33. Valerie

33

VALERIE

I walk the streets of downtown Dallas in a haze. I can’t believe I just said that to my mom.

Did that really happen?

I look down at the phone buzzing in my hand and silence her incoming call for the fourth time since I left the restaurant.

Yup… it really happened.

I expect to feel guilty.

I expect years of succumbing to Mom’s influence to keep the peace to hit me before I make it halfway down the street, but here I am, more than a block away, and I feel incredible.

My phone buzzes again as I reach the traffic light at the end of the street. I stop to wait for the signal to cross and look at the other pedestrians around me.

Many are dressed for work in suits and business skirts and blouses. Considering it’s a Monday, that’s not surprising. I look at my flowery dress and realize it’s the nicest I’ve dressed up since my birthday party.

Being a nanny means most of my days are spent running around and playing games. The clothes I used to wear Monday through Friday don’t belong in the Jones household, and I’m glad of it.

Though, I do wish I could dress up more since I’m around Carter all the time.

He makes it clear that he finds me attractive even when I’m wearing a t-shirt and shorts and sweating from chasing after Abby and Andy during a game of tag, but the seductress in me wants to know what his reaction would be if I could walk around in my low cut blouses with the top button undone just so, revealing the edge of my lace bra?—

My fantasy is interrupted by my phone vibrating in my hand. Again.

I look down, prepared to ignore yet another one of my mom’s calls when Carter’s name flashes on the screen.

With a smile, I answer, “Hello?”

“Valerie,” he huffs. “Sorry to call. I know you’re at lunch with your mom.”

“It’s okay. I just left.” The crosswalk sign turns green. I hurry across the busy road with the other pedestrians. “What’s up?” The sound of a horn honking comes through the earpiece.

“I hate to ask this,” he begins, sounding distressed, “but I need a favor.”

Concern flares in my chest. “What is it?”

“Do you think you can pick up the twins from school this afternoon? I know it’s your day off, but Davis just called and wants to meet to discuss the custody case before we sit in front of the judge next week.”

Next week?

“I thought the hearing wasn’t for another month.”

“It got moved up.”

“That’s exciting.” Carter’s been waiting for this to be resolved for a long time now. The fact the end is near is great.

“Yeah, I guess it is.” A siren sounds as he speaks. He waits for it to fade before continuing. “Do you think you can get the twins? I already called my parents but neither of them is answering.”

“Sure, but isn’t the science fair today?” I ask, but I know it is. I saved the date in my calendar the moment Abby and Andy told me about the event.

Carter groans. “Shit, I forgot.” I imagine him running a hand down his face. “I can’t miss it. Abby will never forgive me.”

“That’s not true.” I reach the garage where I parked my car. I stand outside the stairwell to finish my conversation with Carter, knowing I’ll lose reception if I go inside. “Abby would be disappointed, but she’ll understand.”

“She shouldn’t have to understand,” Carter grumbles. “She’s only six.”

He has a point.

“The science fair doesn’t start until four and it lasts an hour,” I remind him. “There’s a chance you’ll be able to make it back in time.”

His heavy sigh crackles through the phone. “You’re right. I’ll do my best.”

I know he will. He’ll do anything for his kids.

“Good luck with Davis. I’ll see you at the science fair.”

“Thanks, Valerie. See you soon.”

The call ends. I climb the two flights of stairs to reach my car. Once I’m inside, I start the engine and then check the time. I have a few hours to kill. I’ll head back to the house and change into something more kid-friendly. Lord knows what kind of messy science projects elementary kids come up with.

I place my phone in the center console and tap the screen on the dashboard to start my GPS to determine the fastest route back to Rose Hill.

Opening the maps app, I go to type in the house’s address, but my hand freezes when I read what appears on the screen.

Directions to Home

My hand falls to my lap.

I never added Carter’s address into my phone book as Home. I know my phone auto-populated the location with that title, likely because the device’s GPS has registered that’s where I spend my evenings. As well as most of my waking hours.

Still, seeing Carter’s home listed as my own makes me feel… strange.

Not strange in a bad way.

Strange in an exciting way.

Because it hits me that I’m no longer worried about getting too attached to Carter and his kids. That ship has sailed.

I’m not Abby and Andy’s mom, and I have zero expectations of stepping into that role. But there’s plenty of room in the twins’ lives for an adult who loves and cares about them. I can be a reliable person they can turn to when they need help.

I can be someone for their dad to turn to when he needs help, too.

Like he did just now.

Months ago, commitment of this magnitude would’ve sent me running for the hills. But that was before I realized that the work-life balance I’ve been craving has been achieved.

I wasn’t sure if I wanted to take the job in California. Now, I know the last thing I want to do is move away from the life I’m building for myself here.

Some things are more important than money and prestige, and I’m not willing to trade them in.

Not even a little bit.