Begin Again

Chapter 8

Mack POV - one week later

"Mommy! We have to call Alex!" Riley says running into the room.

I chuckle, "Why's that?"

"It's her birthday!" She exclaims.

I stare at her, "Huh. It is?"

She nods quickly, "Yeah, mommy!"

I laugh and grab my iPad, pushing Alex's contact.

A short bit later, Alex appears.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ALEX!" Riley yells.

I smile.

"Thanks, Riley!" Alex says.

She looks at me.

I chuckle, "Happy birthday, Lex."

She smiles, "Thanks, babe."

"So, what's on the agenda for the birthday girl?"

She shrugs, "Practice, media, shopping, dinner."

I laugh, "Just had to sneak some shopping in there, huh?"

She nods, "I love shopping."

I smile and nod, "I know."

"Also, I need your shoe size and Riley's shoe size."

My eyes widen, "For what?"

She shakes her head, "It's a secret."

"A secret?"

"Yep!" She says.

I stare at her, "Okay, I'll text you."

"Thank you! Okay, I have to get going. But I'll see you guys this weekend!"

"Yay!" Riley cheers.

"Hey, let me know how the playdate with Charlie is, babe."

I smile, "Yeah, I will."

She looks at me pointedly, "And send me photos."

I chuckle, "Yes, I will, Lex."

"And call me later." She says.

"Didn't you have to go?" I question.

She laughs, "Yes. Bye, babe."

I smile, "Bye."

"Mommy, Charlie coming soon?" Riley asks me.

I smile and nod, "Yeah. We gotta get ready."

I bring her to her room and start getting her dressed.

I start to feel nervous about meeting Serv.

'Does he know that Alex and I are dating? Will he be an asshole? How will I respond?'

I finish getting her dressed and head downstairs.

"Okay, pancakes or waffles?" I ask Riley.

She squints and thinks about it, "Pancakes, mommy. With blueberries."

I chuckle and start grabbing everything, "Okay, Riley Roo."

She runs off and I look up.

"Babe? She's just like you."

I smile to myself and start making the pancakes.

I finish up and my phone buzzes.

I see a photo from Alex and open it.

I chuckle when I see the selfie.

Alex: I miss you 😘

I snap a photo of me pouting.