Since the court hearing, both Tommy and Ellie seem happier and more settled. Tommy shared the outcome of the hearing with Ellie. At first she seemed angry there wasn’t a definite resolution. Her anger fades with each day she’s with only us. Frankly, the possibility of Tess filing another motion even in a year will be in the back of my mind. I’m sure Ellie misses her mother, but the stability and consistency of knowing where to go each day after school and what to expect when she arrives has improved her attitude and mood. Today might be the exception though.
Something about attending the banquet is flustering her. “Ellie, we need to leave for the salon in ten minutes.”
“I’ll be right down,” Ellie replies from her room.
“Thank you for taking her,” Tommy murmurs to me.
I can read between the lines. This is something Tess would’ve done if she were here or even in communication with Ellie. “I meant what I said.”
“I know. I’m thanking you for her. Handling her feelings for you and her mom has been difficult for her. She feels like she’s being disloyal to Tess because she cares about you.”
Oh, Ellie. “I appreciate you sharing.”
Ellie joins me in the foyer. “Let’s go get pretty.”
Tommy and I laugh. “You already are. We’re merely adding sparkly nails.”
A flicker of uncertainty passes over her face. “True. See you later, Dad.” Ellie laughs, grabs my keys, and steps onto the porch.
“Love you more, Ellie,” Tommy calls after her. “See you in a few hours. I love you most, Sunshine.”
I slide my hand along his strong jaw and kiss him softly. “I love you more, Tommy. Be back soon.”
The ride to the salon is silent, aside from Ellie’s keystrokes on her phone.
“Kylie?”
“No. It’s Jamie.”
I wonder if I should push and quickly decide to see how it goes. “Is Jamie a boy or a girl?”
“Boy. He lives a few houses away. His parents have been fighting a lot. He texts me when it gets bad.”
“You’re a great friend, Ellie. If he needs somewhere to hang out, he’s welcome at the house.”
She nods. “Thank you for acting more like my mom than she is.”
My heart hurts for her and swells because I love being there for her. “I’ll always be here for you, Ellie. However, whenever, and wherever you need me.”
“I knew you were different from the day we met. I appreciate you coming through for me over and over.”
“You’re welcome.” I decide to leave it there. Her conflicting feelings about me and her mom are hers to handle. I don’t want to add my opinion into the mix. In my opinion, Tess has failed Ellie more than once since I met her. I refuse to share my feelings with her no matter how hard it is to keep my thoughts to myself.
Just over an hour later, our fingers and toes are sparkling in the late fall sunlight.
“Can we stop and get something for Jamie?” Ellie asks quietly.
“Sure, what are you thinking?”
She shrugs. “A few cookies from the Perk.”
“I’m always up for some of Kelsey’s treats.”
We take the short drive to the Perk and step inside. The aroma in here gets me every single time. I could only want coffee, yet I buy a sweet treat or two as well.
“Hi, Scarlett. How are you?”
“Hi, Frankie. Good to see you.”
“You too. Ellie, this is Lia’s friend and classmate, Scarlett.”
“Hi. Love your nails.”
Ellie smiles. “Thanks.” She places her order for Jamie.
I add coffee for me and Tommy, as well as some scones. With our spoils, we bid Scarlett goodbye and head home. “Do you want to stop by his house or invite him over for a little while?”
Ellie faces me. “Do I have time?”
I mentally calculate the time she needs to get dressed and travel time. “Sure. Invite him over and you can hang out for at least an hour before Lily will be over to do our makeup. Even more if you want to go second.”
“Thanks, Frankie. I’m sure he would love to get out of the house for a bit.” She sends off a text.
When we pull into the driveway, a tall, lanky boy is walking down the street.
“Hi, Ellie. Thanks for the invite. It’s pretty tense.” He hugs her and promptly releases her when he sees me.
“I’m Jamie,” he extends his hand to me.
“Frankie. Please come in. I can get you some drinks if you want to hang out on the patio.”
