Lila appeared from the hallway, and my breath caught. She wore jeans and a soft white T-shirt, her hair down in loose waves, makeup minimal but perfect. Casual. Effortless. Stunning.
“Sorry,” Lila said, slightly breathless. “I couldn’t decide—anyway. Hi.”
“Hi.” I crossed to her, resisting the urge to kiss her hello. Too soon. “You look gorgeous.”
She blushed. “Thanks. You too. I mean, not beautiful. Handsome. You look handsome.”
Mia snorted. “You guys are so old.”
“Okay, we’re leaving now.” Lila grabbed a light jacket. “Don’t burn the house down. There’s leftover pasta in the fridge.”
“Thanks for the chat,” I said to Mia. “It was great to meet you.”
“You too. And thanks for this.” She held up the handkerchief, waving it like a white flag. “All guys should have one to lend out.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
“Have fun,” Mia called as we headed out. “I’ll wait up for you, Mom.”
“Bye, honey,” Lila said as I followed her to my car.
Mia remained on the porch, watching.
I laughed, holding the car door open for Lila. She smelled incredible, clean and warm, her skin glowing in the golden light.
We drove to the public beach, making small talk about our days. I kept mine vague—errands, calls, nothing interesting. I’d tell her the truth soon enough.
The beach was quiet at this hour, most of the families gone home for dinner. We found a spot near the rocks, away from the few remaining people, and I spread out the blanket while Lila kicked off her sandals.
“This is perfect,” she said, settling onto the blanket. “I love this time of day. Everything feels peaceful.”
I unpacked the picnic, trying to focus on the moment—the wine, the food, this woman who’d appeared out of nowhere and turned my entire world upside down.
We ate and talked, and I tried to be present. But I could feel the weight of what I had to tell her pressing down on me.
“Vance?” Lila’s voice cut through my thoughts. “Are you okay? You seem … distracted.”
I set down my wineglass. “I’m sorry. I’m not great company tonight.”
“Did something happen?”
I looked out at the ocean. “Yeah. Something happened.”
She waited, patient.
“I got a phone call this morning. From my ex-wife.”
“Oh.”
“She wants me to take Margot permanently.”
She paled. “Why now? After everything she’s put you both through?”
I told her about this morning—the new fiancé, the ultimatum, the fact that Margot was coming to live with me in one week. “Full custody.”
Lila was quiet, looking out to sea, the last of the sun mirrored in her eyes. Then she turned to me, resting her fingertips lightly on my arm. “What can I do to help?”
I almost started crying. “That’s all you want to know?”
