Temporary Nanny

Chapter 22

Michael and I have been doing really good with what Mia likes to call 'co-parenting.' Of course it's not some made up term but it is usually used for two parents who work together in parenting their children. Which if we were to get technical wasn't really us.

I am not Stella's parent and she is not my child in any sense of the word. But we do have a schedule that we stick to and take turns picking up and dropping her off at daycare.

For the most part whenever she isn't at daycare she's with me unless Michael has a day off or a less busy day. I guess it is kind of like co-parenting. We even have those awkward small talk conversations when picking her up/dropping her off.

Which I honestly kind of hate. Ever since the beginning its always been very easy and natural to talk to Michael and crack little lighthearted jokes.

That has all gone out the window now.

It's been a little over two months and I try not to think about it much but I do miss him and the way it used to be. Although I probably would never admit it out loud.

"What do you mean you haven't had sex?!" Mia gapes. Which brings us to this also very new part of my life. The part where Mia wouldn't let up trying to get me back into the dating world until I agreed to go out with her boyfriend Matt's close friend.

That was weeks ago now and he was admittedly a sweet guy. With a body I was not complaining about.

His names Stanley and he and Matt grew up together which was part of the reason I agreed to see the guy. Mia would give me anyone just to get me to stop moping but Matt on the other hand had a clearer view on things and I trusted his judgement.

"Who says I want to be having sex right now anyway?" I huff. "You're never going to get over Michael if you don't start investing those feelings into somebody else." She replies matter-of-fact.

"Firstly, I'm totally over Michael. Secondly, I don't have time to be dating and having sex with someone Mi. I've got work, a pregnant cat, and a Stella to worry about." I eye the baby trying to knock over the small gate blocking her from getting to the large cat. "Then don't date," Mia shrugs easily. "Just get a good f-u-c-k in then ditch him."

"Mia!" My eyes bulging out of their sockets. "Oh c'mon Charlie, even Sar's getting more than you," she taunts referring to the pregnant cat. Turns out Bandit and her got along quite swimmingly. "Hey, I could get some. I just don't want to." I hum.

"Or it's because you're still waiting for Mikey to wake up and realize he's in love with you," she sing-songs. "Shut up." I roll my eyes defensively. "You're not denying it." Mia counters.

"Because it's ridiculous." I retort, going over to grab Stella before she either hurts herself or scares Sarah into scratching her.

Stella runs to Mia who scoops her into her lap. "Shouldn't Charlie go on this date and get some, Stel?" Mia nods her head knowing Stella will mimic it. Sure enough the blonde baby nods her head vigorously whilst babbling her usual nonsense.

"See, Stella agrees." She gestures pointedly. "Stella isn't going to agree when it's time for bed and she's stuck with her clueless father and his even more clueless girlfriend." I reply.

It's said lightly but there was some worry there. Michael hasn't put Stella to bed on his own since I first called this little break. Stella has gone exactly 4 nights without me putting her to bed and Michael swears it was the worst 4 nights of his life. Said she hardly even got any sleep those days.