Page 46 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

She handed him a plastic cup containing some goldfish crackers. “You can keep these in the playroom with you.”

Smiling, Hudson took the cup and ran back to the pile of wooden blocks he was playing with.

“C’mon. We don’t have much time before Eloise wakes up,” said Flo.

They sat at the breakfast bar, facing one another.

“What’s going on in your world?” asked Lori.

“I’ve signed up for an evening gym class. Blake is going to watch the kids, and I get to have some time to myself once a week. I can’t tell you what that means. Aurelia has always been able to afford help, but I haven’t. So, this is a big deal for me.”

“I’m glad. And when Blake is unable to watch the kids, I will,” said Lori. “It’s important to have some time to yourself.”

“And it’s important to have a relationship with someone. You know that. What happened with you and Guy?” Flo asked.

“It was a mutual decision. Neither one of us felt it was right to continue dating. Frankly, I was relieved. You’re wrong if you think I don’t want a romantic relationship. I do. But it has to be with the right person.”

Flo took a sip of her coffee and patted Lori’s hand. “Okay. That’s all I needed to hear. You’ll go to California, come back, and then what?”

“I’ll do what I do,” said Lori, even as she hoped the trip would produce an unexpected opportunity for her.

“You turned it down before, but when you come back, will you consider online dating?” asked Flo.

Lori thought about it. “Maybe it’s time.”

“Okay,” said Flo. “Because I know one of Blake’s friends is on a dating site, and I know for a fact that he’d be an excellent choice for you.”

Lori placed a hand on Flo’s arm. “If I do go on a dating site, I’ll be the one to choose.”

Flo chuckled. “I know. I know. I’m just happy you’re considering it.”

The sounds of Eloise stirring in her bedroom came through the baby monitor, sitting on the counter.

Lori stood. “I’ll go get her.”

“Thanks,” said Flo. “I’ll check on Hudson. It’s almost time for his nap.”

Lori stepped into Eloise’s nursery and turned on the soft overhead light. She walked over to the crib and stared down at the sweet little girl who looked up at her. What hair she had held the slightest hint of red. Her eyes were somewhere between hazel and brown.

She lifted Eloise, still wrapped in a swaddle blanket, and hugged her. Talking softly, she took the baby to the changing table and cooed at her while she deftly changed her diaper and put her in a pink, footed sleeper.

The baby’s gaze never left her face as Lori carried Eloise to her mother.

“I’ll let myself out,” Lori told Flo. “I’ll see you when I get back from California.”

“Safe travels. Have fun. Love you,” said Flo.

“Love you back,” Lori said and walked to the front door and outside.

Standing on the doorstep, Lori drew a deep breath. She wanted what Flo had. But she wanted freedom, too. Where would all these feelings take her?

###

The next morning, Lori waited for Aurelia to arrive. Lori had packed wisely, filling one rolling suitcase to carry aboard, along with her large canvas bag holding her purse and a couple of items in case her checked suitcase was delayed, a trick she’d learned a while ago.

Aurelia pulled her car up right on time, and Lori hurried to meet her.

“Thanks for dropping me off at the airport,” said Lori, stowing her luggage into the back and sliding into the passenger seat.