Page 42 of Where We Stay

As much as I want to protect my daughter from being disappointed, I won’t make the decision to cut Courtney out of her life. One day, Aspen will be old enough to decide what kind of relationship she wants with her mom.

Until then, I’ll keep giving Courtney the opportunity to show up.

Even when she doesn’t take it.

“You ready, Penny?” I ask, sliding my phone into my pocket.

Aspen looks toward me. “I think so.”

“You think so?” I repeat, raising an eyebrow.

“I really hope Miss Morgan is nice,” she admits, twisting her braid tighter.

“I’m sure she will be.” I walk over and gently free her hair from her fingers. “Think of all the stories you’ll have to tell me this afternoon.”

“What if she doesn’t like Beachy?” Aspen asks.

“He’ll stay safely in your bag until you ask her if he can come out,” I remind her.

Aspen frowns. “But he can’t breathe in there.”

“He’s a stuffed crab, Pen.”

“He still has feelings.”

“Right.” I nod seriously. “My mistake.”

I kneel until I’m at eye level with her and take both of her hands in mine.

“Starting with a new teacher can feel scary,” I tell her. “But you’re the bravest girl I know.”

Aspen’s eyes move toward her backpack.

“And you have Beachy with you,” I add.

A small smile appears on her face. “Even if he has to suffocate?”

“Only temporarily.”

Her smile grows into a giggle.

“There she is,” I say, squeezing her hands. “Ready now?”

“Yep,” Aspen answers with a nod.

She grabs her backpack, and we head outside.

I help her into the back seat and make sure she’s buckled in before closing the door. As I walk around the truck, my eyes catch on the empty passenger seat.

For no good reason, I picture Blair sitting there on Saturday, pretending she wasn’t nervous while her leg bounced beside me.

I shut the thought down and climb behind the wheel.

I know what this is.

It’s been a long time, and Blair is beautiful.

I need to get laid.