Mistakes We Made (Wattys2016)

Chapter Eight

Emma's POV

"So he's coming over to your house again tonight?" Rae questioned. I was on my way home from work. John was fast asleep in the back seat, so I had decided to call Rae. So far, I was regretting that decision.

"Yes... I'm baking chicken wings." I informed her.

"The lemon pepper and red wine vinegar ones?"

"Yes, Rae."

"What else?"

"Stir fried broccoli and mashed potatoes." I was also planning to bake a dozen snicker-doodles because he had mentioned one night that those were his favorite, but I didn't tell her that.

"Very nice." Rae commented and even though I wasn't with her, I knew she had a satisfied smirk on her face.

"I am so glad you approve." I rolled my eyes.

"Em, this will be the fourth night over the past week that he has ate dinner at your house."

"I realize that."

"And he still hasn't made a move?"

"Oh my God, Rae, he just ended his engagement that would not be appropriate." I exclaimed, looking in my rearview to make sure I hadn't woken up John from raising my voice.

"It would not be inappropriate. He can start dating again whenever he wants. There is no rule saying he has to wait."

"He has been through a lot in the past few weeks. He doesn't need me flinging myself at him. He needs a friend."

"You can be friend and still go out with him."

"Rae, I'm being his friend, that's it. Besides, it would never work out between me and him." I sighed.

"Em, you're 21 years old, you're way too young to give up on dating."

"I haven't given up, I'm just taking break. It's not easy for some guys to date a girl with a baby, I'm just waiting to see if the right guy is going to come along."

"I think he is right in front of your face. You're just too scared to take a risk." Rae remarked.

"Well if he is then things will work themselves out. But I am not going to shamelessly throw myself at him, just because you seem think it's a good idea."

"I didn't say shamelessly throw yourself at him. You can be subtle. Just do some thing already!"

I shook my head in disbelief. She was out of her mind. "I'll call you later."

"You'd better have something good to tell me too." She threatened. I rolled my eyes once more then hung up the phone.

******

Kade arrived at five on the dot. He tapped softly on the wooden door before stepping inside. John, who had been playing on the living room floor, ran to greet him. I was in the kitchen seasoning the chicken wings so I could out them in the oven.

"Kay, play?" John begged.

"Give me one second, Buddy." Kade slid off his shoes and sat them by the door, then she'd his jacket, placing it on the rack. He was beginning to feel comfortable in my home.

"I think he is excited to see you." I smiled as John pulled on Kade's pants leg, wanting Kade to pay him attention.

"He makes me feel important." Kade smiled as he picked my son up. "It's nice to have someone who is excited to see me."