Broadway Baby by Alexandra James Page A

pressed.
    “Maybe just a little bit,” Lily admitted. “But not as sad as I was last night.”
    “Can you tell me what made you so sad?” Shelby moved to wash Lily’s arms being sure to take her time and pay special attention to massaging her fingers.
    “I’m glad you’re my Mama,” Lily replied skirting the question.
    “And I’m glad you’re my baby girl, but you didn’t answer my question, Lily.”
    “Do I hafta, Mama? I don’t like to think about it.”
    “I think it would help if you talked to Mama about this,” Shelby pushed. “I’m safe, Lily and I will not get upset at anything you have to say.”
    “You promise?” Lily whispered as Shelby began to wash Lily’s torso.
    Putting her hand under Lily’s chin Shelby moved her face until they were staring into each other’s eyes. “I promise, baby. I will never get mad or upset with you when you have something important to tell me. I love you, Lily Anne Prescott, and there is nothing you can tell me that will change that.”
    Looking into Lily’s eyes Shelby tried to convey the unconditional love she had for her. She was rewarded by four words, “I believe you, Mama.”
    “Good,” Shelby returned as she continued to gently wash Lily. Putting the washcloth down she picked up a cup and began to wet Lily’s hair. “Tilt for Mama, baby girl.”
    Closing her eyes as Shelby massaged her scalp, Lily spoke once more, “I was sad because Cora doesn’t love me the way I wish she did. Why doesn’t she love me like you do?”
    Feeling her heart break into pieces, Shelby stood and took down the shower attachment. Turning the water back on, she gently rinsed Lily’s hair in the silence of the room. Finishing up she pulled the plug and watched as the water began to drain.
    Picking up Lily’s favorite towel Shelby helped her from the tub and wrapped her in the towel before speaking again. “I don’t know why Cora doesn’t love you the way a mother should, Lily. I only know that she is missing out on one great kid and I am very lucky that you’re mine.”
    “Really?” Dark eyes looked up into Shelby’s face with a look of disbelief.
    “Really,” Shelby affirmed moving to pick Lily up and carry her the short distance to the bedroom. Sitting on the bed Shelby held Lily in her lap. “I love being your Mama, Lily. As much as I enjoy big girl Lily I feel so blessed that I also get to know little girl Lily.”
    Lily placed her head on Shelby’s shoulder. “I’m glad I have both Shelby and Mama in my life,” she said softly. “I don’t think I’d feel complete without both of them.”
    “I love you, Lily.”
    “Love you too, Mama,” Lily yawned and then groaned. “I haven’t even been up for two hours, how can I be tired?”
    Shelby laughed and kissed Lily on the temple, “I think that you are emotionally worn out, little girl. So it’s time for us to have our little chat about getting into the cookies before you take a morning nap.”
    “Did you say cookies?” Lily’s face broke into a wide smile.
    “I did,” Shelby picked up the long t-shirt on her bed and pulled it over Lily’s head.
    “Mama, you forgot my panties and shorts.”
    “You don’t need them yet, baby girl,” Shelby explained as she grabbed Lily’s arm and quickly pulled her over her lap. Taking a moment to appreciate the naked backside in front of her, she gently patted the girl’s bottom as she continued. “It’s time to have that chat about the cookies.”
    “Aw Mama, no fair having a chat with my hiney,” Lily protested.
    Pushing Lily’s t-shirt up to expose her bottom Shelby placed her hand on the now exposed orbs. “I think having a chat with your hiney is just what needs to happen, Lily. Do you know why?”
    “‘Cause you have something against cookies for a breakfast snack?” Lily yelped when a sharp swat was brought to her bottom.
    “I would watch that attitude in your position, Lily. Would you like to answer Mama the right way, please? Why am I