Crap. Enough of the pity party. Maybe he’d try that new dating app he’d seen in the news. Or the new bar that just opened in the financial district. He needed to rally.
The phone buzzed and he picked it up. “Hey, Ryder. What’s up?”
His best friend let out a hard breath, and the sound of chatter rose from the background. “Sorry, heading to my office. Great show this morning.”
“Thanks. You going to be at the youth center later?” Ford and Sebastian Ryder had been volunteering at the Dream On Youth Center for a few years and loved being with the kids. The center served underprivileged teens but had been run-down and financially challenged. Gaining a large check from the Quench Foundation where Ryder’s wife, Chiara, worked had been a game changer. The facilities were being expanded, with better sports equipment and a full kitchen. With more staff, they’d been able to offer more variety to kids and were finally going on an actual field trip.
“Definitely. I’m calling to ask for a favor, though.”
“Shoot.”
“I’ve got this retirement party on Friday, and I was wondering if you’d be able to watch the baby so Chiara can come with me.”
Ryder rarely asked him to babysit, and he could tell from his friend’s voice he was a bit strained. Probably just craved an evening out with his wife. They both had demanding jobs and were completely devoted to Veronica. He bet it was a struggle to consistently maintain balance. “Of course. About time you asked me to spend time with my goddaughter. When do you need me?”
“Friday at seven? I want it to be a surprise, though. I’m picturing Chiara’s face when you show up and tell her to get dressed and meet me. I’ll make sure she has a new outfit hidden in the closet so she doesn’t have to worry about what to wear.”
“Hmm, very Pretty Woman of you.”
“Except Chiara’s not a prostitute.”
“Right. She kind of looks like Julia Roberts, though, with that red hair.”
Ryder paused. “Not really, dude.”
“Fine, I’m not here to fight about it. I’ll save the day, as usual, and send your woman to meet you. Maybe you should buy her something pretty to go with the dress. Like shoes.”
“Got it covered.”
“Flowers are nice, too. Grab some of those. Or lingerie.”
“Now things are getting weird.” A clamor of teenage voices rose to Ford’s ear. His friend was a high school guidance counselor and rarely had a quiet day. “Gotta go—the troops are restless. Thanks again, I appreciate it.”
“No problem.” Ford hung up.
At least his best friend was happy. Ryder’s relationship with Chiara had had many bumps in the road, but now they had a beautiful family. Ford loved watching the couple gaze at each other with sheer adoration.
If only he wasn’t a tiny bit jealous. It was an ugly look for him, but something inside reared up and craved that same type of connection with a woman who looked at him like that. He’d always been the one to love more—if love was even the word. The closest he felt to that type of emotion was with Patricia, and he hadn’t even taken her out on a date. Was it wrong to sense they were meant to be together even though she didn’t know it? And if so, how could he convince her to give him a chance?
Ford pushed the nagging thoughts to the side and got back to work.
Chapter Three
Tessa rapped on Chiara’s front door and walked right in, throwing her purse on the sofa. “I’m here!” she yelled, heading toward the kitchen.
“Be right out!”
Dex came to greet her with his usual canine enthusiasm. She stroked his massive head and laughed when the black Lab dropped to the ground to expose his belly for rubs. “Some watchdog you are,” Tessa murmured, hitting the spot he loved. His leg began to thump steadily. When she finally stopped, he rolled over and gave her a goofy look of adoration that made her consider getting her own dog.
She quickly dismissed the idea. She adored animals, but she also enjoyed her freedom and pristine house. Still, down the line, she could totally see herself having a dog like Dex. Especially if she ever took up running.
Tessa grabbed a glass of water, taking in the casual messiness of the rooms, mostly stuffed with baby equipment. Chiara had always liked a more modest home even though she had the money to get whatever she wanted. But with her husband and Veronica, she had definitely outgrown the space. Her friend was finally ready to invest in a larger property with room to flourish, and Tessa couldn’t wait to help her house hunt. She already had a place picked out down her own street so they could be neighbors and she could cement her godmother status over Malia.
The click of heels echoed along with a waft of perfume. “Wow, you look amazing,” Tessa said, taking in the sleek black dress and the artful updo of Chiara’s gorgeous red hair. Diamond earrings and a matching heart pendant gave the necessary sparkle. “Ryder’s going to freak when he sees you.”
“I hope so. I just put Veronica in her crib with some toys and told her you were coming.” Chiara grabbed her coat and sequined clutch. “Okay, so she already ate and should be ready to sleep by eight p.m. There’s a stack of new books if you want to read to her before bed. She’s teething, but I gave her some Tylenol. If she fusses, there’s a teething ring in the freezer. You can also rub some organic oil on her gums or put her in the high chair and give her a snack. Oh, and don’t lose the binky—it’s become my saving grace.” She paused, frowning. “If you have any trouble, text me and I’ll come right home.”
Tessa snickered. “Don’t insult me.”
Chiara laughed and gave her a quick hug. “You’re the best.”
“I heard car sex is hot when you’re married!” she called out.
Her friend laughed and shut the door behind her.
Time for some fun.
Tessa walked into the nursery, Dex trotting behind. Veronica was sitting down, surrounded by stuffed animals and a few learning toys that had buttons and ropes and squeakers to manipulate. Tiptoeing over, she peeked in the crib and the baby looked up, her blue eyes startled. Her red hair was a few tufts springing wildly around her head. Chubby cheeks were puffed out like a chipmunk. She wore a duck-printed pink onesie with feet.
Their gazes met and Veronica let out a shriek, her hands reaching out, drool sliding down her chin from her gummy smile.
Tessa’s heart melted into a pile of goo. “Hey, gorgeous, it’s Aunt Tessa!” She picked the baby up, cradling her close, while Veronica went straight for her favorite thing.
Her curls.
Chunky hands grabbed a fistful of hair and tugged, probably fascinated by the springiness and texture.
Tessa laughed, bouncing Veronica on her hip. “Now that Mommy’s gone, we’re gonna have some real fun. I brought a new makeup bag with me, and you can dump out the whole thing. Then we’ll cuddle up and do some reading to get you ready for bed.”
Veronica must have thought that was the best thing she’d ever heard, because those baby blues widened and she gurgled in excitement. Tessa’s heart scrunched tight, then expanded in her chest. She’d never been a grinch, but being around her godchild did all sorts of things to her emotions. Who would’ve thought?