You & Me

Chapter 4

I didn't think I'd enjoy myself at the party. I was a shy person and didn't get out much after having Everleigh. Surprisingly though, I was having a good time talking with Declan. Even though he looked like a serious businessman, he knew how to have fun, and he made me laugh.  

At some point, through the night, I lost Declan to some people that worked for him. I was a little upset I wasn't able to spend more time with him or even exchange phone numbers. When I did finally find him, he was talking to a couple of females. They were laughing and having a good time, so I didn't bother going over to him. I didn't want to come off as someone who's clingy.

It was getting late, and even though my mom took Everleigh home for me to enjoy myself, I was ready to relax. I needed to soak up all the time I had away from Everleigh because it rarely happened. Don’t get me wrong, I love her with all my heart, but being a single mom, I enjoyed my time when she wasn't with me. Whenever she's away, I take that time to just relax inside the comfort of my own home. Other moms think I’m crazy, but I don’t need to go out in my free time. I’d rather catch up on things with work, things around the house, and sleep. Call me boring, but that’s what I enjoyed. 

With one last retreating look at Declan, I made my way over to Xavier and Luca to let them know I was leaving. Both men wanted me to stay a little longer, but I was ready to go home. I didn't want to be the shy, awkward person standing alone in the corner while they watched everyone else.  

Walking the short distance to my house, I went inside and headed upstairs to relax in a long-needed bath. 

As I was relaxing in the tub, my mind wondered. Times like these I wish my brain would shut off and not think about the what if's. I tend to think about the possibilities that are far fetched. What if Ace was still in the picture. Would he be a good dad? Would we be married by now with another baby on the way? Would we be co-parenting Everleigh?

I hated the days I thought about him because it brought back painful memories. These memories are the ones that seem to follow me. 

When I finally blocked out Ace, my mind betrayed me and started going to thoughts about Declan. What are the odds he would like someone like me? Someone who is a single parent. Better yet, did he find any interest in me tonight during the time we spent together. I know I found an interest in him, but I need to keep my guard up. 

This was the hard part about wanting to get out there and date. You had to keep up your guard because you weren't the only one involved, your child was as well. I would never date anyone who didn't respect my daughter. If Everleigh didn't like them, I'd tell them it was never going to work. Her opinion mattered too much to me. 

Finally shutting down my brain, I looked at the clock taking notice that I've been in here for almost two hours. So with that, I hopped out of the bathtub and jumped into the shower. I needed to wash my hair and my body. Once I was finished, I decided it was time for bed if I wanted to get up at a decent hour to get things done.

The next morning, I woke up at 7 A.M. and made myself breakfast. It was weird not waking up with Everleigh, but the little free time I had, gave me time to work. 

It took me almost three hours to clean all the rooms. Now all I needed to do was the laundry and get orders ready to be mailed out along with completing a couple of new items. 

Just as I was about to make me an early lunch, the doorbell rang. I wasn't expecting anyone until later when Everleigh would be home. Plus, it was Sunday, no one would be delivering anything today. 

When I opened the door, there stood a delivery man holding a large vase that had lilies along with other flowers. To say I was shocked was an understatement. I didn't think anyone ran on Sundays. 

"Are you Miss Carmichael?" the older gentleman asked.

"Yes, that's me. Do you typically deliver on Sundays?"

With a warm smile, he replied: "No, we do not, but for the right price we do."

The only thing that came out of my mouth was: "oh."

Taking the flowers from the man while thanking him, I headed inside, confused. Who would pay extra just to send flowers to someone when they could have waited one more day. But then I had to think who would be sending me flowers?

Placing the vase on the counter, I searched for the card and immediately found it. The handwriting was legible, but at the same time sloppy.

Nova,

Thank you for your company yesterday at the party. For once, I enjoyed myself more than I usually do. Sorry I got pulled away from you. To be honest, I wasn't ready to leave your side.

There's something that has me drawn to you.

On the back of this card, I left my personal number for you. Maybe we can go have lunch together sometime? Bring your daughter along with you if you need to. 

Hope to hear from you soon.

-DK

I was left speechless. Declan had sent me flowers, gave me his number, and enjoyed my company. Plus, he wanted me to bring Everleigh to lunch one day. Not many men want you to bring your child along to a date. Then again, he didn't say it was a date. Maybe it was just a casual meeting between two friends. 

I wasn't sure whether to contact him or not. A part of me wanted to contact him, and another part of me told me not to. I could always talk to Luca and Xavier, but with Declan being their friend, they would want me to give it a shot.

Maybe I'll just wait, I had bigger priorities than deciding to text a guy or not.