The Storm

Chapter 7

Davis

Things have been steadily improving the past few weeks. Archer is now my little shadow when I come home from work. He likes to Facetime me during the day and shows me something he found in the yard or a picture he drew. Although it usually ends up being me talking to Daisy after Archer loses interest. It's like a strange co-parenting situation. She's not my wife, but she is the mother figure to my child. She's doing everything Sabrina would have done with him had she lived. She takes him to the doctor, plays with him, teaches him words. The other night he successfully told us all his colors and counted to ten on his own. Daisy and I clapped in excitement for him. Daisy texts me funny stuff he says or does during the day when I'm at work. We have this amazing working relationship that has benefitted not only Archer but me as well. I don't feel so depressed all the time. 

The receptionist buzzes me that I have some visitors. When I step out into the lobby I see Daisy and Archer waiting. My heart lifts in excitement. Archer squeals and runs to me with his arms out when he sees me. Daisy gives me a smile as I scoop him up.

"I took him over to meet my parents and we were close by so I thought I would take a chance. He's been missing you extra this morning," she tells me. Archer presents a matchbox car he has.

"Dad-dee, I got car!" he explains excitedly. 

"My dad gave him some matchbox cars. He wanted to bring the whole set in with us to show you but I told him only one for right now," Daisy explains. She's wearing a cute yellow sundress that shows off her toned legs and the freckles across her collarbone. 

"Would you like a tour?" I ask. Daisy nods and starts following me down the corridor. My employees are stopping and making a fuss over Archer. While he buries his face in my neck he does give a couple of waves and little 'hellos' to different people. I introduce him and Daisy to everyone, showing off Archer with pride. When we get to Thomas's office, Archer relaxes a little. He knows him. Thomas gives him M&M's every time he sees him. 

"Dom!" Archer calls out, wiggling out of my arms to give Thomas a hug. He scoops him up and kisses him on his chubby little cheeks. 

"Hey Days," Thomas says as he leans over and kisses Daisy on the cheek. I momentarily forgot they were related as a tiny flare of jealousy pops up in my chest. 

"Day-dee," Archer tells Thomas, pointing at her. 

"Is that your Daisy?" Thomas asks him. 

"My Day-dee," Archer says patting his chest. 

"I see he's staked his claim," Thomas teases Daisy. "Good man Arch, when you see a beautiful woman, don't hesitate, make her yours!"

Daisy laughs at the two of them, squeezing Archer's cheeks. 

"What brings you to this dump?" Thomas asks blithely. Daisy looks at me.

"I took Archer to meet my mom and dad. We were close by so I thought Davis would like a visit from his son," she explains.

"And his nanny," Thomas says in a low voice. I promptly elbow him. I had told Thomas, in confidence, that I nearly kissed Daisy. Which for the most part was a mistake since he teases me about her all the time now. 

"Go for it man, if she's even half as dazzling as her sister, you might have found your next wife," Thomas had told me. 

There was only one small problem. I didn't know how to 'go for it.' I haven't been on the dating scene since high school. I have little to no experience on how to seduce a woman in this day and age. Besides, there is no guarantee Daisy even wants me that way.