Nicole's got me wrapped around her so tight, and whether I want to admit it out loud or not, she has my heart too. My whole heart.

It feels like it's been forever since I've seen her so I'm actually beyond elated, when I finally see her beautiful face. Just looking at her...hearing her voice is calming my nerves before I see Lauren. And that thought alone, makes me nauseous.

After spending a few minutes with Nicole, I'm feeling better, feeling like I can deal with Lauren, so I head out to grab some dinner, before driving to her parent's house. At least for now, meeting over there is safe, though that nut job doesn't care where she is when she acts a fool.

Her mom opens the door, "Devin, hi honey! It's so good to see you!" Her mom is still pretty.

"Mrs. Rodriguez...you're looking as wonderful as ever!" We embrace, and she doesn't release me right away. She knows the stress that is her daughter. I finally pull away when I hear my little man running from the back of the house.

"Daddyyyyyyy!"

My heart melts, "What's up, buddy? How's my little man?"

"I'm not widdle daddy, I'm big boy now...I'm two!" He throws two chubby fingers in my face so I can see he really means it.

"Yes, buddy, you are a big boy!" Then I see her. Lauren comes in from the backyard and leans against the sliding glass door, watching me. My eyes run over her quickly. She's still pretty, a younger, mirror image of her mother. She saunters in wearing some tiny cut-off jean shorts, a strapless top that's barely covering her tits, and bare feet.

"Hi, Dev...you're looking good." Then, walking towards me, she tries to kiss my cheek, and I quickly turn my head trying to avoid physical contact. "Lauren."

Mrs. R notices the tension and tries to smooth things over, running interference like she always does for us. "Devin, why don't you take Ethan out back so you two can hang out."

Smiling, I scoop Ethan up and throw him over my shoulders, running while he giggles and screams. Then, we head outside so he can show me all of his cool toys.

It's getting close to his bedtime, so I offer to bathe him and do his nightly routine. Mrs. R shows me where everything is, so I won't need Lauren's help.

She asks anyway. "Can I help you? Come on, I'll show you where---"I cut her off. "Your mom already showed me, Lauren. I've got this."

After Ethan and I play in the bath, I help him brush his teeth, dress him in his train pajamas and read him his favorite train story. He's just about to drift off when I feel his little hand touch my cheek, "I wuv you, daddy."

"I love you too, buddy. I'll see you tomorrow." Kneeling beside his bed, I run my hand over his curls and kiss his forehead. I watch him sleep for a bit, thinking how much I love his sweet face.

I carefully let myself out of the room and walk into the family room...Lauren and her mom are sitting quietly. Lauren looks over her shoulder at me and pops up with a massive grin on her face. She almost runs to me, wrapping her arm around mine. "Come sit with us, Dev. We need to catch up."

I'm trying to play nice, so I sit down with them...in a chair that's opposite of Lauren. She looks annoyed.

"Where's Mr. R tonight?"

Her mom answers, "He's working late, but you'll see him tomorrow."

And from there, we have forced pleasant conversation until I decide to call it a night. "I'm going to head back to the hotel. What time is good for tomorrow? I want to take Ethan to Legoland."

Lauren smiles at me, "That sounds fun. Would you mind if I tag along?"

Oh my God, is she serious? Fuck. I want to be agreeable, but does that mean she has to hang out with us?

"I really want to spend some one-on-one time with Ethan, but I guess that's ok."

"Great, be here at 10 o'clock!"

Lauren walks me to the door and pulls me in for a hug, rubbing her hands up and down my back. I just let my arms hang there like they're broken. Think she'll catch the hint?

"I'll see you tomorrow, Dev. I can't wait for us to spend time as a family."

Well fuck. I guess she's not catching the hint yet.

"Yeah, see ya tomorrow."

Here comes my headache. I need a drink...no change that...I need several drinks.