Yours Truly (Post Malone)

07

While Austin was in Chicago, he spent every moment he could with Winter and I. Winter was already loving be around and they already seemed to have a good time whenever he was around. Winter was in love with the idea of having him permanently in her life so she didn't question having him around.

While it was fun when it lasted, Austin had to leave to continue his tour. Before he left, he made sure to stop by, even bringing Winter a bar of chocolate.

"It was nice meeting you, Austin," Winter said. "I really enjoyed spending time with you."

Austin smiled down at her. "I liked meeting you too, Miss Winter. I'll see you around, kiddo."

He held out his hand and Winter shook it. We walked him to the door and gave Austin his last hugs. I was going to miss him but we were going to try out long distance until he finished his tour. Then he was going to come stay with us while he was distressing from the tour. It was going to be hard but I was patient and I could do it.

Once he was gone, Winter and I spent some time on the front porch on the porch swing. We talked about anything and everything. I always tried to talk to Winter about things that were happening and tried to her opinion on whatever was going on.

"Are you going to stay with Austin?" Winter asked.

I nodded. "Yeah, I am. It's going to be long distance but we'll going to be together. Did you know he's a famous singer?"

"I thought he looked familiar though I don't know his name," Winter said. "What's his stage name?"

"Post Malone."

"That's right," Winter said. "I like him a lot. I hope he stays. I want a dad."

My heart ached. "Do you miss your dad? I know you probably don't remember him but he always loved you more than anything."

Winter nodded. "I miss him. I don't really remember him but I've always wanted him back. Austin isn't the same and isn't gonna replace my dad but he'll still be a dad."

"Have you been wanting a dad for awhile?" I asked.

Winter shrugged. "Kinda but you've been doing a really good job, Mom. I love you lots and wouldn't trade you for anyone."

I couldn't hold back a smile. "I wouldn't trade the best daughter in the world either. You're a blessing. How's school going? Are you enjoying your music class?"

Winter nodded. "I love music. My teacher always says I'm the best student in her class. And I'm starting to like science more. That teacher started a new subject and he's making it more interesting than it was."

I wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "That's good to know. Do you want head inside? Maybe practice a little?"

Winter nodded. I got up first and took her hand, helping her up. After she had her crutches under her arms, we headed inside. She practiced the piano in her room as I sat in the living room, studying music. Winter and I were very musical so instruments being played was an often occurrence in the house.

Winter was already good at a few instruments. I tried to teach her early and even introduced her to music early. It was always good to know a lot of different skills and I wanted to nurture Winter's creative side. I wanted her to value the lessons she learned as a child. Like music and playing at the park with friends.

Maybe being around Austin would help. He was a world-famous musician. He could help Winter when I couldn't. I did what I could but I could only do so much. I knew it was going to be hard to date a famous musician like Austin but love always persevered. And I knew I was beginning to like Austin more than I had.

I wasn't complaining. He was a good man with a good job and was liked by my daughter. As long as Winter liked him and he was great to her, I had no complaints. She was the most important person in my life and though I wasn't trying to replace Anmol, it felt nice to have someone again. I had pushed off love for so long that dating someone felt weird and out of the norm. But Austin just felt right. Like I was meant to be with him.

It was finally time to tuck Winter into bed. She had stopped playing music awhile ago and had been quietly reading in her room, already changed into her pajamas.

"Ready for bed, kiddo?" I asked as I went farther into her room.

She nodded, putting her book aside. "Yeah. I just wanted to read a little bit."

I sat on the edge of her bed. "That's okay. I do that sometimes. Do you need me to read you a book or are you okay?"

Winter started climbing under her blankets. "I'm good. I enjoyed today, even though Austin had to leave."

"How do you feel about Austin being around?" I asked.

"I think he's a good guy," Winter replied. "And in my opinion, you need someone. It's been a long time since Dad died and you haven't even thought about being with someone. So I think it's good that you're with Austin."

"I have no idea who raised you to be so smart," I stated. "I was thinking about that too. I am not replacing your dad, however."

"I don't want you too. No one can be like my dad," Winter pointed out. "We both need someone. So I approve of him, if that's the answer you're looking for."

I rolled my eyes. "Okay then. Good night and don't let the bed bugs bite."

"Never."

I kissed Winter's forehead and left the room, turning the lights off as I did. It was getting late and I had to work tomorrow night. On nights like that, where I had to work the next night, I stayed up late to off balance the time spent on my bartender shifts. It gave me time to think as well and process how things were going.

I texted Austin goodnight and how I'd like to have a phone call with him in the morning if he was available. I wanted to hear his voice again, even if it hadn't been that long since I had heard it.

He replied just as I laid down for bed. He was up for a phone call in the morning and he wished me goodnight as well. The most surprising part as at the end of his message, he told me that he loved me. He had never told me that before but in a way, I did too. He was a good man and I wouldn't trade him for the world.