"Mommy, Elliot," said Caitlin, bounding into the kitchen with her doll perched on her hip. "Will you play with me?"

Elliot and Olivia broke apart, almost as if they'd been caught doing something they weren't allowed to do.

Olivia managed a small smile. "Sure, baby. What do you want to play?"

Caitlin thought about it. "Can we play Snakes and Ladders?"

"Sure. Go get it."

Caitlin ran to find the game. Elliot and Olivia glanced at each other and came to an unspoken decision that they wouldn't say anything to Caitlin about what had just happened.

The little girl returned with Snakes and Ladders and started to set it up. "Can Sammie play, too?"

Elliot smiled. "How's this, Cate? Samantha can be on your team."

Caitlin nodded. "We're gonna be blue."

Elliot took the red piece and Olivia took the green one.

Caitlin rolled first. She counted on her fingers. "One, two, three, four, five, six. I got a six!"

Olivia smiled. "Okay, honey, move your piece."

Caitlin clicked the piece as she moved six squares. "Your turn, Mommy."

Olivia took the dice and rolled. She moved eight spaces.

Elliot took his turn and they continued the game.

But Olivia couldn't focus. She kept thinking of Elliot. The scene reminded her of a family; a father, a mother, and a perfect little girl. But Elliot was neither Caitlin's father nor her own husband. He was just a friend.

* * *

"Can Elliot stay over again?" asked Caitlin that evening.

Elliot hesitated. "I don't think that's a good idea, honey."

"You can if you want to," said Olivia, shrugging.

"I do want to."

She rolled her eyes. "Then stay. Come on, Catie. Let's find your princess pajamas."

* * *

When Caitlin was asleep in her bed, Olivia changed into sweatpants and a tank top. She brought a pillow and a blanket out to the couch. "You can have the bedroom," she offered.

Elliot gave her a half-smile. "No, thanks." Seeing Olivia's expression, he added, "If you don't want me here, Liv, all you have to do is say the word."

She shook her head. "No, I do want you here. That's the problem." She paused, embarrassed at her revelation. "You have the bedroom."

He gave her an impish grin. "We can share it."

"Elliot . . . just go."

He chuckled to himself and did as he was told.

Olivia lay down on the couch, resting her head in her hands. Silent tears streaked down her cheeks as she realized what she was doing. She was pushing away the one she knew she should be holding close.