The Three of Us

2- Date-Ditching

Jennifer's POV

I wake up to the sound of my son laughing as he tugs on my hair. I smile and open my eyes and he stops immediately. "Mm, come here!" I laugh and grab his little body and pull him into me. I kiss his cheek multiple times and he gets still and lays on my chest.

"Daddy is coming to get you today." I say. He looks up and smiles widely and it makes me smile. "Daddyyyy!!" He yells and I push my hand through his thick, dark hair and he flops down onto his back. "Want pancakes?!" I ask and jump up and head to the kitchen. He nods his head and makes himself busy while I cook breakfast.

After a couple of hours, Gino knocks on the door and walks inside. "Daddy!" Emmett yells and runs across the floor to his father. Gino scoops up Emmett in his bulky, muscular arms and walks towards me. "What's up buddy?" Gino smiles. I smile and watch them for a few minutes and Gino hands me a check. "Here." "Gino-" "Please." He says. "Thank you." I say and he nods his head. Gino is a great dad and our relationship is great. After Emmett was born we tried really hard to make things work, but it just wasn't happening. Even though that was the case, our relationship didn't suffer. I think we're closer now than ever.

"I can come pick him up tomorrow." I say and he nods his head, "What are your big plans tonight?" He asks and puts Emmett down. "My genius little sister set me up on a blind date. I'm not excited." I say and he smiles and shakes his head, "You're picky when it comes to who you date." He says. "And you're not? We have to be, Gino. It's not just about us! If I'm going to date someone I need to feel comfortable with them being around Emmett." I say. He nods and sighs, "It's hard to find someone, but I wish you the best of luck... we're gonna get out of here." He says and grabs the bag I packed for my son. "Okay, be safe." I say. I grab Emmett's face and kiss him multiple times.  "I love you, I love you, I love you." I say. He smiles and kisses me on the cheek and Gino winks at me and heads out.

Now... time to go work this shift and get off in time for my date. Today is going to be interesting, I can feel it.

**

7:30pm and I run into the house (late as usual) and change clothes. I've gotten this quick-change thing down to a science... I slip into my jeans, heels, and a cute top and run back out to my car and drive to the restaurant. I go inside and find the guy I'm meeting. He's tall and handsome... good job so far, Liv. I sit down and we start talking and my interest fades quickly. I don't like him... at all. I tried to make myself give the guy a second chance, but it really just isn't happening.

"I'm gonna run to the ladies room!" I say and grab my purse and walk to the bathroom. I stand in front of the mirror and shake my head. Why?

A few moments later a girl walks in and glances at me. She uses the restroom and then washes her hands. "Your date is really that bad?" She laughs. I smile and look at her, "That noticeable?" I grin. "Looks like we both have bad luck tonight... what's he like?" She smiles. "His name is Matt, he's 29 and he has a boring desk job. Oh, and he says he doesn't get out much. It's like I'm talking to a wall." I say and she laughs and plays with her hair in the mirror. "I have you beat. I just found out that my date is married." She says. "What?!" "Yeah. Hell of a night." She sighs. "That sucks." I say and shake my head. She pauses and looks at me. "I think we could help each other out..." she grins and leans herself against the counter. "And how exactly could we do that?" "Give me your number." She says. I squint my eyes and bite my cheek. She laughs and smiles, "I promise I'm not just asking for your number because you're the prettiest girl I've seen here tonight." She grins. I shake my head and smile while I blush a little, "Fine, give me your phone." I demand and she hands me her phone and watches me type my number in.

"Go back to your table and answer the phone when I call you. The only thing is, as soon as you're out of here you have to call me to rescue me from my date." She says and I shake my head and laugh, "This is terrible, but okay." I say and walk out of the bathroom. I sit down at the table and sure enough... the phone rings. I answer and try to be convincing. I act all panicked and leave suddenly. I think my date bought it... I did a pretty damn good job. Maybe I should have pursued a career in acting.

Once I'm in my car I laugh to myself and call the number and she basically does the same thing I did. Once she's away from the table, I hear her laughing a little. "Thank you for that." I say to her. "Thank you. We saved each other's asses tonight. You owe me... I owe you." She teases. "Right." I say, about to leave the parking lot. "Have you left?" "Not yet.." "Don't. Where are you parked?" She asks. I smile to myself and put my car in park while I wait for her.

She walks over and I roll down the passenger side window. "It's cold and raining... any chance I can hop inside?" She asks me. "You gonna take all my cash?" "Yep. You caught me." She laughs. I smile and unlock the door and she climbs into my car. "I don't even have any cash to give you." I smile. "No worries. I accept payment in other forms as well." She grins. I shake my head and just look at her. "What's your name?" I ask her. "I'm Leah, and you?" "Jennifer." "Lovely to meet you, Jennifer." I smile and bite my cheek. "I don't know about you, but my dinner really sucked and pizza sounds wonderful. So if you accept payment in the form of pizza, I can take care of that right now." I suggest. She nods her head and smiles at me. "That sounds great... as long as you'll give me a ride." "I guess..." I roll my eyes, teasing her.

Maybe tonight won't turn out to be all bad.