“That Griffin’s a fool, and I should come home.”
Sophie nodded approvingly. “Smart woman. Are you going?”
“After I see Theo.” I pulled a bagel from the bag. I had no appetite, but I nibbled on it a little for the baby.
“Do you want me to come with you?”
I considered it. Having Sophie there would make it easier. “No. This is something I need to do alone.”
She squeezed my hand. “You’re stronger than you think, Jess.”
“Everyone keeps saying that.”
“Because it’s true.”
I left early,the cold air outside stinging me awake. A coffee cart steamed on the corner; I bought hot chocolate for the heat, not the taste. Ahead of me, a mother adjusted a blanket over a stroller, singing to her baby, and for a second jealousy flared so bright it scared me. That’d be me soon, only walking down the quiet streets of Holly Creek.
Clouds darkened the sky on this gray day. Buildings stretched upward, nothing but cement and cold glass. So different from when I first arrived here, when the fall leaves and autumn sunny sky spread magic.
Oh, to return to that first day, when my heart was filled with hope, and the endless possibility of a new place where I’d thought I could belong, and where I thought Griffin might give me and our baby a chance. If only I’d told him then about the baby.
I hated being half at fault for all of this, when I wanted to hate him for not being Prince Charming after all.
By the time I reached Griffin’s building, I’d convinced myself I could do this—simply walk in and explain to Theo that he’d have a half-sibling soon. Somehow make him understand how much I wanted him to have an active role in the baby’s life, that he could be the big brother to it, and that I’d always love him.
He’d always have a place in my family, as far as I was concerned, and Griffin would just have to deal with it. I’d hug Theo goodbye, try not to break down, and leave with my head held high.
I could survive this. I hoped.
The doorman nodded as he held the door for me. “Afternoon, Miss Cole. Let’s get you out of the cold.”
“Thank you, McD.” I managed a weak smile and trudged on.
The elevator ride took longer than usual. My reflection stared back at me in the mirrored walls—pale face, red eyes, wrinkled clothes.
I looked like hell, but I dressed for comfort, without a care in the world for trying to fit into anyone’s expectations.
The doors opened. I stepped into the hallway, inhaled deeply, and knocked on the penthouse door. I didn’t use my card to gain entry; it wasn’t my place to be here anymore.
Griffin answered with dark circles under his eyes, like he hadn’t slept. With his hair disheveled, in jeans and a wrinkled tee, I’d never seen him appear sad like this. Even at his worst, my body still craved him. I wanted to run into his arms, hug him tight, and force him to believe we could get through this together.
“Hi,” I whispered.
“Hi.” He stepped back, his jaw scruffy, tight with tension. “Come in.”
I looked around, but no Theo. Was he upset, and hiding away in his room from me, not wanting to see me?
Griffin’s expression flickered. “Theo’s with Clare and Mitch. I thought we should talk first.”
My stomach dropped.
“You told me I could see him.” My voice rose.
“You will, but what I have to say is important.”
“He’simportant!” Anger flared hot in my chest. “Maybe you didn’t realize, but we’d grown very close since I arrived. I can’t just leave him without explanation. That little boy has been through enough without adults playing games with his emotions.”
“I’m not playing games.” Griffin’s jaw clenched. “I needed to talk to you alone first.”
