A bit later, I’m stepping out of my flat, freshly showered, and wearing a pair of denim skinny shorts, brown braided leather flats, and a jeweled print crop top. It’s a beautiful day outside and Leslie’s flat is only a ten minute walk, so I’m able to enjoy my stroll through our neighbourhood. My father wanted me to have a vehicle, but with a Tube stop just around the corner, I talked him out of it. It really doesn’t make sense when there’s only street parking here and my office is so close.
I arrive at the large warehouse that houses Theo’s custom furniture on the lower level and his and Leslie’s flat up above. There are large windows looking into his workshop, and I press my face against the glass to get a good look. It’s filled with various elements of his process and some partially completed projects. Around the corner is a window that looks into a small showroom with an attached office. Leslie has said it’s an appointment only type of studio and I immediately see why. From everything I can see, his work is exquisite. He has somehow captured the beauty of a rustic country style with a fresh and modern design. I imagine his work is coveted and high-priced.
I enter the side door by the garage that Leslie told me would be open. I’m greeted by steps to the left and the shop entrance straight ahead. She said the steps would lead right up to their flat door, so I reach the top and knock, shifting my gift bag in my hand as I wait.
When the door opens, my face is eye level with the most adorable red-haired baby I’ve ever seen. I presume the masculine blond-dusted forearms wrapped around her are Theo’s until I catch sight of familiar brown leather cuffs. I’m stunned when my gaze lifts to find Hayden’s grey eyes peering down on me.
“Hayden!” I exclaim in surprise.
“Vi…What are you doing here?” His face appears just as confused as mine.
I look around for a moment, like I’m in the wrong place. “I’m here to meet Marisa.”
“I didn’t know you were coming around. You never mentioned.”
“I didn’t know you were visiting as well,” I state, grabbing my hair, twisting it around my hand, and releasing it nervously.
He adjusts Marisa, who’s facing out in his arms, and she makes an adorable growly sound. She grabs hold of Hayden’s leather wrist cuff with her chubby digits and tries awkwardly to get it to her mouth. “I’m not visiting. I live here.”
This shocks me. “Since when? I thought this was Leslie and Theo’s flat.”
“It is. I erm…live with them.” He looks rather embarrassed.
“Oh.” I glance back down at Marisa and reach out to touch her hand. She instantly wraps her fingers around mine and tries to pull them to her mouth. “Had I known, I wouldn’t have—”
“Wouldn’t have come?” he asks, a peculiar frown marring his face.
I stare up at his fallen expression. “No, I just mean. I don’t know what I mean.” My cheeks heat. I know exactly what I mean, but I don’t have the nerve to say it. This feels awkward, especially given that all I care about right now are the reasons for his abrupt exit last night.
“Vi!” Leslie sings suddenly from inside the flat and comes rushing over to greet me. She moves past Hayden and brings me in for a hug. She’s dressed in yellow and black polka dot leggings with a long, billowy, green tank. She makes mummyhood look fun and fashionable with her ever-present eclectic style. She beams proudly. “You made it! I’m so pumped. This is Marisa, as you can tell. And your timing is perfect. She’s actually having a great morning, isn’t she Hayden?”
He nods in agreement as Leslie drags me from the steps and into their flat. It’s all wide open with super high ceilings and tons of natural light pouring in from the sweeping industrial windows. It’s very modern and bright with all white walls and several familiar-looking grey wooden furniture pieces taking place of pride throughout the flat. An open staircase leads up to what looks like a loft bedroom. At the same time I peruse, Theo comes bounding down the steps in joggers and a white T-shirt, putting his glasses on and looking a bit groggy.
“Hiya, Vi. How are you?” he asks, coming in and dropping a friendly kiss to my cheek. Then he strides over to Hayden and takes Marisa in his arms. He kisses her over and over on the side of her chubby cheek and she makes a cute gurgled squeal. “Morning, beautiful. You miss me?”
“Theo was up most of the night with her,” Leslie explains. “She wouldn’t sleep. Hayden kept him company for a good bit of it I think.”
Hayden looks at me sheepishly, like he’s uncomfortable with the fact that I’m learning so much about his life in one quick meeting. “Well, she’s gorgeous, Leslie. I’m only sorry I didn’t get here sooner. Can I hold her?”
“Yes…But don’t feel bad if she starts crying,” Leslie adds. “She hates everybody.”
“Not me,” Hayden grumbles defensively.
“Yes, Hayden, you’re special. Marisa loves Uncle Hayden,” Leslie says in a cooing tone.