No Expectations

Chapter Four

Stephen

Letting Layla go every other Sunday got harder and harder. Each time, I had to drive an hour out of my way where Desiree would force me to say goodbye on the front steps. Once I even asked to use the bathroom and she denied me. For some reason, I wasn't allowed in our old home under any circumstances.

I said goodbye to Layla and kissed her too many times to count. She kept giggling and asking for one more, so I'd oblige, not wanting to let my beautiful little girl go. Desiree stood in the doorway with her arms crossed like always. "Okay, bug, get in the house," she commanded.

Layla frowned. "Bye, Daddy. I'll miss you."

I forced a smile, cupping her cheeks. "Me too, baby. I'll call you tomorrow morning and ask about your dream, so don't forget it."

She rolled her eyes but nodded. "Yes, I know, Daddy. I'll remember. I'm not a kid anymore."

I laughed at that and caught Desiree smirk. Layla ran inside and Desiree took a step back before I stopped her. I should have chosen a better time, but I came right out with it, not able to control myself. "Don't bring other guys around Layla. It confuses her." My words sounded harsher than I meant.

As her face twisted into an angry scowl, my eyes widened. Oops. "Excuse me? What I do with my daughter is my own fucking business." She scoffed then stepped out again, closing the door behind her. "We divorced three years ago, Stephen. When is it okay for me to move on? Am I supposed to mourn forever? I don't want to be sad and lonely-"

"You shouldn't feel lonely. You have Layla."

She laughed, but not because she thought what I said was funny. "Of course. Layla's existence is going to solve all my problems. I'll just continue to live in denial. Never moving on. Great plan, asshole."

She opened the door, disappeared inside, then slammed it behind her. I stood frozen on the steps, realizing I should have handled that a little better. After all these years, we still had trouble communicating.

My hands stuffed in my pockets as I turned away and headed back to my car, fuming over our confrontation. I pulled off the street and down toward the highway.

Desiree had every right to date someone else. The only problem was I didn't want that someone else around my kid. Including me, Desiree's taste in men was pretty bad. I didn't want that type of male influence for Layla. If she was gonna bring boyfriends around, I needed to meet them first.

Or maybe not. Desiree is an adult and actually a wonderful mother to Layla. Maybe I was being too harsh, too overbearing. She always said I was controlling, and she's probably right when it came to the women in my life. I worry. I try to stay in control even when I'm not around.

I pulled out my phone at the stop light and texted her. I'm sorry about what I said and the way I acted. You're a great mom.

Didn't check my phone again until I parked at my condo. Thanks. was all I got in return.

Leaning back in the seat, I let out a heavy sigh. Back inside to my lonely apartment was the last place I wanted to be. I already missed Layla. I wanted to hear her cute little voice again but it was well past eleven, and she'd be asleep by now. Also, it'd piss Desiree off, and I was already on thin ice with her.

I grabbed my wallet and took my keys out of the ignition before heading to the building.

Once entering the lobby, I spotted her. The dog-walking girl. She stood at the elevators, waiting with her arms crossed. She kept looking down, kicking at the carpet with her foot. Her lips were a thin line as her eyebrows scrunched together in contemplation. I was slow as I approached her, hoping the elevator would come, and she'd get on without ever noticing me.