“Gee, thanks. Just what I needed to hear.”
Our server—a young woman with bells on her hair tie—came over to take our orders. The only thing I really wanted was coffee—and the greasiest patty melt I could get my hands on. I didn’t argue when Erin added a side of plain toast for me. She ordered her own food, then waited for the server to retreat to a respectable distance before she started questioning me. “What happened?”
I tore the wrapper from my straw apart, focusing on the shreds of paper. “James ended things.” I risked a glance at her, and to my surprise, she looked shocked.
“Oh. I’m so sorry, Ryder. I didn’t realize you two were that serious.”
“Neither did I,” I scoffed. I took a deep breath. “That’s actually not why I asked to meet. I don’t want to talk about him.”
“Okay. What is it you wanted to talk about?”
“I’m sorry again for what happened with Hannah last week. I…” I exhaled. “I’ve fought off a lot of unwanted advances over the years but I’ve never had something like this happen before. I never wanted to drag Hannah into it.”
Erin visibly relaxed. “I know.”
“Then why keep us apart?”
Erin shrugged. “You’re not a parent, Ryder. You wouldn’t understand.”
“I’m trying to be. I have a child. Forgive me if I’m a little late to the game, but I’mtrying. You’re not making it any easier by separating Hannah and I. We’ve already missed seventeen years.” I sat back and crossed my arms.
Erin nudged my water closer to me. “Drink that.”
“I don’t want it.”
“I know a hangover when I see one. You’ll feel like shit if you don’t.” She nudged the glass again. “Go on.”
I reluctantly took a sip. “Where do we go from here?” I asked with a sigh.
“Where do you think it’s going to go from here?”
I took my time. “I’m not going anywhere,” I finally said. “As long as Hannah wants me here, I’ll stay. So we’re just going to have to figure out how to do this together.”
Erin nodded, eyes distant. “I lost Hannah at the park when she was six.”
I was laughing in disbelief before I could stop myself. “What?”
The tension between us eased. Erin rolled her eyes andthrew her straw wrapper at me. “Ben wasveryquick to remind me of that incident while I ranted at him last weekend.”
“What happened?”
“I was reading on a nearby bench. There she was, crawling along the monkey bars, happy as can be. Her obsession at the time was these neon pink rain boots—so bright they practically glowed, and I couldn’t miss her. I looked down at my book just long enough to finish my page, and when I glanced up again, she was gone. I freaked the hell out. My book ended up in a puddle. I called Ben in a panic. Every person in that park must’ve been looking for her for about five minutes. That doesn’t sound like a long time, but when you’re in that situation, it feels like a lifetime.”
“Where was she?”
Erin laughed, a faraway look in her eyes. “She was in the bathroom. Said I looked like I was enjoying my book and she didn’t want to interrupt me.”
“That sounds exactly like her.”
I set aside my lukewarm cup of coffee as our plates were set in front of us. I was silently grateful for Erin adding on the extra toast when I took the first bite.
“Ryder, I don’t think you’re a monster.”
“Could’ve fooled me.” I paused. “I’m not trying to steal her, or replace either of you. Ben is wonderful.”
Erin snickered. “I think he may have a man crush on you.”
“I’m flattered,” I said, then sobered. “After we broke up, I resigned myself to the fact that I’d never have kids, may never get married. I still don’t know if marriage is for me, but now that I’ve met Hannah, I’m determined to know the incredible young woman you’ve raised. Sure, maybe she wouldn’t have turned out that way if I’d been there, but we’ll never know. All you can do is let me be there now.”
