Arne blew on his forkful several times before shoving it in his mouth.“Thshgate,” he said.
“Don’t talk with your mouth full,” Mia said automatically.
He swallowed.“This is great, Mr.Justin.”
“Thank you.I’m glad you like it.”
“Try it, Mommy.It’s even better than pizza.”
Mia smiled.“High praise.”She took a careful bite and her eyes closed.
The expression on her face?Way too close to her sex face, and I shifted in my seat.
“That is incredible, Justin.I can’t believe you let me cook for you when you can make something like this.”
“I couldn’t use my hand.And I appreciate everything you did for me.”
Mia’s cheeks flushed and she returned to her food.
Arne caught me up on everything he’d done since I’d been gone.He mentioned his dad occasionally, but not often enough to make me believe Erik had been around a lot.Mia didn’t say much, but she did finish her lasagna, as well as a couple of pieces of garlic bread.
She started to clear the plates, but I stopped her.“This meal is on me,” I insisted.I grabbed the plates and brought back the cupcakes I’d bought.“Sorry, these aren’t homemade.Jess is the baker.”
Arne’s grin almost split his face.“This is the best meal ever.”The words warmed me.
“What does Jess bake, other than cupcakes?”Mia asked.
“Amazing bread.Cakes, pies, and cookies—plus some fancy things.”
“I like cookies,” Arne said.
I laughed.Mia shook her head.“I don’t think you need anything else.Why don’t you grab your backpack and read your book while I help Justin clean up.”She glared at me.“I’m not just sitting around while you do all the work.”
She’d been working all day, but if I let her help, she might be more receptive to the conversation we’d be having once Arne was in bed.
Chapter31
One of Those Dreams
Mia
Arne never seemed to take as long to settle down as he did tonight.He was excited to see Justin again, obviously, but how slow could one child brush their teeth?And once he was in bed, he had endless questions.Was Mr.Justin staying?Would we see him in the morning?Could he bring Barney over to meet him?Could we ask him to make macaroni and cheese?
I wished I knew the answers.
When I finally left the room and cleaned up the bathroom, I was tempted to crawl into bed with him and hide out till morning.Instead, I forced myself down the stairs.I could hear a sports program playing in the living room and took a long breath before entering.I had no idea what Justin was doing, or where this talk would go, but optimistic shivers kept me on edge.I didn’t want to get my hopes up, only to be disappointed.But damn it, he was here!
As soon as I entered, Justin switched off the TV.“Is he settled?”
“Fingers crossed.”I sat on the edge of the easy chair.“So, why aren’t you at your hockey thing?”
“Jess called me after she talked to you.”
I held out my hands.“And…you just came?”
He nodded.
I blinked, tears suddenly gathering in my eyes.“Why?”