Promise

Chapter 7: Baby's Day Out

Robyn

Rich & Hungry

Robyn: I'm planning on going to Central Park this morning to paint. Can I take Reyna for a picnic?
Robyn: This is also an open invite. Anyone who is free can join!

Saturdays were always the most blissful. The week was over and I still had another day before Monday. How could it get better than that?

Painting in my apartment wasn't cutting it for me anymore. I wanted to go out and be in nature to actually feel like creating something. So, of course, I used this as an opportunity to spend some time with my favorite little girl in the world.

Rich & Hungry

Ariadne: I'll stop by after work if you're still there!

Damon: If Reyna can fit me into her schedule, she's mine tomorrow.

Bella: That works because Christian called dibs on her today. Robyn, you guys could take her together?

My heart stopped in my chest. As much as I wanted to scream yes from the rooftops, I knew spending time with the man I was trying to get over was the very last thing I needed.

Rich & Hungry

Robyn: Oh, that's alright. I don't want to intrude. I'll take her some other day.

Francis: I would feel a lot more comfortable leaving my kid with Christian if you were around, Robyn.

Christian: Ha.

What the fuck was I supposed to say?

Rich & Hungry

Robyn: Are you sure?

Christian: I'll pick you both up from Bella's in an hour.

Ariadne: Just realized I have something this evening so I can't come! Next time :)

I rolled my eyes. Before Damon and Ariadne started dating, I did everything in my power to set the two of them up. This was her way of getting back at me for it.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror. It was clear of makeup and I considered putting some on before backtracking and realizing I shouldn't get dolled up for this outing. I wasn't trying to attract anyone anymore. In fact, the more repulsive I looked, it was probably better.

After filling my bag with tons of snacks and goodies for Reyna–ones her mother would never find out I was feeding her–I grabbed my sketchbook and walked out the door. I took the bus, not wanting to drive in busy Saturday afternoon traffic and it would put me near the Duvals roughly at the agreed upon time. The long walk from the stop to their gated home was beautiful and I stepped on every single leaf on the way there, giggling happily at the crunches.

Bella swung the door open immediately and looked me up and down in an approving smile.

"You look like a dream," she said, ushering me inside. "A wet dream in that skirt, if you ask me."

She never did have a filter.

I stared at her horrified. "What?"

Her blue eyes twinkled.

I swatted her arm lightly and walked straight into the kitchen. Francis sat at the table sipping his coffee while Reyna picked up pre-cut pieces of waffles from her plate, dunking them in inordinate amounts of maple syrup while her mother looked away.