Sorry for the long wait but here is a short addition to the series.
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After doing a little clean up around the café Andrew gave me the rest day off to "consider his proposition"... his words not mine. He was right about everything. I was definitely attracted to him which, if Andrew was correct, would only help the cause. I mean I want Basil more than I've ever wanted any man. At least that's what I think I want. Now that I think about it I wasn't really this crazed until he rejected me. I'm not used to rejection. Now all I can think about is what could possibly be wrong with me and how can I fix it? Ok this is starting to sound like a self esteem issue. It's not so much that my feelings were hurt it was more of a surprise that I wasn't what he would be looking for in a girlfriend. I make an excellent girlfriend! The only way to repair the damage done to my ego was to put Andrew's plan into action. I could make it so Basil would be begging to be with me. Whoa... I was giving myself a fatal attraction vibe.
When I got home I was so excited to see Leora. For some reason the kid just puts a big smile on everyone's face.
"How was school?" I took a seat next to her on the couch.
"I got in trouble." The sad look on her face was heartbreaking.
"What for?" Leo is the perfect child so her getting in trouble was unbelievable.
"This girl in my class..." She held her head down low. "She was saying mean things. So I hit her." She wouldn't look me in the eye.
"Well sweetie what did she say?" I put my arm around her trying to make her feel better.
"She called me a little orphan girl." I could see the hurt on her face but wasn't exactly sure how to handle the situation. What am I supposed to say to her?
"Leora. You have so many people that love you and would do anything for you. Don't let her words hurt you. She says things to make herself feel better about her own sad little life." That and her mother's a whore. Any kid that would purposely hurt Leo must have so serious issues to work out. Needless to say she's lucky I wasn't around when this happened because I guarantee I would have made that child regret her conception.
"She's right though. I am an orphan." I wiped a tear from her cheek. Technically she was an orphan, both her parents were dead.
"Leo don't even think about it like that. Your mother didn't want to leave you but there really was no choice in the matter. But she left you with your uncle who would do anything for you. Galen loves you and treats you like his daughter. Just the other day he called you his little princess. You have it better than any other child I've met. You have someone who would give up everything to make sure you're safe and happy." I don't know if I was saying the right thing but I figured if I kept emphasizing how great Galen was she would understand that her life was good.
"I love my uncle. But I still don't have a mommy." If Leora had been my age I would have told her not to get greedy because that's how life works. That sometimes things are taken away from you and if you're lucky you'll get something half as good in its place. Life isn't cupcakes and rainbows so we have to make our own happiness. But she was a little girl and truth be told, she needed her mother.
"No. But you have me. I mean I'm not all that great but if you give me a chance I can make an excellent big sister." Big sisters can sort of be mom replacements right? We can make it work.
"Does this mean you're gonna stay forever?" A big smile took over her face. Shit.
"No, but I'll be here whenever you need me. You can call me anytime and I will be on the next plane out. Does that work for you?" With that Leo gave me a small smile understanding that I did eventually want to go home. Since she was in a better mood we took it upon ourselves to make cupcakes. Cupcakes always make me feel better. Needless to say there was flour, batter, and icing covering just about every inch of the kitchen. Seriously... you would have thought some creepy little gremlin came in and destroyed the kitchen just for the hell of it. With all the ingredients on the floors, countertops, and table it's a wonder how we had enough left to actually make cupcakes. As soon as we finished making them, we ate them. Therefore destroying any possible proof that something productive and delicious had actually come from the mess.
As we cleaned and made dinner I mentally debated whether or not I should tell Leo about Andrew's idea. No doubt she could handle it but she was so sweet. What would she think of me if she knew I was purposely trying to mess with Basil's head? She'd call me childish and tell me to just discuss my issues with him, like an adult. Talking wouldn't do anything, he has to see what he's missing out on.
"Is Basil coming over for dinner tonight?" I questioned Leo.
"Yes. But I can tell him not to if you don't want to see him."
"No that's fine. But can I invite Andrew? He's been so nice to me at the café I feel like I owe him." Time to set this plan into action. Get them in the same room together, openly flirt with Andrew, measure Basil's reaction. If it's not affecting him I'll turn it up.
With Leora's approval I raced to the café to tell Andrew the plan. I walked in as he was closing up.
"So what do you think? Can you handle it?" Of course he can.
