Between You and Me

Chapter 1

Lauren inhaled slowly as the fresh air faintly blew past. She was sat on the grass, her back leaned up against a large oak tree. Tilting her head back, she allowed the sunlight streaming through the branches to fall on her face, feeling her body slowly relax.

Unhurriedly, Lauren rolled her head before opening her eyes and focusing back on the present. A soft smile spread across her face as she watched her son running around the playground. Her baby was five. When did that happen?

Before she could follow that train of thought any further, Lauren noticed Leo wave to a few of the other children before turning and running in her direction. Lauren couldn't hold back a chuckle as Leo finally reached her and abruptly plonked down on the grass in front of her, panting heavily.

"Here baby," Lauren handed him his favorite Superman water bottle.

Leo blindly reached out a hand until it came in contact with the bottle, desperately gulping back some water before turning to his mom.

"Thanks, mama," he breathed out, moving to collapse in Lauren's lap, his back to her and head pillowed on her chest.

Lauren ran her fingers through his hair, it was getting long again, almost falling in his eyes. Leo wasn't a big fan of haircuts so Lauren tried to stretch them out as much as possible until he was more comfortable. Pressing a kiss to his head, Lauren simply enjoyed the quiet while Leo got his breath back.

"Are you having a good time?" She asked once he was relaxed again.

Leo nodded emphatically with a big grin, "Uh-huh! I had so much fun playin' wit' Tommy and Isaac! We played pirates, and then superheros! I was Superman, mama! And then we played Frisbee! But I ran so so much and now I need to lay down, so tired!" he drawled at the end.

Another chuckle left Lauren's lips, god my kid is adorable, she thought.

"Ok, you just rest up then and conserve your energy, Superman," she told him with a smile. Her heart fluttering at the dopey grin he returned.

"So, when you're finished here, we're going to head to your favorite diner for burgers and ice cream. Then tonight Normani and Ruby will come over for a pizza and pyjamas movie night," Leo nodded his head along to Lauren's plan, "Are you sure there's nothing else you want to do today? It's your birthday so we can do anything you want."

Leo subtly shook his head before rolling over on Lauren to bury his face in her neck, wrapping his arms around her, "Nothin' else. I jus' wanna spend quiet time wit' you, mama."

"Oh, my darling," she said running her hands over his back, "you know I love spending time with you. I just want to make sure you're having the best birthday, I thought you would want to do something special."

Leo was quiet for a moment before pulling back to look into her eyes, "Maybe can we go to the zoo, but jus' not today?" he asked biting his lower lip.

"I think that's a great idea," she planted a loud kiss on his cheek and he squirmed away with laughter.

They stayed that way for a little while, cuddled up under the old tree just watching the world go by. Lauren was about to check the time when she heard Leo gasp and sit up.

"Mama, look!"

Lauren turned her head attempting to spot what had drawn his attention. She was about to question him when her gaze landed on a woman and her dog. The woman was tall and slim, yet strong. Muscular. She was wearing skin-tight joggers, along with a form-fitting tank top, her broad shoulders and biceps on display. Her brown hair was in a messy ponytail and she wore a pair of stylish yet sporty looking Ray Bans on her face. Lauren was captivated as the woman grasped the rope the dog had hanging from its mouth, and in a single thrust lifted the rope and therefore the dog up into the air. What?! That dog would have to be almost 80 pounds. Good Lord. The woman lowered the dog back to the ground and resumed playing tug of war with it.