We Just Need Us (Second Generation Book 5)

Chapter 19

ROBBIE

I've enjoyed the routine that Clementine and I have fallen into. During the day she works at Tilly's and I have been taking odd jobs here and there that I find on Craig's List. It isn't what I thought I would be doing, but I'm not that bad when it comes to small handyman stuff, and a few hundred here and there is better than nothing. Clementine hasn't required that I pay child support or anything, but I try to give her what I can. I'm hoping that getting my name out there will allow me to grow a customer base, which will mean consistent cash flow so I can contribute more.

After work, I usually head over to Clementine's and hang out with Vivienne. The weather is still cold with occasional snow, so we don't get the chance to play outside much, but we do watch movies, color, play with play-doh and just do things together. I've even brought her over to my place a few times. She thinks my place is cool, even though it is the bare minimum possible.

Tonight I'm heading over there for dinner. I picked up a bottle of wine and Vivienne's favorite juice for just a fun little gesture. I was about to walk up the front porch when I heard voices coming from the backyard. I probably should have let it go, but something didn't feel right and I am used to trusting my instincts. I walk down the driveway toward the back of the house and realize that I'm only hearing Clem's voice. I keep quiet, listening in to what she's saying.

"I didn't say anything, please don't do that."

"I'm serious though, you need to stop calling me and for the love of God stop sending flowers."

"Patrick! No....Don't you...."

She screams at the phone and that is when I step around the corner. She startles when she sees me, like she was worried for a second that I was somebody else. I put my hands up to show her that I'm safe and I can see her take a long sigh of relief.

"Holy shit, Robbie, you scared the crap out of me. What were you thinking, sneaking up on me like that?"

"Who were you on the phone with?"

"None of your business, Robbie. Can we just go inside, it is cold out here?"

She's lying to me, but it is cold and she's in just a cardigan, so I don't press on any further for now. I follow her in through her back door and notice right away the vase of flowers sitting on the kitchen counter. I look over at it and then back to her, but she plays it off like nothing big and keeps walking into the main living area.

"Daddy!" My favorite word ever, I swear. Vivi hops off the couch and I pick her up and settle her onto my hip.

"Hey there pretty girl, how was school today?"

"It was good. I finished another book and my teacher said that she thinks I might be ready to try first-grade books."

"Wow, super reader! I love hearing that great news." I look at the coffee table and notice all the scraps of paper in red, pink, and white. "What's up with this mess?" I tease her.

'"Daddy! It isn't a mess. I'm making Valentine's Day cards for all my friends."

"You're making them? When I was your age, we just bought them at the store."

"Mommy wanted to buy them, but I think that making them shows my friends that I think they're super special. Plus, I'm really good at crafting," she says with a level of pride.

"That's right, baby. These look great." I kiss her on the cheek and set her back down onto the ground. "Vivi, do you mind going to your room for a second so your mom and I can talk."