Mama's Mess

Chapter Five

I catch up on some work emails and sing along to some Shania Twain. The song just ends as I close up for the day. I stand up and stretch. The kids would be home tomorrow at some point, so I still had all day today to do whatever I pleased.

I got my cleaning done, work caught up, and even lounged around the house. I snag my phone off the charger and click on my messages. I smile at the pictures my mom sent of her and my father playing with Grace and feeding her pudding. She’s so spoiled.

I glance at the paper sitting beside me and bite my lip. I should just do it. Coffee never hurt anyone, I mean, it created an addiction, but it’s not like it's a bad one. I take a big deep breath and put his number in. Do I look desperate, texting only five hours after he left? No, there’s no way. Right? f**k it. I shoot him a text.

Coffee instead of money? Have you lost your mind?

I hit send and bite my thumbnail. There’s no turning back now. Not even two min later i hear my phone ping.

Is that a yes?

Would it be crazy to say yes?

Definitely not, unless you're scared to have coffee with a stranger. I mean, I was already in your house. ;)

I bite my lip to hide my smile. I shouldn’t have butterflies. This is just to pay him for the repair.

Alright, hotshot, when and where?

Would it be crazy to say today? I'm off in 15

I do a little happy dance, I've officially lost it. Or maybe I'm too deprived of social interaction.

I would say no, but I'm obviously not sane.

He then sends me an address that's within walking distance of my house. I run down the hall, grabbing my vans and checking my makeup before grabbing my purse and heading toward the door. I lock up the house and put the address into Google Maps before heading that way.

I stop in front of a big glass window with a cartoon coffee bean painted on the front. He’s dressed up in the boys' school's football team's colors and gear, holding a banner saying ‘GO LIONS.’ I gave it a small smile; it was cute and definitely took some time. The boys would love that, hopefully they have some things for children id definitely bring them here.

I head inside and glance around its not too busy for a Saturday evening. I find a booth by a side window and make sure to sit on the outside in plain sight. I'm not waiting long before I see Dustin walk in, looking around.

When his eyes land on me, he gives me a breathtaking smile. He walks over and has a seat across from me. “Is it bad I wasn’t sure if you’d come or not?” I laugh and shake my head. “No, I was having the same thoughts. I feel utterly crazy meeting a stranger for coffee, not telling anyone else about it.”

He laughs and catches a waiter's attention. “I’ve done crazier than this. Believe me.” I arch a brow at him as we order, him getting a simple espresso and me getting a caramel latte. “Do you make a habit of doing crazy things, Dustin?”

He sips his coffee and slightly smirks, “Nothing insane persay. I just live life to the fullest. When I see a pretty girl and have an opportunity to take her to coffee, I take it. “ I blush and hide behind my mug for a moment, regaining my composure. “Well, I appreciate it. I haven’t taken time to even explore the town yet. I haven’t lived here too long.” You'll love it here, there's lots of small shops and places for the kids.”

I smile at him, “I have three to drag along with me, I haven't mustered up enough courage to do that yet.” We both softly laugh. He then asks, “How old are they? “ I huff playfully, “Too old, Lane is five, about to be six. Carter is four, and my Grace is eight months old.”

He whistles lowly, “You stay busy, huh? How in the world do you do it?” I shake my head and shrug, “I have no idea, some days. My mom is definitely my saving grace in it all. That's where my youngest is this weekend. The other two are with their father.” I scrunch my nose.

He nods and orders us a couple of pastries. “I'm going to sound like an ass, I assume you two aren't together?” I nod, “That's a whole story that I don't even wanna get into, honestly.” “Yeah, absolutely.” I shake the thought of James out of my head.

“Anyhow, that's enough about me, mister. What about you? You know so much about me already.” He chuckles, “I'm twenty-six, I help run my dad's plumbing business, and he also owns the hardware store in town. My mom is an old-school home baker. I have one brother who is married and has one son. Hayden is my little buddy. When he's not in school, he's usually with me.”

We then proceed to show each other photos of the kids. Hayden looks like Dustin but with a different nose and bright blue eyes. “Let's see, I own a campsite about two hours from here, it's one of my favorite places to go. What else?” I laugh, and we joke back and forth, talking about how much the kids would love going to the park.

We set up a playdate for the boys, and he even offered to help me get a discount on new appliances through his dad's work. We talk to one another until there are red and orange streaks casting across the sky. He again refuses to let me pay, and we head outside. I breathe in the warm, crisp fall air.

“Where are you parked? I'll walk you over.” I give him a sheepish smile. “I don’t have one yet.” He gently bumps my shoulder, “Don't sweat it, hop in, and I'll give you a ride home. I can show you the block around your house.” “You don’t have to do that, I can walk.”

He gives me a look, “You either get in this truck, or I'm carrying you.” I huff and walk over to his truck with him. He opens my door, taking my purse. I blush and buckle in, and he hands me my purse, getting in the driver's side. This man is going to be the death of me.