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“Nee Nee found me.”
“She did, bud.”
“Can Nee Nee come over when we go home?”
His question catches me, and her, off guard. “Uh… Coop… Nia has things to do.”
His face scrunches up as if that doesn’t compute. “But Nee Nee helped us. You’re supposed to be thankful when people helps you.”
“I am thankful, bud.” I ruffle his hair as my gaze goes to her. “More grateful than I can say.”
She ducks her head, embarrassed maybe? I’m not sure. “You don’t have to keep thanking me. I would have done the same for anyone.” She glances over her shoulder out the glass frontage. “I better get back. I just wanted to make sure you’re okay.”
“I am, thanks to you. My son is my world. If something had happened to him…” I break off shaking my head.
“I understand, but he’s safe and everything worked out. Try not to dwell on the what-ifs.”
She’s right. I can’t think about the what-ifs. I can’t think about anything but the fact everything turned out right in the end.
“I left a customer in the office… I need to get back, but I can’t thank you enough…”
“No thanks are necessary. I’ll see you later, Jared.”
It feels weird to have someone call me by my full name. I’m so used to being J or J-Dog, but it feels good, right even, coming from her.
“Bye, Nia.”
“Bye, Nee Nee.”
“Bye, Cooper.”
I watch as she turns and leaves, and seeing her back doesn’t feel good at all. I don’t want her walking away from me, especially not when I can see the spark of interest between us, but I’m scared to fan that ember. I’m scared of the flames that will erupt from the fire. I’m afraid to get burned again.
I close my eyes and rest my chin on my son’s head, breathing in his baby smell and asking the universe for a sign for what I should do.
The universe remains silent.
