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Post Ep | Romance | General | Drama
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The Addition ~ 10
THURSDAY, LATE AFTERNOON
CJ had made sure to come right home after her press briefing. She wanted to pick Madeline up so she could get her ready to meet Toby for the real first time. She went over to Mrs. Harris's apartment and knocked on the door.
"CJ," Mrs. Harris said when she opened the door. "How was work today?"
"It was fine, thank you," she said. "How was she today?"
"As usual, she was a little angel. I told her all about Toby."
CJ gave Mrs. Harris a weird look. "How do you know him?"
"When he's come over in the past, of course. I remember he took you to some dinner one year."
"That would be the State Dinner," CJ said, laughing a little. "I don't mean to change the subject, but where is Maddie? I love seeing her after work. I mean, well you know how it is, seeing your little girl or boy after a hard day's work..."
"Yes, I know. She just woke up from her nap, and she is watching a television show. I'll go get her. You come on in."
CJ walked the rest of the way into the apartment and waited patiently for Mrs. Harris to get Maddie.
"Mama!" Maddie cried out when she saw CJ standing in the living room.
"Hey you," CJ said, picking her up and kissing her. "Were you a good girl for Mrs. Harris?"
Maddie nodded. She then pulled out a piece of paper. "Look!"
CJ looked at the paper and smiled. "Is this you?" She nodded. "And who's this?" Maddie pointed at CJ and smiled. "You are quite the artist."
"Fow you," she said, giving it to CJ.
"You want me to have this?" CJ smiled. "Thank you sweetie." She kissed her again and looked up at Mrs. Harris. "Thanks so much for watching her again."
"It's my pleasure, CJ. It gives me something to do during the day."
"Well, I'll see you tomorrow then?"
"Affirmative. Now you go on home and get ready for your boyfriend."
CJ stopped and turned around. "I'm sorry, what did--"
"You heard me." Mrs. Harris smiled. "I'll see you tomorrow."
CJ walked out of the apartment, still carrying Maddie, and into her own. She set Maddie down and took her shoes off for her. "Sweetie, why don't we have a little talk, okay?" CJ asked after she took off Maddie's other shoe.
She nodded. "Okay."
CJ walked over to the sofa and pulled Maddie into her lap. "Do you remember when I told you about my friend? You know, the one who came here that one day when you were a little scared?" She nodded. "Okay, well he is going to come over this evening for dinner. He is really excited about meeting you and don't tell him I told you this, but I think he has a little something he wants to give you." CJ smiled when she saw the look on Maddie's face. "So, are you feeling a little braver than before? He really is a nice man. He's a good friend of mommy's." Maddie nodded. Before CJ could say anything more, there was a knock at the door. "Maybe that's him now. Are you ready? He really does want to meet you."
"Okay," she said with a soft smile.
"Okay." CJ picked Maddie up and walked over to the door and opened it. "Hi," she said when she saw Toby standing on the other side.
"Hello." He smiled softly at the two.
"Maddie, this is Toby, my friend. Can you say hello? Or maybe just wave?"
She didn't do anything for a few moments. Finally, very quietly, she said, "Hi."
"Hi Maddie," Toby said softly. "It's very nice to be able to meet you." He was greeted with a smile from Maddie.
CJ smiled. She was glad that Maddie wasn't as shy this time. "Come on in," she said to Toby who was still standing in the doorway.
"Thanks. Oh, I have something for you, Maddie." He took a doll out from behind his back. Maddie had a rather large smile on her face. "Do you know who this is?" She shook her head no. "This is Madeline."
"Me!" She beamed.
"Yes...well sort of. Do you know that story?" She once again shook her head no. "Oh, things are working out in my favor tonight," he said smiling at both CJ and Maddie. "I brought the book 'Madeline' over here to read to you, if that's okay with your mommy."
Maddie gave CJ a pleading look.
Toby whispered in her ear, "I think she'll say yes if you say please."
Maddie turned to CJ again and looked up. "Please," she said softly.
"How can I say no," CJ said. She had no idea how good Toby was with children. "How about after dinner and before you go to bed Toby reads to you? How does that sound?"
"Good." Maddie said, smiling. She showed CJ her new doll. "Me!"
"Yes, that's you." She looked at Toby. "Does that sound alright to you?"
"Sounds fine. I think that's...CJ?"
"Yeah?"
"What exactly are we doing for dinner? I mean you said you couldn't cook..." He stopped when he received a glare from her.
"For your information, I am making Maddie's favorite."
"And that is?"
"Pasta."
He laughed softly. "Okay."
"In fact, I should start doing that now. Maddie, why don't you go show Uncle Toby your room?"
She nodded and gestured for Toby to pick her up. He did so and walked to her room with her.
CJ watched as the two walked away and smiled. She couldn't believe that Maddie had warmed up to him so quickly. Then again Toby was her best friend. Or was he more? Was Mrs. Harris right? Was he her...boyfriend? She shook the thought off and went into the kitchen and started dinner.
TBC....