Blair took Erin’s hand and held it between hers. “It’s nothing bad. I promise.” Blair took a deep breath through her nose and blew it out through her mouth. This was definitely the most vulnerable she had ever been with a woman. “I just… I didn’t actually want that to be a one-time thing. I know you said it would never work, but I want more than just sex. I want sleepy good mornings and goodnight kisses and yeah, I want more sex, but I want the big messy feelings that come along with it.”

Blair could see it written all over Erin’s face the moment the words left her mouth. Whatever Erin had to say was not going to lead to their happily ever after. “Listen, what just happened between us was the most magical experience of my entire life, but it can’t happen again. I wish I could open my heart to you completely, but it’s too big of a risk.”

“Why is it such a risk?”

“Blair, when I interviewed you for this babysitting position, you made it sound like you really never wanted children. When you date a single mom, you’re not just dating her.”

“I know.” Blair squeezed Erin’s hand and scooted closer to her. “I don’t just want a relationship with you. I’m in this for both of you.”

“I’m just…” Blair wasn’t expecting Erin to burst into tears, but that was exactly what happened. “I’m too scared. I’m not ready.”

Blair used one hand to rub Erin’s back. “It’s okay. I’m willing to wait until you are, until then we can be strictly friends. No funny business until you’re ready.”

“But what if I can’t get there? What if I’m never ready?”

Blair shrugged. It was getting harder to keep a smile on her face. “Then at least I can say that I tried.”

Erin threw her hands in the air. “You shouldn’t have to. It’s not fair to you. My past shouldn’t shape your future.”

Blair was losing her and needed to do something to bring her back down to earth. “Shh. It’s okay.” She wrapped both arms around Erin and held her tight. “How ’bout this? Let’s take it one day at a time and see what happens. Just don't count me out, okay?”

“One day at a time?” Erin asked, sounding more hopeful now.

Blair nodded slowly. “One day at a time.”

Erin nodded too. “Okay. I can do that.”

Hopefully I can too, Blair thought to herself.

***

After two more hours of eating and chatting over much lighter topics, Blair decided they should probably relieve Marisol. They both reluctantly got dressed, then Blair texted Marisol to say they were done eating and back at their hotel room.

Perfect timing , Marisol texted back, We were just heading that way.