The Trap

Chapter 49

The next day, Paula and the girls arrived at Simon's at straight up noon. Dylan and Rochelle came out to greet them. As soon as they got into the house, the kids made a beeline for the backyard with Honey galloping behind them. Paula thought about getting Simon back from all the times he scared her, but decided to be a bigger person.

"Hey Si! Oh something smells good! What'cha cooking?"

He turned around and smiled at her. "I can't answer you until you do what my apron says."

It said 'kiss the cook', and that's exactly what she did.

"Hi love! I'm making pulled pork sandwiches."

"I can't wait to eat!"

"So did you talk to the girls?"

"Yes I did. They want to stay where we are for now."

"Where are you staying?"

"Oh you didn't hear?"

"No, but I was meaning to ask you that."

"We are living with Mason and Beth. At the time of our separation, my parents were on a cruise and now my sister lives in Denver."

"I know about you're sister, love. I was sitting right next to you when she told you."

"Oh yeah, that's right. But do you know what's crazy?"

"Um that I forgot to buy the bread for our sandwiches?"

"No, wait you did?"

He smiled and laughed. "Yes."

"Wow I think I need to move in here sooner, so our kids don't go hungry."

He was speechless as she was laughing.

"I'm kidding. And I'm sorry you forgot the buns, we can just eat it like a salad with the coleslaw."

"The what, love?"

"You're kidding, right?"

"No, this is my first time actually making pulled pork. So there's sides too?"

"Yes next time we make this, I'll buy everything we need."

"Thanks. But I did buy baked beans, macaroni and cheese and um apple sauce."

"Oh well there you go. That'll work! Um what was I saying before this conversation about lunch?"

"I don't know all you said was something was crazy."

"Oh yeah, my parents don't have a clue about us breaking up. I totally forgot to call them and tell about what they missed here at home. But you know thinking abut now, maybe I did it so that we could live with the Baker's and my Dad wouldn't kill you for hurting us. I don't think my sister knows either. If she did she would ask me a million questions about our relationship. I'm glad she looks out for me, but I'm a grown woman, I can take care of myself and our family. But enough about me, did you tell anyone in your family about us breaking up?"

"No I didn't. It didn't even cross my mind to tell them. Maybe I'll tell them sometime."

"Yeah me too. I mean if it ever comes up."

"I don't meant to change the subject, but I need to ask you a question."

"No it's okay. So what's up?"

"Would the girls want to come home if they knew that they didn't have to sleep on the floor anymore?"

"How are you going to do that?"

"Well I was thinking about turning the spare bedroom into their room."

"That's a great idea, Si! I love it!"