Love Me Back (Amelia and Daniel) novel Chapter 239

“Mom, are you saying Uncle Robert is taking me to the sports day?”

Amelia glanced at her daughter, a little uncertain. “Is that okay? I have work on Friday and probably can’t make it.”

“Of course it’s okay!” Ruby chirped, clearly unbothered. “Olivia’s parents are overseas, so her uncle takes her. And Uncle Robert is so tall—he must be really good at running, right?”

Amelia smiled. “He actually won some long-distance races back in college.”

“Yay!” Ruby bounced up and down with excitement.

…

Daniel’s eyelid twitched for no reason.

He turned and saw Finley with his phone wedged between his shoulder and ear, distractedly playing cards and making a wrong move. Suddenly, he let out a sharp exclamation.

The person on the other end immediately started yelling at him. Finley hurriedly apologized, trying to smooth things over, and ended the call with several exaggerated “mwah mwah” kisses into the receiver.

As he hung up, someone nearby teased, “Finley, you act like a boss outside, but at home you’re whipped. Around your wife, you’re practically her puppy.”

Finley tossed his lighter at him. “Shut up.”

“You keep saying you’re busy—what’s up? Need your buddies to help out?”

Finley lit a cigarette, looking frustrated. “Don’t get me started. My son’s preschool is having its sports day. My wife’s got a big brand event out of town, and I’m stuck with work too, but she insists I drop everything for this. Her job is always important, but mine apparently isn’t. She’s impossible sometimes.”

A heavy hand landed on his shoulder. “A man’s gotta put his career first,” came the sage advice.

Finley turned to see Daniel. “I’d love to, but in my wife’s eyes, my career only matters when it’s convenient for her. Someone’s gotta go to the sports day, though. You know my kid—I can’t just leave him with anyone.”

Daniel, in full big-brother mode, patted his shoulder. “Then let me go. That way you won’t have to worry.”

Amelia rolled her eyes. Where else could she have learned it? The kid could talk her way out of anything.

“Go on inside,” she said. “You two can check out the games and get familiar with the place.”

Robert had already looked up the events and practiced with Ruby at home. Inside the gym, he crouched next to her, patiently going over strategies and tips for each activity.

Daniel showed up wearing a sporty jacket and black joggers, his hair tousled and casual. He looked every bit the picture of youthful energy—so different from his usually serious, work-mode self.

He walked James into the gym and immediately spotted Robert, who was talking earnestly to Ruby while holding a bouncy ball.

Daniel’s cool gaze swept the room, but there was no sign of Amelia.

She’s missing her own daughter’s sports day?