Dave took her hand and tried to pull her down, but she refused, and tried to get out of his grip, he only tightened his hold, “Look over there.” he pointed to his left with the hand that held hers captive, his eyes fixed on her face, “I’ve been watching him the whole time.” he felt her hand relax as a calm set over her face, “he isn’t going to end up in the cage.” she sat down with a nervous laugh, placing her face in her free palm, “neither is anyone going to take him while I’m here.” He said solidly, his voice gentle.
Maria looked up to meet his gaze and searched his eyes for a confirmation. He had been hinting at her fears as if he knew them. They had only been around each other for four days, and she hadn’t told him a word about her past, yet he spoke as if he knew every single detail, “What do you mean by that?” hoping he would lie to her, she wanted to play dumb and make sure he didn’t ask her questions she wasn’t ready to answer, nor pity her which she couldn’t stand, for the sake of Michael, she prayed he lied.
He let go of her hand and turned his attention back to Izzy, “I know you are as paranoid as I am when it comes to,” he bit the smile on his lips, “Miguel. If they gave prizes for that, I’m sure one of us would win it.”
“Your paranoia comes from being an over obsessive parent,” Maria settled in her seat and placed her hands at the sides of her head, “mine,” she laughed bitterly, “mine comes from the cruel jokes of life.” She closed her eyes to shut the tears in. She wasn’t going to ruin Michael’s perfect day by crying, “But one thing we have in common, is that we are both over compensating.” She whispered.
Dave felt frustrated that he couldn’t force her to take his help, she would just run and hide, she was probably scared he would be like him, but he was determined to prove her wrong, to show her not all men were scum. One thing was for sure, he was going to find that monster and teach him a lesson he would never forget, “Good thing we have each other.” biting down the anger in his voice.
“If only it was that simple,” she spoke under her breath, “How’s the case going?” she asked changing the subject.
Dave paused for a moment before he answered, accepting the deliberate effort to change the subject, “It’s going to be expensive, but I hope I’ll be done with it in the next few weeks.”
She turned to face him, pulling her legs up on the seat, “That means longer hours?”
“Yes and very little time for Izzy, Miguel and you.” he looked at her, hoping she wouldn’t down play his words, he loved spending time with her and he wanted her to know it.
“We’ll survive, I doubt we’ll even miss you.” Maria joked.
Dave chuckled, “You are already too used to having me around to not miss me.”
“No. Izzy won’t miss you either, we’ll be too busy having fun,” she reached over and brushed the curl from her lips, “Todd better make sure you get that promotion since it’s his mess you are fixing.”
“I want the promotion because I earned it, not as some sort of compensation for covering the boss’ son’s ass.”
Maria’s eyebrows shot up and her lips curved upwards in a smile, “There’s that pride again, but today I welcome it because it’s a hardworking man’s pride.”
“Was that a compliment?” he jeered.
“The only one you’ll get.” she laughed, then turned when Michael tapped her on the knee. He looked tired and very sleepy, “would you like to take a nap?” She pulled him and cradled his head against her chest.
“Yes, but I want Dave to carry me. Could you please take Izzy?” he spoke with a sleepy voice.
Maria was shocked, Michael never trusted any one enough to sleep in their arms, Jane had tried a couple of times, but he would only fight the sleep, only she and Edna could do it and now he was asking a man he had known for only four days to cradle him. Michael was getting attached to Dave too quickly for Maria’s liking. Michael was going to suffer more than she thought when they got separated.
“Sure buddy,” Dave chimed happily, “Paula, take her.” Dave placed Izzy into Maria’s arms after Michael pulled away. The second his lap was vacant, Michael climbed on and fell asleep almost immediately.
Maria looked at them, Michael had curled up against Dave like an infant and he held him close, covering him with his heavy leather jacket. Dave’s lit face showed he enjoyed having Michael in his arms and he too was getting attached to him. The only thing Maria could hope for was Ricky not finding them, and if he did, Dave would have to know the truth to be ready. She was going to have to tell him, just not yet.
“This isn’t going to end well. I have a bad feeling about this.” Maria whispered. She lifted her eyes from Michael to Dave, “Let’s go home.” She stood up and headed for the car not waiting on Dave to utter a word.
***
Paula’s comment in the park had left him puzzled. He knew she hadn’t meant for him to hear, but he did, and the fear in her eyes echoed the dread in her voice. He wanted to talk to her about it and finally figure out her jigsaw puzzle of a life she had, but, he hadn’t gotten the time to do it. She was playing parent to both Michael and Izzy, he appreciated it enough not to scare her off. He’d come to trust Paula, not completely, but enough to know she’d keep Izzy safe.