“But what if you do?”
This again.
“Ben.” I reach back and squeeze her hand. “I will be here at three thirty. I promise.”
She squeezes back. “Okay.”
Jag opens her door. I watch him walk her to the entrance where her teacher is waiting. They exchange a few words. Ben glances back once, checking I’m still here.
I wave.
She disappears inside.
And I can finally breathe.
Jag returns to the passenger seat. “She’s good.”
“For now.”
We pull away from the curb. My phone buzzes. I glance at the screen. It’s Niamh.
Got your message.Starting outreach. Temp agency has someone available Monday. Sending details.
Good.At least I’ll have options.
Another text. This one from Valentina.
Reminder:You have dad blocks tonight. No meetings past 5pm. Also, you’ve been looking terrible lately. Sleep more.
I ignore that one.
The day blurs. Meetings with Gianna about the Pane e Bosco expansion. A tasting with Matteo that I can barely focus on. Conference call with the Vegas HQ that I handle from the back office while Valentina fields interruptions.
Through all of it, my phone stays silent.
No text from Ethan.
No word from Jess.
Which is fine.
Probably better.
Definitely safer.
But by three p.m., when I’m back in the Range Rover heading to Ben’s school, I’m checking my phone every thirty seconds like a goddamnteenager.
Nothing.
I pick up Ben. She’s quiet on the ride home. I ask about her day. She gives one-word answers. Fine. Good. Okay.
At home, Rosa has snacks ready. Ben eats crackers and apple slices while I pretend to read emails.
My phone buzzes.
I grab it so fast I almost drop it. Ethan.
Talked to Jess.Not sure she’s interested.
