"Mommy, " Yuri questions impatiently, "are we almost there?"

"Yes, sweetheart, " I reply kindly, "we're just around the corner. Are you excited to see Jun again?"

She giggles excitedly, clasping her little hands together as she bounces as much as her seat belt will allow.

"Yes!" She exclaims happily. "Mommy, someday, can I have a little brother like Jun?"

I smile, biting back the pain that her question causes me. I hide the sadness it brings me, because I honestly don't know that I will ever be able to do that for her, and I softly reply.

"Maybe. You never know. But I definitely don't think it'll be happening any time soon. But you know, I'm sure Aunty Jo wouldn't mind if you consider Jun as your brother."

Her eyes veritable sparkle, so enthused is she that she even crinkles her little nose and opens her mouth wide in an expression much akin to surprise. Though I know it to be excitement.

"You really think so?" She exclaims, clearly pleased with the idea.

"No, " I tease, smiling into the rear view mirror at her reflection, "I know so."

She cackles wildly, eyes alight and alert as we approach Jo's driveway.

Jo mostly works as a teacher for the kicks. Her husband is an architect, one that actually makes pretty decent money no less. Though, that's probably because he's so damn good at it.

He even designed their home, putting love and warmth into every corner, and tailoring every inch to the dream home Jo'd had in mind since she was a little girl. They're wonderful people, and so in love. I couldn't be happier that they are a part of Yuri's life, they bring such a cheerful and loving presence into her world.

We pull into the driveway, and I've barely even had time to park before their dog, Su, begins to bark excitedly. I'm sure the little pug is eager to see Yuri, probably as much as Jun himself is.

I unbuckle first, and get out to open the door for Yuri.

She unbuckles quickly, flailing her lithe little arms excitedly as she hops from the car. Grabbing my hand, she nearly drags me down the cobblestone path, laughing merrily as a butterfly flits by her face before perching on the lamp post that looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale.

I smile wryly as Yuri releases my hand in favor of rushing ahead to the door, a giant stone-framed piece of art with decorative scrolling.

Jo opens the door before my munchkin even has the chance to knock, and I grin affectionately as I watch Yuri throw herself into Jo's arms.

"Aunty Jo!" She chirps happily. "I missed you!"

Jo laughs cheerful, ruffling Yuri's hair and then kissing her cheek affectionately.

"How could you miss me?" Jo exclaims dramatically, "we just saw each other three days ago!"

"Yeah, " my little one replies, "but that was too long!"

I watch as my best friend puts my child down, following them into the foyer. I stand just inside the door as they remove their shoes, waiting for Jo to address me.

"Aunty Jo, " Yuri places her shoes away neatly and then fidgets eagerly. "Can I go play with little brother Jun now?"

"Sure, " Jo replies happily, laughing as Jun rounds the corner and into the foyer as if summoned.

His chubby little cheeks bounce as he toddles his way toward Yuri. Jo and I watch happily as Yuri leads him away, the curls on her head bouncing as they go.

"Little brother Jun huh?" Jo teases.

I grin and retort.

"I figured you wouldn't mind. She was begging me for a little brother!"

Jo smiles, eyes looking far more alert than they have in a couple of days as she hugs me.

"You've been sleeping better, " I declare, hugging her in return.

We release each other, and we are both smiling as we separate.

"I have, " she reveals. "You were right. Any way, don't worry about us and go have some fun. God knows it's been ages since you went on a date. How did this guy even convince you to give him one?"

I smile, laughing at her earnest question.

"Let's just say he saved me from an awkward situation, " I divulge, grinning ear to ear. "Though it probably helps that he's hands down the most beautiful man I've ever laid eyes on."

Jo gasps excitedly.

My smile begins to wane, doubts creeping in now that Yuri is not around to stay strong for.

"I know that look, " Jo frowns, hands on her hips as she demands, "what's wrong?"

"Jo, " I say apprehensively, "once he learns I'm a single mom, there won't be a second date. In fact, I'll probably end up leaving thirty minutes in. I'll text you once I'm on my way back."

"Hey, " she counters, grabbing my hands and facing me earnestly. "Don't worry too much about it. For all you know, maybe this guy likes kids!"

I chuckle half-heartedly, grateful for her support. She releases my hands, and begins to push me out the door, suddenly forceful.

"Just don't tank the date on purpose, and if it goes well, don't cut it short on Yuri's account. She can spend the night here and you can pick her up tomorrow!"

I laugh, turning around to hug her once more before I depart.

"Have fun!" She calls after me as I retreat to my car.

"I'll try!" I shout in return.

Buckling in, I breathe deeply. Flipping down my sun visor, I open the little attached mirror. I can't believe I opted for the mom bun, I really should have taken more time to prepare my appearance.

But, it's just coffee, and it's too late to change anything now. Besides, the moment he finds out about Yuri, my hair will be the last article on the list of reasons as to why I'm undateable.

I swat the mirror in annoyance, tired of looking at my own reflection, and it slams shut. I fasten the sun visor up, and away, before focusing my attention behind me. And as I place the car in reverse, and back out if the driveway slowly, my heart fills with trepidation.