SUPRISE?! WHY BOTHER?

Chapter 1: The Unexpected Knock Eva sighed, relucting to leave the warmth of her couch. The doorbell rang again, followed by a faint knock. Who could that be? She wasn't expecting anyone, and solicitors usually didn't bother knocking this late in the evening. She made her way to the door, peering through the peephole out of habit. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight on the other side. A man, probably in his mid-thirties, stood with a small child bundled up in a bright red coat, their breath visible in the cold air. Behind them, a snow-covered SUV was parked on the curb. Eva hesitated for a moment, wondering if she should answer it. But something about the man's expression – a mix of hope and desperation – made her open the door. "Can I help you?" she asked, trying to sound more put-together than she felt. The man smiled, his eyes cr crling at the corners. "Hi, I'm Max, Captain Maxwell, US Air Force. I'm in a bind, and I was wondering... would you be able to watch Jamie for a couple of hours? My sitter cancelled last minute, and I've got an emergency meeting." Eva raised an eyebrow, confusion etched on her face. "I'm sorry, I think you've got the wrong person. I don't know you, and I'm not really a babysitter." Max's face fell, and the child, who had been peeking out from behind him, looked up at her with big, curious eyes. "Are you sure?" Max asked, his voice tinged with disappointment. Eva shook her head, feeling a pang of sympathy. "Yeah, I'm positive. I didn't even know you were coming. Lost my job a week ago, actually." Max nodded, looking defeated. "Okay, sorry to bother you." As he turned to leave, Eva blurted out, "Wait! How much are you paying?" Max turned back, a hint of surprise on his face. "Uh, I'd pay fifty bucks an hour. Is that...?" Eva's eyes lit up, and she did a mental calculation. "Yeah, I'll take it. Two hours, right? That's a hundred bucks, easy money." Max smiled, relieved. "Yeah, that's right. Thanks, Eva. You're a lifesaver." Eva stepped aside, muttering under her breath. "Whoa, career trajectory. From unemployed to babysitting Jamie. This is... um... a thing." Max chuckled, handing her Jamie's bag. "I'll be back soon. Thanks again." As the door closed behind Max, Eva looked down at Jamie, who was eyeing her curiously. "Well, kiddo, looks like we're in this together. And, uh, congratulations, I guess?" Eva stared at Jamie, who was busy examining the Christmas decorations on the coffee table. She hadn't had a kid around in ages, and she was already feeling a little out of her depth. But hey, fifty bucks an hour, right? She took a deep breath and started unpacking Jamie's bag. Diapers, wipes, snacks... check, check, check. The kid was practically a tiny adult, packed like a pro. As she got Jamie settled with some crayons and paper, Eva's mind started wandering. What was Max's story, anyway? Why was he so desperate for a sitter? And what kind of emergency meeting happened on Christmas Eve? Jamie's giggle snapped her back to reality. The kid was drawing a masterpiece on Eva's favorite coffee table book. Oh, well. It was gonna be a fun two hours. Just as they were getting creative, the doorbell rang. Eva's stomach flipped. Who could that be? She wasn't expecting anyone... She peeked through the peephole, and her heart sank. Alex. Her ex. The one person she didn't want to see. "Eva, open up. I know you're in there," Alex's voice slurred through the door. Eva's eyes widened, and she quickly grabbed the emergency number Max had given her. "Hey, Max, it's Eva. I've got a... situation here." Max's voice was calm, but with a hint of concern. "What's going on?" "My ex is at the door, and he's not taking no for an answer," Eva whispered, trying to keep Jamie distracted. "Stay put. I'm on my way," Max said, his tone firm. "Lock the door and keep Jamie safe." Eva nodded, even though Max couldn't see her. She quickly locked the door and turned to Jamie, who was looking up at her with worried eyes. "Hey, kiddo, it's okay. Daddy's coming. Let's get you to the back room, just in case." As they retreated to the safety of the bedroom, Eva's heart was racing. What was Alex thinking, showing up here? And what would Max think when he got here.