Free A Little Bit of Truth (Little Bits) by A. E. Murphy Page A

wink and an air kiss to Loryn, I take Amelia’s hand and pull her into the hall.
    “Where are we going?” Amelia asks as she skips beside me and into the elevator.
    “Pancakes and then to watch that movie about the snail.”
    “Turbo?”
    I flick her nose, “That’s the one kid.” She wraps her tiny fingers around mine and sways on the spot as we wait for the elevator to reach the ground. “How’s school?”
    “I got married.”
    I feign shock, “You did?”
    “Yup.” The doors open, we step out.
    “Who’s the lucky guy?”
    She smiles up at me, her sparkling greens brimming with excitement, “His name is Josh.”
    “Can he drive?” I say sternly. “Because if he can’t drive there’s no way I’m letting you marry him.”
    She nods, her eyes round and serious, “He can ride his bike without training wheels.”
    It takes everything I have not to laugh out loud. My teeth sink into my lower lip. “Well then, I guess he has my approval.”
    “Daddy said I’m too young to have a boyfriend.”
    “Well baby, you are only five.”
    She looks thoughtful for a moment, “But five is bigger than four.”
    “It certainly is.”
    “And Josh is five too.”
    “That’s great,” I strap her into the back on her booster seat. “Do you love him?”
    She shrugs, “Nah. I’m testing the waters.” This time I do laugh, I laugh so hard my head hits the steering wheel and my stomach aches. After calming myself I look at her smiling face and add, “Good for you kid.”
     
Jacob
     
    I messed up. I totally fucking messed up.
    “Oh my,” the woman behind the counter states in shock at the sight of me. “How can I help you Mr. Stone?”
    “I want the best apology imaginable sent to this address,” and then I add. “Confidentially.”
    “Of course… what did you do?” I frown at her question, she quickly stammers. “So I know what I’m working with.”
    Shit. That’s a good question. “I let down a friend without calling.” That will have to do.
    “Do you have a budget?”
    I quirk a brow at her, is she serious? She flushes and mumbles that she’ll get right on it.
    I’ve really fucking messed up. She hasn’t called, which probably means she’s pissed. I’ve never dealt with a pissed Marie.
    Damn it .
    Why did I have to have t hat extra whiskey yesterday?
    Me plus whiskey and blondes with great tits just do not mix. Hence the reason Marie and I ended up in bed together, against our better judgment. She’s the image of my dreams and I might have just messed that up big time.
     
Marie
     
    The movie was okay, not really my thing. I’m more into horrors but the kid enjoyed it. So much so, she’s now zooming around my apartment with a Turbo the Snail stuffed toy that I treated her to.
    I laugh at her diving over the couch, knowing that if Lucas was here now he’d be in full on panic parent mode. When I was little, my parents used to let me do whatever the hell I wanted as long as it wasn’t overly dangerous. I forever fell from trees and grazed my knees. Look at me now though, I’d like to think I’m a strong person.
    “Somebody’ s at the door,” Amelia stops her speeding and stares at the hallway.
    “Stay there,” I say, wondering who it could be. Probably Jacob. Either that or Loryn has come to hide out in my apartment to get away from Bridezilla. I snigger at the thought and pull the door open.
    Holy fucking flower arrangements. I blink in shock at the humongous bouquet of mixed colored flowers. There’s somebody holding it but it’s so wide, legs are all I can see of said person.
    “Delivery for a Miss Marie,” Miss Marie? Suddenly the man is barging past and placing the flowers on the table. He shoves a clipboard into my hand, I sign it and just like that… he’ s gone. Okay then.
    “Pretty flowers,” Amelia climbs onto a chair and leans in to sniff them. They do smell good. They must have cost a fortune. “I like the purple and silver ribbons.”
    “Don’t touch