Downfall(15)

Noble sighed and kicked her feet, heels bumping against the step as the approaching footsteps got closer. Sweat made my hair stick to my face and neck, and I could feel moisture rolling down my spine, making my clothes clammy and damp.

“I wanted cake. I wanted to play outside. I want to see Mrs. Sanchez and my friends. You promised.” She sniffed again and refused to meet my gaze. I was glad she looked away. Noble was way too young to know that her words were like an arrow through my very fragile heart. No mother ever wanted to hear that they let their child down, especially when it came to things that should be so very easy to make happen.

I sighed again and maneuvered so I could scoop Noble up before she was able to launch into another protest loud enough to wake the dead. I squeezed her close and closed my eyes as I inhaled her innocent, but no longer sweet, scent. Ugh. Everything was sweaty and gross, including my precious baby. I had to tamp down the urge to throw myself on the floor and let loose the same way she did.

“I know I promised all those things, and I will do my best to give them to you. It might not be today or tomorrow. But I haven’t forgotten. Mommy just needs some more time.” And a new job with a big fat paycheck. “How about I call Mrs. Sanchez and see if she has time tomorrow for a visit while Mr. Sanchez is at work?” I sent up a silent prayer that I could convince the woman a few minutes of her time would be worthwhile. She’d always liked Noble and treated her well, but I had no clue if she was willing to go against her husband’s wishes. I was willing to bribe her—with what, I didn’t know—if that’s what it took.

Noble nodded tiredly against my shoulder and I breathed a sigh of relief. I was sure this was only the eye of the storm, but it gave me a window to get my kid back to our apartment so she didn’t let the entire apartment complex know what a shitty parent I was.

I’d only made it a few steps before another woman was trotting in my direction. She was holding the hand of a little girl who was probably around eight or nine. The little girl had a swingy, sable bob, bright eyes, and a gap-toothed grin. She was wearing cowboy boots that clomped noisily on every step, but her mother seemed oblivious to the noise. The woman heading toward me was also a brunette but her dark hair was slashed through with pops of pink, purple, and teal. She looked edgier and cooler than I ever would. She had on a pair of glasses that looked both retro and trendy, but her eyes were friendly and curious as she regarded me from behind the lenses. I was getting ready to apologize for blocking the way when Noble suddenly bounced in my arms and pointed at the woman’s arm.

“Star Wars!” Noble’s excited squeal brought a smile to the woman’s face as I glanced down at her arm. The sleeve she had tattooed there did indeed depict Noble’s favorite movie.

“That’s right. It is Star Wars.” The other woman’s daughter giggled as she watched Noble wiggle excitedly in my hold.

“Who’s your favorite character?” I could have kissed that gap-toothed face in relief when the other little girl distracted my cranky kid. Noble was more than happy to babble about Chewie and Princess Leia as I focused my attention on the mother.

“Sorry. It’s been a day. We’ll get out of your way.” I offered a wobbly smile and saw a flash of sympathy in her kind eyes.

“No rush. My husband and I are huge Star Wars nerds, so Riley is well versed in the Force. She doesn’t mind chatting about the movies, especially when someone asks about the tattoo.” She cocked her colorful head to the side and gave me a considering look. “Did you move in recently? I thought I knew all the moms in the building. I watch a lot of the kids who live here since I work from home and know just how hard being a working mom can be.”

I felt my eyes widen and my teeth snap down on my lower lip. She was the friend Solo mentioned. The one whom he encouraged me to reach out to. The one I’d decided was probably a horrible person without even meeting her, because she lived in this place that I hated. Embarrassment washed over me in hot waves as I shifted uneasily under Noble’s animated antics as she mimed the Death Star blowing up.

“I’ve.. uh… been here a few months. So, kind of new, and we don’t go out much. This is Noble and I’m Orley.” I offered the weak introduction as the woman continued to watch me.

“Ahhh… You’re Solo’s broken bird. The building has been talking about you. It’s pretty impressive that you got him to give up any of his precious time to help you with your car. That boy is so busy, he’s going to run himself into the ground before he’s thirty. I’m Erica and this is Riley, by the way.” She arched a perfectly groomed eyebrow at me and gave me a faint grin. “Solo mentioned he passed my number along because you needed someone to watch the little Jedi. I was hoping you would call so I could at least give you a list of all the mom-approved places around here you might want to take Noble. It can be scary outside, but, believe it or not, there are some family-friendly options nearby you should have in your arsenal for those days you can’t stay inside.”

This woman was so nice… and helpful. It was probably clear I’d blown her off and been judgmental, but she was still throwing me a much-needed life raft.

I cleared my throat and put Noble down so she could stand on the step with the other little girl. My daughter had moved on from Star Wars to the girl’s cute cowboy boots. No doubt as soon as we were back upstairs, she would be demanding a pair of her own. I would end up promising her a pair, one more promise it was going to take me Lord only knew how long to follow through on.