A few days later
Charlottes point of view
I' m riding a pink pony on a carousel. Bobbing up and down. James is sitting astride a plastic peacock, his head thrown back laughing. He looks into my eyes and pulls my free hand into his. He says something but it sounds funny, like he's underwater, but I like it and I giggle. His hand is warm, rough calloused fingers and soft palms. There's a rumbling in the distance getting closer. The carousel starts spinning faster and faster, lions and kangaroos and ponies blurring together. I squeeze James hand tight. The rumbling is closer.
James is saying something to me, something important and I can't hear it.
I'm awoken by the sound of a car door slamming next door.
"It's like you think I'm a child or an idiot! I don't need your help to do every little thing!"
Sounds like Cynthia and James are home.
"I'm sorry Cynthia. I know you can do it by yourself."
"I can"
"I thought maybe you wanted my help"
"James, I don't want or need your help"
They're silent for a while.
I inch closer to the window.
"James?"
"Yes?"
"I don't think we're going to work"
"I know."
"You're not going to ask me to stay? Demand in that voice that drives me crazy?"Cynthia's voice trembles.
There's a deep sigh.
"No"
I fall back on my bed. James sounded a little sad but mostly resolute. He's going to be okay.
The door slams behind her and I hear the rumble of her car speeding away until the sound is gone.
As I cuddle my stuffed elephant I can't help but smile.
YOU ARE READING
Daddy's Perfect Match
RomanceJames is Charlotte's hot new neighbor. But he's 30 and in a relationship with a mature, intimidating women. Charlotte thinks he would never want someone as little, needy, vulnerable as her. When James and his girlfriend break up, will Charlotte real...
