In moments, Josh leaves. I sit awkwardly on the sofa. Corey sits by my side.
"Jen, come here for a moment," Corey tells the little girl who plays with dolls on the floor in front of me.
"Yes," she says.
"Can you say hi to Sadie?"
She looks down shyly at the ground.
I smile. "Hi Jen," I reach out my hand.
I feel her soft smooth hand in mine as she shakes my hand.
"Hey,'' she smiles.
Corey picks up the TV remote in his hand and flips through tiles on the streaming service.
"Unicorn movie," Jen says excitedly.
"Jen, we watched that movie all week."
"I like unicorns, so it looks like you're outnumbered."
Jen laughs, sticking her tongue at him.
Corey chuckles. "Ladies win." He starts the movie. I smile, listening to Jen sing the opening music.
Corey gets up. "I am going to start the pizza.
"Do you need any help?"
"No, it's just frozen pizza."
I nod.
Corey is back at my side in moments. He sits down next to me, pulling me to his side. He puts his arm around me.
I hear my phone ding. Grabbing it from my handbag, I realized it was Adam.
I can't wait to see you tonight baby. His message reads.
I almost forgot. I too can't wait. I text back.
"You're still going out with Fancy Boy?"
I laugh. "His name is Adam, and it's dinner with a friend."
"I don't think he thinks that Baby." He rolls his eyes. Clearly mocking his text.
"I can't let him down."
"I understand. You do what you want. I canceled my date, so you know what I want."
"And what is that?"
He gets up from the couch and walks into the kitchen.
"To be your friend."
I frown. Only friends.
Corey walks back into the living room with pizza on plates, he hands Jen one and then me.
"Thank you."
"I hope you like pepperoni, sorry it's just frozen pizza."
"Who doesn't like pepperoni?"
He smiles sitting next to me.
I take a bite and my taste buds go crazy.
"I haven't had pizza in years."
Even Jen looks at me funny.
"Seriously?" Corey asks.
"Strict diet." I shrug my shoulders.
"You're a dancer, not a model."
I laugh.
Corey's phone goes off. I see him look disgusted.
"I have to take this," he tells me.
I nod.
"Mom, how are you doing?" He answers the phone.
"Yeah, okay. You said that last time."
Jen doesn't even seem to care that her mom is on the phone, she just watches the movie.
"No mom, I can't work, I just have community service all week."
"No, you can't talk to Jen, she gets upset."
I feel sad listening to their conversion. Wow, he goes through so much.
He finally hangs up the phone. I can see the frustration on his face.
"Sorry, my mom is a mess."
I nod. "My mom is too."
He laughs.
"I can hire you for a real job at the academy on the weekends."
"Sadie, thanks, but I don't need help."
I look down. Corey is the kind that doesn't accept help.
"How long have you had custody of Jen?"
"Three years."
"How did you finish high school?"
"I didn't, my sister needed me."
I nod. "I can help you go back to school."
He smiles. "I am going to do online classes."
He sits back down and puts his arm around me.
Hours passed, and we watched two movies. I have an hour before Adam picks me up. I am sad to leave, I like spending time with Corey and Jen.
"I must get going."
Corey eyes me. "I will walk you out."
Jen hugs me. She is a sweetheart.
"Come back soon?" she asks.
"I hope so."
Once in front of my car, I look at Corey. It was clear something was bothering him.
"Thanks for today, I had a great time."
He smiles. "Me too."
I hug him. I love the smell of him. The feeling of his strong arms around me sends butterflies to my stomach.
"Sadie, I can't compete with Adam. He can give you so much more."
I look at him. I wish he would kiss me.
"Noone is competing with anyone. Adam is just my friend and we are just friends."
I want Corey. But I don't want to rush things. I am not sure his mind isn't made up about me either.
He nods, moving the hair from my face.
"See you soon." He says before I get into the car.