AllFreeNovel
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“It’s German.”
“We know,” Hades snapped. Just the sound of his voice sent a shock of excitement and panic through my veins. No man should have this type of effect on me. Especially someone who absolutely and undeniably loathes me.
It’s time to go. As I start to stand, I offer Hades a smile that’s met with a squared jaw, tight lips, and his signature scowl. There’s no winning over a man like him. Hades has his mind made up, and he doesn’t like me. I understand. In his mind, and all the others, they have reason. Again, I’m the enemy. They don’t know me personally. Maybe if they did, they’d see me in a different light. A likable one. But with the exception of maybe Phoebe, no one is going to give me a chance.
I dug in my bag for my keys, set to make a quick but not abrupt escape, when I grabbed the stress ball instead.
“Oh!” I pulled out a small model of a building and offered it to Allie. “It’s a stress ball. Well, not a ball, a building, but it’s kinda fun.”
Without a second thought, Allie grabs it, squeezing it in her tiny fist.
“You always give out shit to random kids on the street?”
The venomous tone had me almost in a frozen state. Luckily, I was able to come up with some semblance of normalcy. “Oh, I-I don’t…” I cleared her throat. “I mean, it’s just a little freebie.”
“I like it,” Allie said, mesmerized with squeezing it. She giggled when it expanded in her hand.
“Nothing’s free,” Hades snapped.
“No, it is, it’s just a marketing thing.” I held up my hands. “No strings attached.” I glance over to the only friendly adult. Phoebe. “It was actually my idea. Ya know, for the company.”
I’m proud of that contribution. It didn’t happen often. I’ve shared creative ideas through the years, but they’d always been shot down, usually with ridicule. This was the one and only time my father had approved anything I suggested.
“You specialize in manipulation?” Hades’ accusation was harsh.
What, no! I shrunk slightly under his hard stare. Why can’t you just cut me a break? I’ll settle for a little one.
“I think it’s sweet, Vada. Allie seems to like it,” Phoebe said.
I bit my lip, eyeing the little girl. “Physical stimulants are imperative at her age. I bet you’re four, right, Allie?”
Allie lunged forward and grinned. “But I’m gonna be five in July.”
“I bet that means you’ll be starting kindergarten. You are going to have so much fun, Allie.”
“I’m gonna be in class with Emme, maybe.”
I have no idea who Emme is, but she must be a friend. That’s important, especially when starting any new adventure. Having a friend by your side made it all the more special. I was about to ask what she was most excited about in kindergarten. I never got the chance. Hades cleared his throat, and I took the cue. Of course, I’d be the last person he’d want his daughter to be speaking to. After all, I am the enemy.
“I should go. Have a nice day,” I didn’t bother waiting for any parting words from the others. A quick getaway was what I needed at the moment. A person can only take so much hate, and I’ve had my fill for the day.
I was just about to cross the street when I glanced over my shoulder. The guys were circled around Phoebe, talking. Probably about me. I was just about to turn when I saw Allie lift her hand and wave to me, smiling.
Vada felt something in her heart that day, an odd connection with a stranger. No judgment, only kindness, because that’s who Allie was. And still is.
“I remember.” Vada’s voice cracked, and she scooted closer, trying to cover up her emotional state. That moment had been ingrained in her head. And in her heart. Even when her memory wasn’t so strong, that would be a keeper—for her. It seemed it would be the same for Allie.
“I knew there was something special about you. And the more time we spent together, I couldn’t help but love you.” Vada angled her head, “You know how much I love you, right? How much I love being your mom?”
Allie bit her lip and picked at the edge of her blanket.
"I know you overheard my conversation with my mother. And I know you heard what she said about me not being your mom.” Vada grasped her chin gently, forcing Allie to look up at her. “She’s wrong.”
“I just…”
Vada leaned closer, resting her hand on Allie’s back. “You just what?”
Allie shrugged and kept her eyes lowered. “I just wish you were my real mom.”
