Page 48 of A Sinful Gravity

The property manager was a round woman waiting at the entrance. Her eyes disappeared into crescents when she smiled. "Hello, I'm Martha. If you have any problems with the apartment, come to me anytime. Mr. Loran called ahead. I prepared some things for the little one."

I thanked her, once again silently grateful for Seb's thoughtfulness.

Martha winked and pulled out the keys. "Come on, let me show you. First floor, no stairs, perfect for families with little ones."

She led us inside and pushed open the door.

The apartment the Royal Ballet arranged wasn't large, but it was warm.

Sunlight poured through the windows, flooding the living room with light. Light wood floors, white walls, beige sofa, and south-facing French doors opening onto a small yard.

Laila froze for two seconds, then shot between Martha and me, spinning a fast circle in the living room, her dress blooming like a flower.

"Wow, it's so pretty!"

She dove onto the sofa, buried her face in the cushions, then bounced up and ran to the window.

Then she saw the yard.

Stone pavers, a small maple tree in the corner, and under the tree on the grass—

"A swing!" Laila's shriek nearly blew the roof off. "Mommy! There's a swing!"

Laila always got excited about new things. I shot Martha an apologetic smile. She just chuckled and waved it off.

Laila pressed against the glass, nose flattened.

The swing was simple—two ropes and a wooden plank—but it looked solid. Laila stared at it like it was the most precious thing in the world.

"Can I go?" She looked back at us, eyes bright as stars.

Martha opened the door, smiling. "Of course, sweetheart. That's for you."

"Thank you!" Laila hugged Martha, always remembering her manners.

She ran to the swing, circled it twice, then carefully climbed on, gripping the ropes tight. Her little legs pushed off the ground, and the swing lifted gently.

It went higher. Laila laughed, golden curls flying in the wind.

I leaned against the doorframe, watching her, corners of my mouth lifting.

Sunlight fell across her, lighting up her laughing face. In that moment, all the heaviness from the restaurant entrance seemed to fade just a little.

After Martha briefed me on the apartment basics, she left.

The kitchen had ingredients Martha had stocked. I made Laila's favorite burger and called her in to eat.

Laila ate with gusto, cheeks bulging. She was always so easy to please.

"Mommy." She swallowed and said through a mouthful, "Aunt Chloe said she's taking me to the amusement park tonight."

"Okay." I poured her water. "Are you tired? Still want to go?"

"Yes!" She sat up straight. "I've never been on a Ferris wheel!"

That twisted my heart. Because of work, I didn't spend as much time with Laila as I should.

"I want to go with you, too," I said. "But tonight I have to—"