“No. He doesn’t see her. His ex makes it impossible.”
“Yeah, that’s tough. There was a time when Henry was being kept from me, last year. We went to court and it dragged on for months. But you know, he’s my son. There’s no way I was giving up.” Michael scrubs a hand over his beard in thought. “It can be hard, but it’s never impossible. Myles will fight and find a way to make it work if he wants to see her.”
Out of nowhere, Mom’s words come back to me:He doesn’t want us anymore, Catherine. I think of how Dad didn’t fight for us, or try to make it work. It wasn’t a question of impossible for him, it was simply that he didn’t want it—he didn’t wantus.
I examine Michael’s kind face. He went to court and fought for Henry because it mattered. There was no doubt about it for him. And when I look over at Myles, a strange, heavy feeling settles into my gut. Why isn’t he fighting to see Amber?
Myles gives me a warm grin from across the room, waving me over.It’s not the same, I tell myself, shaking the uneasy sensation away.I excuse myself from Michael and wander over to Myles.
“I’ve got to go to work, baby,” he says when I reach his side. He tucks an arm around my waist. “I wish I didn’t.”
“Me too.” I look up at him, realizing just how hollow I feel at the thought of going home alone again. “Should I come out to Bounce for a drink later?”
“I’d love that.”
He presses his lips to my temple and I slide a hand into his back pocket, squeezing that tight little ass of his. When I glance at Alex she’s swooning, watching the two of us, and I giggle.
“Thanks so much for having me, Alex. We’ll have to go on a double date with you and Michael.” Myles flashes her a grin and she nods.
“Yes! That would be lovely.”
I see Myles to the door, promising to pop over to the bar soon, and when I return to the living room, as expected, Alex and Geoff are poised and ready for me.
“Oh my God,” Alex gushes. “You two aresogorgeous together.”
Geoff grins, topping up my wine. “I’m so glad you decided to give him a chance.”
“And this dress!” Alex says. “I’ve never seen you wear anything like this. It’s stunning.”
I meet Geoff’s gentle gaze, and he says, “She used to dress like this all the time.”
“Really?” Alex’s eyebrows shoot up. “Why did you stop?”
I sigh. “Mark.”
“You know, I think Myles is good for you,” Geoff says. “I haven’t seen you look this happy—this much likeyourself—in years.”
Alex nods in agreement. “You really do seem happy.”
My gaze slides away as I try to dial down the huge smile I can feel on my face. I’ve never been someone who wears their heart on their sleeve, but tonight I’m practically translucent with joy. I can’t hide it, and that makes me feel a bit nervous.
“You really let him in,” Geoff murmurs, linking his arm through mine and squeezing.
“What do you mean?”
“Come on, hon. You know the way you usually are around men—the way you act, always following your little rules. But with Myles… you’re just yourself. You let him see you.”
That nervous feeling in my stomach expands, ever so slightly. Ihavelet Myles see the real me. I never meant to, it just happened. Somehow he saw through everything, regardless of how I dressed, or what I said, or how many sarcastic comments I made. As I think about it now—and how obvious it apparently is to everyone around me—I feel exposed, like a snail without its shell. It’s too dangerous to be out here like this. One misstep and I could be crushed.
“It’s a good thing,” Alex says softly. “It’s the only way real trust is built. You have to see all of each other.”
I suck in a fortifying breath. Alex is right. We can’t trust each other if we’re hiding who we are. If this is going to work, I’m going to have to get used to living without my shell. And I can do that.
At least, I really want to try.
31
Alittle while later I’m pressing through the crowds at Bounce. Myles spots me immediately and a grin lights his face as I make my way to the bar. He hands me a vodka soda, taking my hand and raising it to his lips for a kiss. Then I find a booth and sit contentedly, watching him work and enjoying my drink. Maybe I’m being too full-on, sitting here while he works, I don’t know. All I know is that I missed him ever since he left Alex’s place and I just want to be near him.
