Page 100 of Luci’s Lullaby

“Try to look at the bright side—you’re playing music again.”

He holds Luci’s hand, smiling at her. “Do you think, maybe, you could come one night?”

“To hear you play?”

He flashes his boyish smile. “Yeah, you don’t have to.”

“We need to find a sitter.”

His face lights up. “Tonight?”

“Uh, yes.” I raise my brows. “I could ask my mom to watch her, if that’s okay with you?”

“Really? Do you think she would?” He fidgets with Luci’s blanket.

“She’d be thrilled. I’ve talked so much about her, she thinks she’s ours.”

His eyes dart to mine, and I flush. “Does she now?”

“Not ours,” I motion between us, “but ours like hers and mine and… yours. Anyway, I’m positive she’d do it.”

“What would she need for the night?” He begins to pace.

“We have plenty of time to make a list, but I’d say we could start with milk, diapers and the pack-n-play for her to sleep in.”

“Sleep in?” His brows knit.

“Yeah, I wouldn’t want to bring her home at two in the morning. Unless you don’t want her to stay.”

“That means we’d be alone tonight.” He swallows hard. “All night.”

Now he’s making me fidget. “Yes, it would. We might actually get a full night of sleep.”

“Yeah, maybe.” He shifts his feet. “Do you think she’ll give your mom any problems?”

Tiptoeing, I lean in and kiss Luci. “No, she’s the sweetest baby in the whole world. Besides, she’s just down the road, and we can run right over to get her. Which reminds me, I need to get a car seat.”

“I hadn’t thought about it. We can swing by and grab one on the way to your mom’s tonight.” He chews his lip.

“Sounds like a plan.”

“So you’re going to come with me?” He drops his head. “Kinda like a date.”

“A date?” My heart thunders in my chest. Holy mother of God, Alden Beck is asking me out! No freaking way.

He half shrugs. “Yeah, you know with all our friends, hanging out and stuff.”

“Right, that kind of a date. Sure, I’ll call my mom.” And there goes my heart, plummeting to earth to crash and burn.

The day passes in a blur, and we’re ready and on the road by seven. First stop, my mom. I’m a little worried she may get attached, so I told her to do her best not to.

I run into my room to find some clothes since I only have the basics at his place. I grab my black jeans and a black and white beaded lace crop top. A pair of black kitten heels and flat iron my hair.

I slip into the kitchen and jot down Alden's number for Mom. Alden’s nervous. I’m not sure if it’s because Luci is staying with her or for another reason. I’m trying to be patient.

“Are you sure you don’t mind?” Alden asks as he sets the pack-n-play up.

“Please, we’re already friends,” Mom says as she holds Luci’s hand.