“What?” she questioned with an eyebrow raised.
“Stop telling all my business in this office. I don’t need everyone knowing who I date.”
Her full lips twisted into a pout. “Oh, well that’s all you had to say.”
“Yeah.” I gave her a look, partially regretting opening up to her about Carter. But hell, she had noticed something was different about me. I had felt lighter over the last few months, more energized. Just happier in general, and it was all due tohim.The light and sense of security he brought not just to my world, but also to my son’s. But still, thinking about that twisted my gut. Carter and Diego had grown so close, so quickly. He called every night right before Diego went to bed just to tell him to have a goodnight, or to read to him over the phone. It didn’t matter if he was at the station either. He’d read to my little boy right in front of his squad members. I could just imagine the look he gave them, daring them to comment on what he was doing. That thought made a smile appear on my face.
“Oh my goodness! Girl, if he’s got you looking like that from just thinking about him, I don’t know how you keep yourself from telling the world about him!” Natoi laughed.
Easy, a vindictive baby daddy,I thought, silently responding to her comment. I wanted nothing more than to tell my world about Carter, but … well, certain circumstances prevented that.
“It is what it is,” I stated out loud and shrugged. I circled my desk to get my cell phone. “Can you grab the Jacobs invite list? We need to go over it one final time for this Friday’s event.”
Natoi smoothed down the edges of her button down top and moved toward the door. “Sure thing. And next week is the Williams & Brodsky affair. I’m sure you’re glad that’s almost over.”
I rolled my eyes. She had no idea how happy I’d be once that event was over with.
“That Gabriel Garcia sure calls a lot. Making special requests here and there. I think he has a crush on you,” she sing-songed.
My stomach plummeted. Gabriel had taken to calling the office more after I stopped answering my cell phone for his calls. Natoi was unaware of my history with Gabriel and I intended to keep it that way.
Instead of answering her directly, I waved a hand in the air, saying, “Getting that event completed will feel like a load off.” Especially since I was also in the beginning stages of planning the Williamsport Fire Department Annual Picnic. I’d spoken to Nancy about the idea after Don approached me about it at Charlie’s that night. Nancy made a few calls to the department and now the huge job was up toSave the Date Event Plannersto get it done right.
“I bet it will,” Natoi stated as she exited my office door.
I gave her a small nod of my head, my eyes turned down at the screen of my phone in my hand. Unfortunately, before I could press Carter’s name to dial his cell number, my phone rang. I crinkled my forehead when I saw who the call was from.
“Mom? Everything okay?” My eyes flew to my computer screen checking for the time. It was just after three o’clock. A time when my mother should’ve been picking Diego up from school. My heartbeat began skyrocketing again, fearing she was going to tell me she’d gotten caught up at work or had an accident and couldn’t get to Diego on time. I began running through my mental rolodex for parents of Diego’s friends who wouldn’t mind watching him until I could get off work.
“Diego’s gone!”
I nearly dropped the phone. My knees went slack and I had to hold onto the edge of my desk just to remain on my feet. My mouth had gone bone dry and I struggled to get out. “Wh-what do you m-mean gone?”
“I’m sorry. I mean, his teacher said his father picked him up early from school?”
“What?” As soon as I got that shriek out, my phone clicked, alerting me of another call. I didn’t want to but I pulled the phone from my ear and my belly did another flip flop when I saw who was calling.
“Mama, I have to get this,” I told her. Not even waiting for her response, I clicked over. “Gabriel, do you have Diego?” I questioned in a panic.
“Good afternoon, Michelle. How’re you doing?” His greeting sent a chill down my spine. His casual tone told me he was teasing me.
“Gabriel, is Diego with you? Just let me speak to him, please?” I begged.
“Why, mi vida? Do you think I would harm my own son?”
No. But he’d definitely do whatever he could to harmme.
“Diego, come. Your mama wishes to speak with you.”
“Hi, Mama? Is Grandma coming to get me today?”
My eyes slowly closed and I quickly swiped at a tear that managed to slip out. Diego sounded so innocent, completely unaware of whatever game his father was playing.
“N-not today, baby. Mama will come get you.” I’d already began gathering my keys and purse. “Are you at daddy’s office?”
“I don’t know,” he answered.
I could picture him looking around and shrugging his little shoulders as he said it.
