Chapter 18

Three weeks. It's been three weeks since I started helping Ty with Myra. Tonight, with Myra already tucked in and dreaming, I find myself alone in the living room, gathering scattered toys and remnants of our game night. She likes to play board games and this is maybe the third time I lose track of time and we have to rush to get ready for bed.

I hope this doesn't become a thing, or that Ty notices that I've disrupted Myra's nighttime routine. Not that he can do much to control it, I'm the only person who can look after his child. We still haven't found anyone who meets his criteria or if they do, their background and criminal check doesn't come back clean enough to be caring for a minor.

Though, I seriously need to figure out a way to get out of this assignment. It's not like I spend all my day with Myra—or Ty. I just work for him during game days, and stay overnight when he travels. We've settled into a routine of sorts. Well, I'm actually the one who has a schedule, timing my arrivals and departures to barely overlap with Ty's schedule.

I carefully avoid him so we barely have physical interactions. Though, I've done a poor job when it comes to text. We exchange them so frequently they've become a surprisingly significant part of my day. It's a contradiction I'm still trying to define—or avoid.

As I straighten cushions and fold a forgotten blanket, I can't help but reflect on our situation. Do we even have a situation?

I don't want to find him attractive, but it's almost impossible. It's not that he's not hot—because he is—it's more the way we can easily talk about any subject or he tells me things that I feel are too personal and make him sound vulnerable.

Ty and I, we're like two ships passing in the night, always aware of each other's presence but never quite crossing paths. Except, sometimes it feels like he's becoming my friend.

Our texts started as check-ins about Myra—updates, funny anecdotes, pictures she's drawn that day. Questions about places to visit or explore during the weekends and where to buy clothes that she might like.

Gradually, those texts are morphing into something unexplainable. I hate to be waiting for them or that sometimes I tell him more than I would to any other friend. We share snippets of our days, jokes, and even pictures of the places we're at. It's strange to think how someone can be so present in your life without actually being there.

I pick up Clara, one of Myra's favorite dolls, and set it in the basket so I can take it upstairs to her room. It's scary to have a routine in someone else's house though. I know I avoid Ty, not out of necessity, but perhaps out of fear. Fear of becoming friends and losing him because he's here for as long as he plays. One day he might go back to Florida or some other place.

And there's that other thing that could happen to me. What if I fall in love with this guy? He's thoughtful and friendly and . . . I should start limiting texts to just check-ins and not . . . Well, getting to know him.

As I turn off the lights and head upstairs to my room, my phone buzzes with a new message. It's Ty. I can't help but smile, despite myself, and open the text.

Ty: Just arrived at my room, which is too quiet without Myra. How is she?

Indie: Doing perfectly fine and sound asleep. She beat me at chutes and ladders—twice.

Ty: Did you two stay up late playing?

Indie: I don't know what you're talking about.

Ty: You think she doesn't tell me when she goes late to bed.

Indie: She tattletales on me?

Ty: No, she tries to get away with staying up a little longer—just like she does with Indie.

Indie: Oh, you haven't said anything.

Ty: It didn't seem important.

Indie: Okay, I'll tell you all my secrets on how to convince her to do something. How do you get her to bed on time?

Ty: I have an alarm. It's the best and only way to keep track of the nighttime routine. :wink: emoji

Indie: Okay, I learned something new. I'll set that up so I'm aware that we need to cut the board game time short.

Ty: You should plan on staying for dinner tomorrow so I can beat you at chutes and ladders.

Indie: Umm, no. I don't want my self-esteem to suffer more than it already has.

Ty: At least I can cook for you.

Indie: You'll arrive tired. I already prepped you a meal, it's in the freezer. You can put it in the oven—I left the instructions on top of the counter. I should be here on Tuesday for your next game.

Ty: Lucky for me, I'll be in town all next week. Is it crazy to say that I miss the drizzle and murky weather?

Indie: You don't, but if you tell yourself that enough it might be true.

Ty: If you move out, will you miss it?

Indie: Out of the state? I've moved out a few times. Every summer we spent it in sunny California or on the road with Dad. I'm not here because of the weather, but my family. Maybe what you miss is Myra and not the gray skies.

Ty: That could be it. So, have you been on tours?

Indie: Ugh, I forget you get all starry-eyed when I bring up my father.

Ty: His music is good.

Indie: As much as I enjoy discussing my father and his music (not), I have to let you go. Get some sleep and safe travels.

Ty: Thank you, at least tonight I'm sleeping in the same time zone. I'll let you know if I can't pick Myra up from school. You can always drop by any day before Tuesday. You still owe us brunch.

Indie: Tomorrow is Saturday. Remember I gave you Gabe's address? You're supposed to swing by and get Myra from his house after two.

Ty: Right, you found another way to avoid me.

Indie: No. Your daughter has a playdate, you're welcome.

Ty: We'll go with your version, but I'm sure I'm right.