PART 5:

On Tuesday, Evan sent a photo of Sophie holding a drawing. The little girl had dark curls like her father and serious eyes behind pink framed glasses. In her hands was a picture of what appeared to be two stick figures and a very enthusiastic blue blob. She wanted you to see her masterpiece. Evans text read. That’s supposed to be an octopus.

We’re very excited about Saturday. Lena showed the picture to Maya who was coloring at the kitchen table. Look baby, this is Sophie. We’re going to meet her this weekend. Maya studied the photo with intense concentration. Friend, maybe would you like that? A new friend? Yes. Maya returned to her coloring with the matter settled.

If only adult relationships were so simple. Wednesday brought rain again, the kind of downpour that turned Seattle streets into rivers. Lena was working on a logo design for a coffee shop when her phone rang. Evan’s name lit up the screen and her heart did something complicated in her chest.

“Hey,” she answered, trying to sound casual. “Hey, yourself.” Evan’s voice was warm, slightly breathless. “Is this a bad time?” “No, it’s perfect. Ma’s having quiet time, and I needed a break from staring at coffee beans.” Lena saved her work and leaned back in her chair. “What’s up?” “I was thinking about Saturday, and I wanted to run something by you.

Sophie’s been asking if we can pack a picnic to eat at the aquarium. They have this outdoor area with tables overlooking the water, but I checked the weather and it’s supposed to rain. Shocking, I know. So, I thought maybe we could do the aquarium and then come back to my place for lunch. That way, the girls could play and we could actually have a conversation without a thousand other people around.

Lena’s stomach flipped. Meeting at a public place was safe, controlled. Going to his house felt like a much bigger step. I don’t know, too much, Evan asked immediately. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. We can absolutely stick to the original plan. I just thought, “No, it’s not that.

” Lena stood pacing to the window. Rain stre down the glass. I want to say yes. I just I have to be careful with Maya. I mean, I can’t bring people into her life who might not stay. Evan was quiet for a moment. When he spoke, his voice was gentle. I understand that completely. And I’m not asking you to make any promises or decisions.

I’m just asking if you want to have lunch at my house. Low stakes, no pressure. If you’re not comfortable, we don’t do it. What if the girls don’t get along? Then we deal with it. Sophie’s pretty easygoing, but she’s also four and has her moments. Ma’s, too, and probably has even more moments. We’re not expecting perfection here, Lena. We’re just seeing what happens.

Lena pressed her forehead against the cool window. You make it sound so simple. It is simple. We like each other. Our kids might like each other. We’re going to spend some time together and see how it goes. Everything else is just noise. I wish I had your confidence. You know what I did yesterday? Evan’s voice shifted, became more vulnerable.

I cleaned my entire house top to bottom because I was so nervous about you seeing where I live. I reorganized Sophie’s toy bins three times. I bought new hand towels. I’m not confident, Lena. I’m terrified. I just think some things are worth being terrified for. Lena felt her resolve crumbling. Okay. Okay. Okay.

We’ll come to your house for lunch, but I’m bringing dessert. You don’t have to. I’m bringing dessert, Lena repeated firmly. It’s non-negotiable. She could hear the smile in his voice. Yes, ma’am. Dessert is now mandatory. They talked for another 20 minutes about nothing important. The coffee shop logo, a difficult parent teacher conference Evan had navigated, the new bookshelf Lena was considering for Mia’s room.

It was ordinary and comfortable and exactly what Lena hadn’t known she needed. When they finally hung up, Lena found Maya standing in the doorway, her stuffed elephant clutched under one arm. “Evan,” Maya asked. “Yeah, baby.” “That was Evan.” “Nice man,” Mia said decisively, then wandered back to her room.

Lena laughed despite herself. Out of the mouths of babes. Thursday morning brought a text from Sarah. “So, how did the date go? You’ve been suspiciously quiet.” Lena waited until Maya was occupied with breakfast before calling her back. “It went well,” she said when Sarah answered. “Well, that’s all I get.

Lena Marie Harper, I set you up with the best guy I know, and all you can say is it went well.” “It went really well,” Lena amended. “He was Sarah. He was perfect. He didn’t run when he saw Maya. He held her, fed her, made her laugh, and we’re seeing him again on Saturday. Sarah squealled so loudly that Lena had to pull the phone away from her ear.

I knew it. I knew you two would hit it off. Tell me everything. Lena found herself recounting the entire date, every detail she’d been holding close. Sarah listened with the enthusiasm of someone who’d been rooting for this outcome all along. I’m so happy for you, Sarah said when Lena finished. You deserve this.

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