“Thanks.” Ellie and Jamie walk through the house. Ellie freezes when Tommy steps into the kitchen.
Jamie saves her. “Hi, sir. I’m Jamie. Thank you for letting me hang out with Ellie.” Tommy shakes his extended hand, and the kids continue out the French doors.
He looks directly at me. I talk to him without words as the kids pass. Tommy only contains himself for the slimmest of minutes. “What’s going on? Who is that boy? Did you say it was okay for her to have a boy over?”
“Breathe. They’re just friends. He lives a few doors over, and he needs some space. Ellie was texting him on the way to the salon. His parents are considering divorce. I apologize if I overstepped, but she was visibly upset for him.”
He slides his arms around me and presses a kiss to my temple. “No, you didn’t. I’m not used to having another responsible person around for Ellie. Let’s get those drinks.”
With two glasses of iced tea and the cookies on a tray, we bring refreshments to the kids on the deck.
I overhear Jamie say, “They argue about every little thing. Who cares what color their coffee mug is? It doesn’t make sense. Okay, you don’t want to be together anymore. Try to be nice while you figure out your plan.”
Ellie’s hand is covering his between them on the couch. I set the tray on the table, and Ellie thanks me. We slip back inside.
We sit on the couch. “I hope we didn’t make Ellie feel that way,” Tommy murmurs into my hair.
“Probably not like that. It hits differently at twelve. Jamie is more aware and hears more than a six-year-old girl.”
“I hope you’re right.”
I do too. “Have you heard anything from Tess?”
“No, not a word. I assume she hasn’t contacted Ellie either. She would’ve mentioned it to one of us.”
“I agree.” I snuggle deeper into his arms on the couch until Lily knocks on the door. My time in his arms will never be enough.
“Hi, Lily. Come in.”
“Hey, sis. Hi, Tommy. Your home is beautiful.”
“Thank you. It’s mostly Ellie’s handiwork.”
Lily smiles. “Where is the soccer queen?”
“I’ll let her know you’re here. She’s hanging out with her friend on the porch.”
When I get to the door, I note Ellie and Jamie are passing a soccer ball back and forth and laughing. I step outside and let her know Lily arrived. “Hey, Ellie. Lily is here. You have thirty minutes or so until it’s your turn.”
“Thanks, Frankie.”
I slide the door closed. “They’re fine, Tommy. They’re passing a ball. He seems calmer now.” I can only imagine what has been going through his mind in the last hour. It’s been a while since I was her age, but Ellie has a good head on her shoulders.
He seems to relax a tiny bit. “I have been freaking out this entire time.”
“Have a little faith in Ellie and your parenting skills. Please send Ellie up after Jamie leaves.” I press a kiss to his lips and lead Lily upstairs.
I take a seat on the dressing bench, and Lily gets to work. I’m sure I could pull off simple makeup, but Lily is more proficient and definitely faster. “How are things with you?” I ask.
“Same. As much as it hurts, I won’t share my feelings with Leo while he’s with Danica. It isn’t right.”
“You’re stronger than me. It would kill me to finally know my feelings and not share them.”
“Leo has been part of my life since elementary school. I know how he earned each and every scar on his body. I know how he pulled off his senior prank and somehow didn’t get caught like his buddies. Just like he knows almost everything about me. He’s my person. I have to wait to tell him.”
“I’m sorry, Lily.”
“Me too. Enough about my love life, how’s yours?”
A huge smile materializes on my face. I couldn’t stop it even if I wanted to. “They’re pretty amazing! I’m happier than I’ve ever been, and it’s because of them.”
“Blissfully happy looks good on you, big sister.” With a flourish, Lily finishes my makeup with some light powder.
“Thanks. You and Leo will find your way—eventually.”
“I hope so. I’m miserable and faking it. When he’s around is more difficult than I anticipated. Yet I refuse to skip the time I get with him even though he’s dating someone else.”
“Nor should you.”
Ellie knocks lightly on the door. “Hi, Lily. Thank you for coming.”
