Page 37 of Absolution

"And... you're going to be the one to help me?" I peek up at her. She has that crazy eyes' thing going on, I'm scared.

"Yeah, it's like I'm the doctor now, and I'm gonna perform Coochie CPR."

I rear back and point toward the door. "Get out! Go, now before my animal instincts kick in and I smoother you in your sleep!"

"I don't understand." She raises a quizzical brow. "I'm trying to be a good friend and save your stuff-a-muff!"

"Please stop saying muff and coochie, I swear I can't with you another second." Tears stream down my face from holding back my laughter. Although I may not want to admit, deep down, I have no doubt she's right. I need to move on, but for the life of me, I don't know how.

Amy stands, walking over to the door. "Riddle me this, when is the last time you've been out on a Friday? Or any day for that matter?"

"A long damn time," the tears welling in my eyes this time aren't funny. "maybe next week, but I'll make you this promise when I do decide to go out for a girl's night, you're on speed dial."

She pumps her fist in the air, celebrating. "Yes! I am the Cooter Queen, and I'm here to rescue your coochie!"

"Leave!" I point to the door again. She sticks her nose in the air as she sashays from the room. "Totally explains why I'm still single, she's one of my best friends."

Another ten-hour day, and I'm about to drop when it's finally time to go home. Thankfully, I'm not on call this weekend. I hate to admit it, with taking a day off this week, but I need a break from everything and everyone.

By the time I'm home, I realize I should've gone to the grocery store. As much as I'd like to wait until tomorrow, Emmie needs a few things, and so do I., So it's off we go, dragging ass to the store.

One of my favorite things while shopping is helping Emmie with her vocabulary. I hold up objects, articulating each word as I say them. She tends to giggle more than repeat me, feeding into my insecurities that she's falling behind for her age. Most toddlers are more verbal by now.

"Apple." She’s utterly adorable when she wrinkles her nose, laughing at me as I coax her to speak. "A is for A-pple."

She giggles. I continue to look like a failure as a mother while pushing her around the isles. We fill the cart with everything from actual food to every item of junk and sweets I can find. Two bottles of wine, a gallon of ice cream, and I'm ready to go home.

"Shoot! I forgot your cereal." I make a funny face at Emmie as she sits sweetly in the cart. "One more thing, and we'll turn on your favorite ice queen while we snuggle after dinner."

Fourteen boxes later, she's rejected everything I've offered. I sigh heavily, ready to give up. I hate I feel this way some days, being a mother is a hard job but doing it alone is even harder. Especially on the days I just can't seem to figure anything out.

"This one?" I showcase the cereal, hoping she'll reach for one of them, and I can be done with the day. She does, only to knock it out of my hand and watch the box fall to the floor. I kneel, grabbing it and hear the absolute worst thing ever.

"Hi, beautiful." I rise slowly. Peeking over the handle of the cart. For the love of Greek Gods and wet panties, Creed Hatcher.

I lift my hand, waving as I pop up from the behind Emmie. "Hey there. How are you and Doc?"

"Oh. Hello." He seems confused, his brows are pulled so tight they're almost one. "I didn't see you... is this?"

Now, I understand. My jaw locks, but I manage to get the words out. "Yes, this is my daughter."

"I-I didn't realize." He steps back as if he might catch something, and he might end up with a kid or worse a wife.

"She doesn't bite."

"I didn't say she did." Beads of sweat form across his top lip. "I'm surprised, that's all."

"How is Doc?"

His eyes move from Emmie to mine. "She's good. Her vet complimented your work and is going to remove the stitches next week."

"Nice, I'm glad she's doing well. Did you leave her at home?"

"She's with my... Crawford and Kathryn." His brow furrows.

"With your Crawford and Kathryn? That's different."

He runs his hand through his hair awkwardly. "It's a long story, I was hoping to tell you one day, but I suppose you stay pretty busy."