AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Oh, off Heritage Square?” Sofia stared at the picturesque block of old Victorian buildings they passed. “I haven’t been here in years.”
“Well, I hope it lives up to your memories,” Ian said.
The burger place wasn’t some ritzy gourmet joint or hipster haven, for which Ian was thankful. The café’s interior was small, but it had outdoor seating, and Sofia rushed to get a table with a view of the leafy edge of the old square.
“I’ll go order.” Ian noticed the small plastic pagers on a couple of tables where people were waiting for food. “I believe you wanted a burger?” He expected her to grin—that was all the place served—but her forehead creased.
“Could you make sure it’s well-done? And no onion, pickle, or lettuce. And no salt on the fries.”
Because of the baby. Ian understood. At home, Sofia washed every piece of lettuce twice. “Of course.” He squeezed her shoulder and went in to order.
“One full works and one pregnant lady special,” the cashier called into the mic when Ian made his requests. He gave him a brief smile along with a pager. “Congrats.”
“Thanks,” Ian replied, so taken aback that it took a few seconds for him to register that the next customer in line was trying to get to the cashier and Ian was in the way. With a muttered apology, he moved aside. Restless, he paced, his steps taking him to the window and a view of Sofia.
As he watched, she leapt to her feet. Ian was about to rush to her, fearing something was wrong, before he saw that she was hurrying to offer assistance to a young woman who was dragging a high chair to a table nearby while also holding a small baby.
By the way Sofia reached out with both hands, she’d probably been about to take the chair and push it to the table, but she and the woman shared a few quick words, and the next thing Ian saw was Sofia taking the baby from her instead. He blinked, not having expected that. He stepped closer to the open doorway where he could get a better view.
It was a sight to behold. Sofia was cradling the blanket-wrapped child, bending her face down to him or her, then laughing when a chubby hand waved about and grabbed her hair. The smile that took over her face, making it even more beautiful, had Ian transfixed. If she looked this happy to hold a stranger’s kid, how would she look cuddling her own baby—their baby? How gentle would the light in her eyes be when she gazed at their son or daughter, and how soft would her sigh be when she rocked the child to sleep?
Lost in his vision, the buzz of the pager he still held made him jump, and it took him a second to remember where he was and understand his order was ready. He collected the food, loaded condiments and napkins onto a tray, and strode out. By the time he’d reached their table, Sofia had handed the baby back. Her arms looked empty now, and Ian swallowed.
They ate in silence for a minute, then she shot him a sidelong look. “You know I couldn’t help overhearing you and Gavin earlier.”
Or yesterday. Or the day before.“Sorry about that. About…things.” Ian grimaced. It wasn’t the easiest of atmospheres for a guest to be living in and at the moment, Sofia probably needed all the peace and quiet she could get. School must be a noisy enough atmosphere, especially for someone who was pregnant and dealing with a dangerous situation.
She shook her head to say she wasn’t fishing for an apology and took a sip of her drink. “I’ve been wanting to say something for a couple of days now and feel it’s a good time. Would you mind if I gave you some advice about Gavin?”
That wasn’t what Ian had been expecting and he wasn’t sure he wanted to hear it, but he nodded. “Go ahead.”
“I think you should let Gavin have space for now. He’s trying to wrap his head around the idea of a new baby brother or sister and come to terms with the fact that his father is, at the very least, dating his teacher. It’s a lot to take in, especially for someone his age. You should cut him some slack, ease up on him a little.”
Ian looked down at his burger. Although it was well made, charbroiled and juicy, it was suddenly less appetizing. What Sofia said made sense but… “It’s just that it feels like I’m failing,” he blurted out. “That I can’t get through to him—hell, that he won’t listen, even.”
“It’ll come. Be patient.”
“I can’t just sit and wait and have him going through God knows what! Sofia, you’re going to be a great mom. You’re already a real natural.” He flicked a hand at the mother and baby two tables over, to show her he’d seen her interaction. “But you’re not a parent yet, so you don’t know how it feels to want to talk to your kid and get stonewalled.”
Sofia placed her cup down hard enough that the ice cubes inside rattled. “I understand that age group very well, Ian. I’m with teenagers eight hours a day, five days a week.”
“Yeah, your students. They’re not your real kids. It’s completely different.”
A shadow of hurt passed over her face, and Ian realized that he’d overstepped.
“That came out wrong.” He sighed, hating that his words had wounded her. “I apologize for hurting your feelings.”
“You didn’t. I’m fine.” Her reply came too quickly to be genuine, and her fries were now occupying all her attention.
“Hey. Sofia,” Ian added to get her to look up. “I’m also sorry for being a jackass.”
That got a small smile from her, at least. “How’s your burger?”
“It’s good, thanks. Thank you.” She gestured, meaning for everything.
Their conversation lacked the easy flow of earlier. As they finished and stood, Ian tried to salvage matters. “What we were saying, can we just forget it? Let it go?”
“Of course.” Sofia’s smile was more brittle than usual and left her face quickly.
“Well, let’s go conference with Charlie.” Ian hoped it wasn’t bad news. He didn’t want any more, not today.
