“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 slip them on. I throw on a t-shirt and jeans then slip on my tennis shoes. I peek inside the Target bag sitting on my table and smile. I grab it and head outside.
I’m a ball of nerves as I make my way to her apartment. What if Ava doesn’t like me?
As soon as I pull up to their apartment, I climb off my bike and grab the teddy bear in a ballerina costume out of the bag and make my way toward the door. I pull out my phone.
Chance: I’m here.
A second later the door buzzes, and I open it.
Chapter Ten
Laken
“Are you all ready for your cruise?” I ask my mom.
She smiles at me from her spot on my bed. “I am. I’m almost finished packing, and tomorrow morning your brother is driving us to the airport. Ava has been so excited about coming to see you. Last night, I swear she didn’t want to go to sleep.”
That sounds like my girl. There’s a knock and then a familiar voice speaking from the other room. Mom looks at me with a raised brow. “Chance is here?” I ask myself. “He doesn’t know about Ava, and I broke things off with him.”
“Well, let’s see what’s happening out there.” She stands, grabs my hand, and leads me into the living room.
The sight in front of me steals my breath. Chance is down on one knee in front of Ava, and he’s so focused on whatever she’s saying to him that he doesn’t even notice me. He’s giving her his charming smile, and she must be eating it up.
“Oh my,” Mom whispers from next to me. I know exactly what she means because he’s so fucking beautiful it’s not fair.
Chance finally looks up at me and my mom and smiles widely. He stands, and Ava grabs his hand and tries tugging him over to me with a ballerina teddy bear in her free hand. “Mommy, wook.” She thrusts the teddy at me. “She’s a ballawina.”
“I see that, love bug. Did you tell Chance thank you?”
Ava nods and then hugs his legs. What the heck is happening? She just met him.
Mom steps forward. “Since my daughter is being rude, I’ll introduce myself. I’m Leigh.”
“Hi, I’m Chance.” He accepts Mom’s hug and then smiles at me.
I’m so confused right now, and I’m not sure why he’s here since … well, I broke things off. How did he know to bring a teddy bear? Nicole comes walking out of her bedroom, and that’s when I know she set this up.
“If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be right back.” I grab Nicole’s hand and pull her into my room and shut the door. “What did you do?”
She runs her fingers through her hair, which is a sign she’s nervous. Good. “The day of Ava’s
