"Welcome," she said, standing barefoot in her satin slip, her hair loosely tied.
Zeke's eyes flicked down for a brief second, catching a glimpse of her chest before quickly turning away.
"Next time, wear something more appropriate before opening the door," he said curtly.
Embarrassed, Sydney lowered her gaze. "I'm sorry." She darted into her room.
Zeke waited until he heard her door close before locking the front door. Without another word, he headed to his room, showered, and went to bed.
Morning came with new routines.
The school bus now picked Michaela up at seven. Sydney was walking her down when Zeke came out of his room, already dressed in another crisp designer suit.
"Have a good day," Sydney said, waving as Michaela climbed into the bus.
Back inside, Zeke sat flipping through the TV channels. Sydney returned shortly, visibly uneasy.
"What's wrong?" he asked, noticing her furrowed brow.
"It's the first time I'm letting someone else take my daughter to school."
"Were there other students on the bus?"
"Yes."
"Did Michaela cry?"
"No. She was excited when she saw her classmates."
"Then relax."
His words settled her more than she expected.
"Thank you, Mr Zeke."
"It's fine."
"Let me serve your breakfast," she offered quickly, retreating into the kitchen.
Zeke joined her at the dining table. They ate in silence, the morning sun warming the room. He watched as Sydney ate quickly, like someone used to having little time to herself.
"You don't have to wait up for me at night," he said eventually. "Sometimes I have late meetings. Just lock up and go to bed. I will use my spare."
Sydney nodded. She was glad he didn't bring up her attire again.
"I will drop you off today," Zeke added as he picked up his plate.
Sydney moved to take it from him. "Don't worry; I will wash them."
He left the plate in the sink and walked out. A few minutes later, they were both ready to leave. As usual, Zeke looked effortlessly refined. Sydney couldn't help admiring him.
When they arrived at the store, she looked at him and smiled faintly.
"Thank you."
This time, Zeke didn't just nod. He replied, "You don't have to thank me every time. I'm only doing what I'm supposed to do."
Her smile lingered as she stepped down. "Drive safe."
She stood watching as he drove off, only turning back once his car disappeared from view.
The day passed smoothly at the store. Sydney caught up on her resin art orders, grateful for the uninterrupted time.
"Hello, Syd!"
A familiar voice rang through the door, Grace, carrying a bright bag of toys.
"Mrs Grace! You are welcome," Sydney beamed.
"And how is my daughter-in-law doing?"
"I'm doing great."
"I wanted to be here when Michaela gets back. Zeke mentioned the school bus arrangement."
"Yes, and she loved it this morning. She didn't feel left out anymore."
This was a new beginning for Michaela. She wouldn't get bullied again for not having a dad.
Sydney went to get her a glass of water while finishing up lunch.
As if on cue, the bus dropped Michaela off just as lunch was ready. Grace stepped out to welcome her.
"Grandma!" Michaela ran into her arms.
"My beautiful granddaughter! How was school?"
"Great! The bus picked me up like the others!" she said proudly.
Sydney smiled as her daughter's joy radiated through the store. No more tears. No more bullying. No more feeling different.
After lunch, Grace stayed a while before leaving. She sent her son a text:
Grace: You know, you could have lunch with Syd every day. She makes amazing food.
Zeke glanced at the message but didn't respond immediately. "I have work to do," he muttered to himself and turned back to his laptop.
But a few minutes later, he typed a message:
Zeke: I will pick you up after work.
Sydney's phone buzzed just as she was walking Grace to her car.
Zeke: I will pick you up after work.
She was about to reply and tell him not to bother, but she remembered his words: "I'm doing it for Mick."
So instead, she replied:
Sydney: Ok.
She slipped the phone into her pocket just as a car pulled up in front of the store. A tall man stepped out.
"Derek? You are here?" She asked, surprised.
"Hi, Syd," he smiled. "Michaela, how are you?"
Michaela moved behind her mother, cautious. It was as if the little girl was seeing an intruder between her mom and her new dad.
"Let's go inside," Sydney said.
"I was just passing by and thought to say hello," Derek offered, stepping in with ease.
He made himself comfortable, chatting casually. Sydney, unaware of his deeper intentions, continued working on her resin craft.
"You said you started at the general hospital?" she asked.
Derek smiled. "Yes, consultant paediatrician."
Derek had sent Sydney a message on his first day at work, along with some pictures. He was trying to make an impression.
"That's great." She gave him a polite smile and kept working.
He pointed to one of her finished pieces. "I will take that one. How much?"
"Just a few dollars."
Sydney didn't think much of it; she saw it as friendly.
Derek lingered longer than expected, casually saying he could drop her and Michaela off when they closed.
But Derek had other thoughts. Maybe if he kept showing up and being kind, she would begin to see him differently.
The door chimed again.
"Daddy!" Michaela ran to Zeke as he walked in.
"Hey, Mick. How are you?"
"I'm fine!"
Zeke's eyes moved past his stepdaughter to the man sitting across the room.
"Hello," he said to Sydney, then gave Derek a sharp glance.
"We are almost ready," Sydney said.
Zeke crouched to talk to Michaela but kept Derek in his peripheral view. He didn't like the way the man looked at Sydney.
"Zeke, this is my friend Derek. My hus… Mr Zeke," she corrected, remembering his request for keeping their union off public notice.