The Unexpected

Chapter 13

This is the second time Steven has came over for dinner. Both times he has brought Alex a new toy and played with him after dinner. It's nice that they get along so well and Steven is so sweet to him.

When I put Alex to bed, he requested that Steven read him his bedtime story instead of me. So I wait outside the door, listening as Steven reads the words of Dr. Suess. When he's finished, he shuts the light off and closes the door. "He's out." He chuckles.

"All that running around tired him out." I laugh.

He smiles. "He's a good kid." We walk down the hall to the living room where he grabs his keys. "I guess I should head home. I'll see you soon."

"Okay. Thanks for hanging out with Alex and getting him a toy. You're really sweet, Steven."

He nods, looking at his keys. After a moment he begins walking towards the door, stopping to kiss my forehead on the way. When he's gone, I go to my bedroom where I lay in bed where Tyler comes unbidden in my dreams.

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My parents are watching Alex until I get out of work today. I wait on tables and sweep the floors. I've gotten to know some of the customers pretty well. Like this old guy named Bill. He comes in every morning at eight thirty with his newspaper. Everyday he sits at the counter on a stool and orders a coffee and pancakes. He's a real sweetheart and always tries his hardest to flirt. But not in a weird way, in a cute way. He's a funny and sweet guy who always manages to get me to smile.

I enjoy working here. Nobody can tell me what to do because I am the boss. I get first pick on my schedule because I make it. Although there are people who help a lot, I still have a lot to do. But I don't mind. This place was a dream come true.

When I get to my parents house, I go inside to find Tyler sitting on the couch with Alex on his lap. My eyes widen and I look around for my parents but don't find them. "Alex." I call. "Come on."

Alex climbs off his lap and runs to me. "Mommy!"

I pick him up and kiss him. "Where's grandma?" I ask him quietly.

"Kitchen." He answers.

Ignoring Tyler's existence, I wander into the kitchen in search of my parents. My mom is standing at the stove cooking. "Mom."

She smiles. "Hi honey. How was work?"

I glare at her. "How could you just leave him in the room with him?"

She rolls her eyes. "We know him."

"And I thought I knew -"

"Mia?" Tyler says from behind me.

I sigh. "I don't have time for this."

I begin walking away and Tyler follows close behind. I put Alex in his seat then try to get in but Tyler stands in front of my door. "Why didn't you tell me?" He asks.

"Because I didn't care if you knew." I shrug, crossing my arms over my chest.

"How could you say that? We were gonna go out."

I laugh dryly. "Until you got some then you ran off."

"You still should've told me. I have a right to know."

"How? We aren't together. If we were together, you would've known." I say.

"Well who's the father?" He asks. He furrows his eyebrows then his eyes widen. "It's not me, is it?"

I shake my head. "No, he's not yours, you jackass. Now move."

"I'm sorry." He groans. "I have these feelings for you that I've never had for anyone else and it scares the hell out of me... You scare the hell out of me."

I sigh. "How do I scare you?"

"Because I'm afraid of losing you again." He cups my cheek, his thumb rubbing across my cheek. "When you left, I realized nothing would be the same. I went insane without you. But when I heard you were back, I freaked out. What was I supposed to say to you? Would you forgive me? I didn't know but all I did know was that I had feelings for you and I had to see you again."

I place my hand on top of his then move my head to kiss his palm. "I can't keep letting you hurt me." I say softly.

"I won't hurt you anymore." He says. "I'll try to do things right this time."

"And Matt is my friend. He has helped me through a lot - especially when it comes to Alex. Him and his parents were the only ones there for me in California. I'm used to his comfort, that's why I called him that night."

"But why would you need his comfort when you had me there?" He asks. "I wanted to be there for you but you put him before me."

"You don't have to worry about him anymore. He flew back home the other night. The only person I'll put before you is my son. He's my world and he's guaranteed to stay with me, even if you don't." I say.

He nods. "That's understandable. Can we try again?"

I nod. "Yes."

"Good. Let me take you guys out for dinner." He says.

I chuckle. "So soon?"

He shakes his head. "It's not soon. If anything, it's beyond late."

I nod. "Okay."

Tyler drives his truck and I follow him as he drives to a restaurant. I carry Alex inside and we find our seats. Alex loves Tyler. I don't know what it is about him but Alex likes him a lot. I guess it's a good thing. Tyler spends most of the dinner talking to Alex and coloring with him but I don't mind. I like watching them. It makes me smile.

Alex is tired by the time we go home so I but him to bed before joining Tyler on the couch. I guess it's time to tell him.

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