“Hi, Ellie. Are you kidding? I love doing this. At least someone is going out on a Saturday night.”
Ellie laughs. “Is Leo busy?”
Lily is speechless. Even Ellie can see her feelings for Leo. “Lily and Leo are best friends, not dating,” I supply.
“Oh, sorry. You seem so happy and comfortable. I thought you were a couple,” Ellie states.
“No problem.” Lily lets out an exhale to regain herself. Ellie won’t notice, but I do.
I stand up, and Ellie takes my place. Within thirty minutes, Lily has given Ellie age-appropriate makeup and created ringlets in her hair. The only thing left is to slip into her dress.
“I’ll come help you get dressed after I walk Lily out.”
“Okay. I’ll be in my room. Thank you, Lily.” Ellie throws her arms around my sister.
“Anytime.” Lily smiles at me over her shoulder.
I’m sure she left off the “once you’re invited to family dinner, you’re considered family” on purpose given Leo has been numerous times. After walking Lily out, I help Ellie into her dress.
“We’ll meet you downstairs in about fifteen minutes.”
“Thank you for all of this.” Ellie gestures over the dress.
“You’re welcome.”
I return to the bedroom in time to watch Tommy cover his washboard abs with his dress shirt. I frown.
“I saw that,” he says from the bedroom.
“Wasn’t trying to hide it. I’ll rip the shirt off later.” I slither into a navy sheath dress with a two-strand back necklace. With a few spritzes of perfume, I’ll be ready to go.
“Do you have any dresses that don’t make you look sexy as sin?” He slides his hands around my waist and grips my ass.
“Is there such a thing?”
“Are you wearing panties this time?” His question comes out more like a rumbling growl.
“You’ll just have to wait to find out when we get back home.” I wink at him and head downstairs. Ellie is not-so-patiently tapping her foot in the foyer.
“A little excited, Ellie?”
“Yes. You look pretty.”
“Thanks. So do you.” Maybe a bit grown-up for Tommy to handle as well.
When Tommy finally makes it downstairs, he stares at the two of us. His words stick in his throat for a few extra seconds. “How did I get so lucky? I have not one but two beautiful dates for this party.” Tommy threads his fingers with mine and kisses Ellie’s head.
Ellie smiles and shakes her head. Once we arrive at the banquet hall, Ellie is off to her seat with her teammates. Three long hours and a not-so-great meal later, we head home. It takes all three of us to carry Ellie’s awards and trophies to the car, including Player of the Year, a sportsmanship trophy, Excellence in Leadership, and most assists and goals for the season.
“We’re crazy proud of you, Ellie.”
“Thanks, Dad and Frankie. I wasn’t expecting all of this. I play because I love it, not for the trophies and awards.”
Marco says something similar every time he receives an award. Interesting.
“You’re welcome,” Tommy replies.
“Can we get something to eat on the way home? Dinner wasn’t very good.”
“You can be honest, Ellie,” Tommy states.
“Dinner was terrible. Not even the cake was tasty. I mean, baking a cake isn’t difficult. If I can bake an edible cake, it can’t be too hard.”
We laugh. Then drive through one of the many chain restaurants and eat on the way home. With our help, Ellie adds the trophies and plaques to the shelf in her room and turns in for the night.
I intertwine my fingers with Tommy’s and lead him to our bedroom.
“Can I check now?” A devilish gleam shines in his eyes.
“Yes, as long as you promise you can be quiet.”
Tommy locks the door with his free hand. He skims the fingertips of both hands up my outer thighs, bunching my dress as he rises. Even before he learns I’m not wearing panties, he’s straining against the zipper of his pants.
“What am I going to do with you? You’re full of surprises every day.”
“You can do whatever you want. I like keeping you on your toes. Being with me will never be boring,” I murmur near his earlobe.
“No, it won’t.”
As quietly as possible, we spend the rest of our Saturday night searching for spots to coax shudders of pleasure from each other.