I woke up at six in the morning, earlier than usual. I helped Max get ready for school and I walked her to the nearest bus stop. I had made her and Ashley breakfast and despite how tired I was, I was enjoying having them around. Max was a bundle of joy all the time. She almost always had a smile, or the cutest pout you had ever seen. I knelt down on one knee to tie her shoe at the bus stop. “Spencer,” she said in a soft tone. I looked up at her. “I like you. You’re nicer than mommy’s last girlfriend.”

I was taken back for a second. I didn’t know she understood those things yet, but since she did, I found it appropriate to explain. “Max, your mom and I aren’t together.”

“You aren’t?” She asked as her eyebrows curled inward and I shook my head left to right. “I would be kay with it if you were.” I smiled and kissed the top of her head as I stood next to her waiting for the bus. I watched as she got on before turning around and walking home.

When I arrived, I saw Ashley lying flat on the floor. I laughed. “Why are you laying on the floor?” I asked as I began tidying things here and there. I straightened magazines, picked up juice cups, and emptied the ashtray from the patio.

Her head turned toward me. “It feels good for my back. Most cushions keep your back bent in weird shapes, but it’s good to flatten it out every once in a while.” Her right hand was resting on her exposed stomach, which I will admit, drew in my attention. Her left hand was resting behind her head.

“If you say so,” I said sarcastically before trying to head back to bed.

“Come on, try it.” I looked at my bedroom down the hall wishing I was in the pillowy sheets before I caved and walked toward her and lay next to her, my back flat and my mind clearing quickly.

“So how are you feeling?” I asked in curiosity as I shifted uncomfortably. My back was not feeling well on the floor.