Perfection

42 Days Before, 452 Days Until

Alexia

"There are your brownies." I spoke slowly, hoping Sam would pick up most of what I said.

"And I surprisingly understood all of what your said."

"That's fantastic. I'm doing my job then." I laughed. "Alright," I turned to Riley. She was still sitting on the counter. "Here you go." Sam and I both watched her bite into the brownie. "Approve?"

"It's good."

"Better than bad." Sam said. I watched her eyes turn to the clock on the wall then down to her phone that began to ring. "It's Mrs. García. One second."

As she took the call, I leaned back against the counter.

"Who is that?" I asked Riley in a whisper.

"The neighbor lady. She plays with me while Mommy's at work."

"Sí, sí. Okay."

"I—No, that's okay. I can call in sick. Thank you for telling me." The woman that was once smiling and happy became confused and seemingly frustrated. "Yeah, adiós."

"Everything okay?"

"Mrs. García is sick, so I need to call in sick for work...again."

Again?

"No, you go to work."

"I can't bring Riley to work—"

"You didn't let me finish, Bonita." I cut up a brownie slice. "I can take Riley to my training."

"I can't ask you to do that."

"You're not asking. I'm offering. It gets you to work and she'll have fun. Saturdays are more of a recovery day where we play games. No intensity. She'll be fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Ciento por ciento." A confused face. "A hundred percent."

"I don't know what is going on." Riley's little voice spoke up.

Sam walked over to her daughter and kissed her forehead. "You're going to go hang out with Alexia for a few hours while I work. Are you okay with that?"

"Yes!"

She sounded excited. Very excited. If I was being honest, I was excited too. I wanted to spend a day with this little girl. I wanted to spend a day with her mom too. I...I was beginning to enjoy the company they brought.

I checked the time. "We should get going soon." I said.

"Go get your shoes. I'll help you put them on." Sam helped her off the counter. Riley ran off as fast as her little legs could carry her. "Thank you. You've been some angel sent by God, I swear."

"I uh," I took a small step towards her. "I enjoy your company—both of you. It's been a lot of fun and I...I just really like it."

"You've known us for a day."

"I know," I smiled. "But good feelings don't come around too often and stay for me."

"Ale—"

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be." Sam touched my hand. "I have a good, good feeling too. I don't know what it is, but I have it."