “She’s so happy you’re coming around. And I am, too.”

Her gaze flicked to mine for just a second and I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. I was kind of f*cking clueless about women’s subtle signals, but I didn’t like the feeling I had right now.

“So . . .” I cleared my throat. “Is there anything I can do to help with Brooklyn?”

“You’ve already done a lot. I used the back child support money for the down payment on our house. I never could have afforded it without that.”

“It was nothing,” I said. “I can’t ever thank you enough for always giving her a happy, stable home. You’ve done a great job with her.”

She smiled. “Thank you. I’m crazy proud of her.”

“I don’t just mean money, though. I mean like . . . taking care of her while you’re at work or just taking her out to dinner in your neighborhood so you can have a break.”

“Oh.” Cori frowned slightly. “You don’t like hanging out with both of us?”

Shit. This conversation was like a minefield.

“No, it’s not that,” I said. “It’s just . . . being a single parent for so long . . . you’ve never had much time for you. To do adult stuff, like date. When’s the last time you went out?”

“You’re asking because . . . you want to watch Brooklyn while I go out?”

“Sure, yeah.”

Cori shook her head. “I’m always working or with Brooklyn. I don’t exactly have men clamoring at my doorstep.”

“So go out and try. You’re pretty and smart and . . . all that shit.” I ran a hand over my short hair.

“You still think I’m pretty?”

Fuck. There was no winning this conversation.

“Course you are. Any man would be damn lucky to have you. Maybe Viv and I can come over this weekend and take Brooklyn out to dinner so you can give it a go.”

Cori shook her head. “Look, Kane. You’ve only known Brooklyn a couple weeks. I don’t want you bringing women around her.”

I bristled. “It’s not women, it’s only one. Viv and I are together.”

“Sure, but . . . for how long? It’s not good for our daughter to meet every person you go out with.”

The server returned with our sandwiches and we ate in silence. This wasn’t going according to plan. When we finished eating, I picked up the check from the table.

“I have to run payroll at work today so I need to go in early,” I said, getting up from the table.

“Okay, well . . . thanks for lunch. Do you want to come over for dinner this weekend?”

Did I want to have dinner with Cori? Not really. But for now, it was the only way I could see Brooklyn.

“Sure. Text me when and I’ll be there.”

She smiled. “Great. See you then, Kane.”

I drove back to the city in a pensive mood. This shit, I hadn’t seen coming from a mile away. Cori didn’t want Brooklyn meeting Viv. I couldn’t possibly hurt Viv by telling her that.

For now, I’d have to keep the peace by only seeing Brooklyn on Cori’s terms. But I sure as f*ck didn’t have to like it.



Viv

I dialed Kane on my cab ride to the airport. When he answered, all I heard was the din of music in the club behind him.

“Hang on,” he said loudly. After a minute, the sound of the music went away. “Hey, sorry. Had to come back to my office.”

“Hi,” I said, missing him already.

“Hey. You on your way? We’ve got that spicy soup you like tonight.”

I sighed. “Sadly, no. I’m on my way to the airport.”

“The airport?”

“Yes. I have to go track a client down in LA. A childish, inconsiderate client who makes me want to scream most every day.”

“On Friday night, though?” His tone was disappointed. We hadn’t seen much of each other this week due to work schedules.

“I know. I’m going now so I can fly home tomorrow night. I didn’t want to get in on Sunday night and have to go right back to work Monday morning. Can we raincheck on dinner til tomorrow night?”

“I’m going to Cori’s tomorrow night.”

“Oh. Damn. I mean, good because I want you to see Brooklyn, but . . . I miss you.”

“Miss you, too. How ‘bout I come over when I’m done over there? She goes to bed by nine and I should be back in the city around ten.”

“Yes. I’d love that.”

“Text me when you get to L.A., alright? And don’t stay in some shithole motel, they’re not safe.”

I smiled. “I’m billing the client, so I will definitely not be staying in a shithole.”

“Okay. See you tomorrow, babe.”