Hidden Depths
First Date

The next day I found myself and Maddy dressed as nicely as I could afford and waiting just inside the apartment when Dalton came to get us. I couldn’t help but notice that right now Blake was at his moms waiting for us to go and play the part of his perfect family. I wondered absently if this was considered cheating because he couldn’t take no for an answer.

“You look beautiful.” Dalton said, kissing my cheek softly.

“Thanks.” I said quietly before slowly turning to Maddison. “Maddy this is mommy’s friend Dalton, Dalton this is my daughter Maddison.”

“It’s nice to meet you sweetie.” Dalton said awkwardly

He seemed unsure whether to squat and high-five the girl; or follow her lead and stare silently. I wanted to explain that with what she saw only the morning before she was unsure of everybody right now. However, I didn’t want to admit that I had allowed my daughter to witness that. It was my job to protect her and I had failed.

“I’m sorry she’s shy…” I said instead, gently running my fingers over my daughter’s long black hair.

“That’s okay.” Dalton said awkwardly, “You ladies ready to go?”

I nodded and Maddison grabbed my hand nervously. I got the car seat out of my car and transferred it over to Daltons with some help from him. After Maddy climbed in I helped her buckle, even though I knew she could do it. I kissed her forehead then glanced at the front where I hoped Dalton couldn’t hear me.

“He’s nice, baby. You okay?” I brushed the hair out of her face.

“How do you know? You thought Mr. Blake was nice too.” She asked, causing me to wince.

“I’m so sorry baby.” I sighed and kissed her forehead.

I forced a smile as I climbed into the front seat. Dalton reached over, taking my hand and gently squeezing it.

“Would it be easier for her if we ate here instead?” He asked quietly, glancing at Maddison in the mirror as she cried quietly.

“Yes, but I don’t want to ruin your plans.” I said timidly, not mentioning that I had nothing but some cold cereal and smashed top roman in my cupboards.

“It’s not a problem, I’ll have my sister bring the food here then we can stay somewhere Maddison feels safe.” He offered.

I stared at him in amazement. Not only was he not upset at her being so upset, he was willing to sacrifice his plans to comfort my daughter. I felt like my heart might explode.

“Would that be okay?” He asked cautiously, as he watched me.

“That would be perfect. I would really appreciate it. I don’t think I can do this to her right now.” I admitted.

“I don’t want to scare her.” He smiled, squeezing my hand again. “Come on, you get her out and I’ll grab the car seat. I can look at your car while we wait for Amber.”

I nodded trying to remember why the name Amber sounded so familiar. We climbed out and Maddy wrapped her arms around my neck as I held her close to me. Dalton pulled her car seat out and I realized something as he went to pop the hood of my car.

“Wait, your clothes.” I pointed out his tight light green button down and name brand dark wash jeans.

“No big deal I’ll have Amber bring me something.” He pulled out his phone making a quick call as I pulled out Maddison's bubble machine she had gotten from her birthday the year before.

“Bubbles?!” She lit up, wiping tears off her cheeks.

“I’m going to help with the car. You can play bubbles as long as you stay on the grass, alright?” I emphasized. She knew the rules well and often had to follow them while I did yard work or cleaned the car out.

She nodded, wiping at her eyes.

“Good girl,” I kissed the top of her head.

“Amber won’t be here for at least an hour.” Dalton said from under the hood of my car. “Which is good, It means I have time to get you a new battery and get it hooked up.”

“Is that the problem?” I asked, trying not to stare at him.

“Yeah this battery is shot to hell. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was original.” He said in surprise, “Though your oil is low too.”

“That’s not possible. Blake was taking it in regularly with my money to get the oil changed.” I said, shocked.

“Well he was lying out of his ass, this oil hasn’t been changed in way too long. It’s pretty bad.” Dalton stood wiping his hands on the towel I handed him.

“I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.” I snapped angrily.

“I can go get the supplies and be back shortly.” He smiled sadly.

“No it’s okay I’ll get it taken care of on Monday.” I smiled awkwardly.

“After pay day?” He asked, leaning back against the car. “How bad is it?”

“We are fine.” I snapped crossing my arms. He raised an eyebrow and I groaned leaning back next to him. “I had to get Maddison's medication this week, which always makes for a tight pay period. It’s standard.”

“Medication?” He asked, watching the little girl jump to pop a bubble, with a smile on his face.

“Um, she was born with a congenital heart defect. She has medication she has to take twice a day otherwise her heart starts malfunctioning.” I confided stoically. “We were in and out of the hospital for years trying to replace the right medication that works for her. Medical bills added up, but we found it and now she can play and be a normal kid. Mostly at least, her mom’s a little over protective.” I joked.

“Her mom is amazing. Going through all of that alone, you must have been terrified.” He said quietly.

I took a deep breath before nodding slowly. “Yeah it was awful. It was the only time after she was born that I tried calling Seth.”

“What about your parents?” He asked suddenly.

“My mom was a single mom all my life. She lost it when she found out I had gotten pregnant just like her. She said to leave and never go back. So I did.” I shrugged as if this meant nothing.

“Fucking asshole…” Dalton muttered, running his hand over his face.

I chuckled humorlessly. “That’s one reason I don’t want to tell him. I made it this far without him. He wasn’t there when I needed him, so why should I give him the chance to be there now?”

“I can see your point, but by the sounds of you need the help and he needs to take responsibility.” He held up one finger when he noticed I was about to cut in. “I’m not saying you aren’t capable or that you aren’t doing enough. I’m simply saying that you have a ton of medical bills, your car isn’t running and you can’t afford to fix it, and you guys are having to live in this mold farm. The least he could do is put some things right.”

I thought about what he said, trying not to take offense. “I guess I can see your point of view, but I can’t risk him trying to get custody of her. You saw the way she reacted today, and that was with me in the car. Imagine how she would react being put alone in a car with Seth.”

He winced, “I really don’t think that would be a problem though. The worst I could imagine is him insisting you both move into one of his safe houses.”

“Safe houses?” I asked, stunned.

He grimaced, “Uh, yeah. Hey, can I use your bathroom to wash up?”

“Um, sure. Of course.” I said distractedly.

“Thanks.” He leaned over kissing my forehead before walking inside.