The Perfect Timing

Chapter Eighteen

"It's just for the money." Maya gives me a sad look and leans over to squeeze onto my hand. "Don't worry, Maddie. This will die down and it'll be over in a couple of weeks. At least it's out in the open now, you know? In the meantime, let's plan your birthday party."

The last thing I want to talk about is my birthday after reading that article. I know that it's just for money, and I know that people will see Cam's post and know differently, but it still doesn't bother me any less. I'm mortified.

"I was thinking we could book a restaurant or something? It's only two weeks away, but I think I can still get good reservations somewhere."

"Maya, I don't need any of that," I tell her as I take another sip of my water. "I literally hate birthdays. I despise them."

"Well, guess who doesn't?" She smiles, and it's contagious. As irritated as I am with her, I end up smiling too. "And your man would agree with me. I haven't talked to him yet, but I can almost guarantee that he has something up his sleeve too."

Rolling my eyes, I hop out of the chair and wipe the sweat from the back of my thighs that are exposed from my shorts. "I have to get going, but you seriously need to get better things to do. Less focus on me and more focus on your wedding that is only two months away."

"As my maid of honor shouldn't that be your job too?"

Feeling like absolute shit, she can visibly see it written all over my face about how bad I feel. I haven't had time to be as invested in her wedding as I need to be. I've just had so much going on.

She rolls her eyes. "I'm kidding. My mom has everything under control. You just need to show up."

"I'm still going to plan your bachelorette weekend!" I shout as I walk to the front door. "Love you mean it!"

***

I arrive at Cameron's apartment building around seven to pick Izzy up. It takes me almost ten minutes to even get to his apartment though. It's on the thirtieth floor, and the elevator takes forever.

I'm sweating through my clothes, and I didn't even think about what I was wearing until I'm standing outside his door. I'm just in a pair of ripped jean short shorts and a white tube top, sparkly sandals to show off my new pedicure that he got me. My hair is pulled back into a high pony and I have huge gold hoop earrings. Maybe I should have covered up more, but it's too damn hot for that. He'll have to understand.

I knock gently with the big knocker that's in front of me, and in seconds Cam opens the door. It seems like he's already got everything packed up for me,  diaper bag in hand.

"Look who it is!" Cam exclaims as he looks at Izzy. "It's mommy!"

Then his eyes meet mine, and I visibly see his pupils dilate as he scans me over from head to toe. His eyes linger on my breasts in this tube top, and if he continues to do that I might just give in and say fuck it. Fuck the healthy co-parenting. I want him.

"Maddie," he says hoarsely to acknowledge me. I can tell he's trying his hardest to control himself. "Uh, everything is ready to go. She didn't finish her dinner, but I put the leftovers in containers. They're in the big pocket. Peas and chicken."

I take the bag from him and sling it around my shoulders, reaching out to take Izzy. This has never happened, but she starts to cry. It's the first time she's ever not wanted me.

I gulp loudly and bring her close to my chest. "Iz, it's okay," I soothe. "You'll see him soon, okay?"

"She's been pretty cranky today," he tells me. "Hasn't really wanted to eat anything and didn't nap well. She might just be getting used to being over here."

"Or a little too used to it." I smile and pinch her cheek gently. "You had that much fun with daddy, huh?"

"Can you say, daddy?" Cameron pleads, but all Izzy does is bury her head into my shoulder, causing him to let out a sigh. "Eventually." He chuckles, and then he turns to me. "I'll call you when I land, okay?"

He must see the questioning look on my face because he quickly recovers and says, "You know, to FaceTime Izzy."

"Right." I smile, and although I want to tell him that I want him to call and talk to me too I know that I shouldn't. "Say bye to daddy, Iz."

She's holding the turtle that they named Squishy, and we're both in shock when she reaches out and passes it over to him.

"For me?" He asks and does a fake little gasp. "But this is yours, Izzy."

"Maybe daddy can keep squishy for the weekend," I suggest. "He can take him to see all of Los Angeles. Then he can come back and tell you about his adventures."

"I will protect him with my life," Cam vows, holding his hand up like he's repeating an oath before he bends down to kiss her forehead. "I love you, Izzy. See you soon."

My heart flutters from the sentence, and I didn't realize I was so desperate to hear it until now. He hasn't said it again since we've been back in contact with each other, and I understand why. He can't trust me fully yet.

"Say I love you too," I can hardly choke out, refusing to meet my gaze with his as we turn for the door. "Bye Cam. Have fun this weekend."