Page 61 of Biker Orc Baby Daddy
"Babysitting." He says it like it's obvious. "Offer to watch Orry. Give her a break. Single parents need support."
The idea lodges as terrifying. Perfect. "What if she says no?"
"Then she says no. But at least you offered."
I turn it over in my mind. Orry. Me. Unsupervised. What would I evendowith a baby for an afternoon?
Read to him. Play blocks. Count things. You're good at counting.
"Okay." I nod slowly. "I'll offer. Neutral. Low pressure."
"Good." Colum stands. "Also, I'm reviewing her lease going forward. Keeping you out of the conflict of interest."
"She'll think I'm avoiding her."
"You'll explain you're being ethical." He heads for the door, then pauses. "And Gunther? The accounts thing is smart. Offer to review her books. Small business owners always need financial help."
He leaves. I sit alone with my coffee and the kernel of a plan.
I draftthe email Tuesday afternoon. Delete it seventeen times. Finally settle on:
Cecie,
I understand if you need space. But I want to help in whatever way you'll allow.
If you ever need childcare, weekend babysitting, emergency coverage, I'm available. No strings. No expectations.
Also, if you'd like a second set of eyes on Sparkle Beauty's accounts, I'm happy to review for tax optimization. Pro bono. It's what I do.
I'm not trying to intrude. Just offering support.
Gunther
I read it forty times. It sounds stiff. Professional. Safe.
I hit send before I can overthink it further.
Wednesday.No response.
Thursday. Still nothing.
Friday afternoon, my phone vibrates during a client meeting. I ignore it until the presentation ends, then check.
Fine. Saturday 2pm. One hour. Bring your calculator if it makes you feel better.
I view the message six times over.
Fine.Not exactly enthusiastic. But not a rejection either.
I type back:Thank you. I'll be there.
Her response is immediate:Don't make me regret this.
Saturday arriveswith all the subtlety of a freight train. I wake at five. Pace my apartment. Organize my bookshelf by author, then by publication date, then alphabetically again because my hands won't stay still.
One o'clock. I leave early. Walk to the plaza. Stand outside Sparkle Beauty rehearsing normal human behavior.
Smile. Don't babble. Listen more than you talk. Babies like calm energy.
