I Think I'm in Trouble {Reimagined}

CXVIII.

After Kristen had left that afternoon, it was around the time that Lindsey would normally leave to pick up Nicholas, so before heading out---he made his way up the stairs to check on Stevie.

He'd been with her for over a year, though having lived with her for the past several months---he was still learning. Hence him taking note of her daughter's comment from the day before, regarding; Running herself into the ground---mentally, of course---with her son's birthday coming around.

He had previously predicted that she was going to be feeling down around that time, but with Shannon's comment, it gave him the upper hand to take initiative. He had already allowed the wheels to start turning in his mind in order to figure out something special for her---something that could just make that day better for her.

But if he knew at least one thing, it was that she needed space and time to simply think about things when something was going on. He felt Kristen and Robert mentioning they were, in fact, interested in starting a relationship with one another---it was one of those somethings.

Making his way upstairs, he quickly realized she had sought refuge with Lily in their bedroom when the baby's bedroom door was wide open and neither were present.

Pushing open their door, he stayed watching her keep occupied by playing with their daughter in their bed.

Blowing raspberries into the baby's tummy, the sound of Lily's giggles erupted through the room.

The simplicity of that moment alone caused him to smile.

Not long after he had begun peeking did she turn to look over from just the feeling of his presence.

"You're doing alright?" he wondered, finally entering---smiling at their very content baby.

Lily squealed at the sight of him, extending her chubby hand in his direction.

"Mhmm," she nodded, smoothing over Lily's tummy. "I'm just tired..."

"I don't blame you," he made his way over and he settled on the edge of the bed, leaning all the way in in order to reach Lily.

"Yeah, you had your way with me all night," she retorted, "and this morning..."

He smirked, "You know I can respond to that comment in many ways, but you know I'm not asking about that..."

She had a content, neutral up turn to her lips as she gazed at her daughter while taking in his caring tone.

"Shannon cracks jokes to cope. Meanwhile, you distract yourself with little details beyond the main matters," he dropped his hand to her knee, rubbing her calf a bit.

He was absolutely right and there was no denying he knew even the way she coped with bigger issues. But the reality was, she was over it.

"Talk to me," he encouraged, giving her leg a bit of a nudge.

"Honestly..." she lingered, looking over at him.

He nodded.

"I'm glad that's all over with. Not my circus, not my monkey," she smirked, quoting her daughter.

He chuckled, finding relief that she could be so carefree and light-hearted about the situation.

Stevie had been with Robert a little over 25 years, of course she loved him and wished him well---he was the father of her children, but nevertheless, she wanted him to be happy. And even though, it would seem she was upset about Lindsey's ex-girlfriend seeing her ex-husband, she wasn't that upset---she was a little put off.

"That is now officially their problem to deal with now that we're all clear on where we three stand. How about you, are you okay about this?" she extended her hand, laying it in front of him on the mattress since she couldn't really reach further for him.