They could be right, but I’m not ready to let go of the one parent I have.The one who, now he’s ill, feels harder than ever to push away.
What’s the worst he could do that I wouldn’t forgive him for?
Chapter 9
ZACH
The valet takes my keys and disappears with the car, and for a moment I just stand there, adjusting my cufflinks, reminding myself to breathe.
Fourteen years.
Fourteen years since Maya vanished from my life without a word, leaving behind questions I never stopped asking.And tonight we’re having dinner together.
I offered to pick her up, but she declined.Said she’d meet me here, so I brace myself, knowing exactly what I’m walking into, because I already know that this isn’t going to be easy.
I’ve picked a hot new trendy place, with great food and great vibes, and I hope she likes it.The restaurant is ultra-exclusive, with great views and has an intimate vibe.Plush velvet seats in charcoal tones.Warm, soft amber lighting.Orchids arranged with precision.
It’s where I take my dates when I want to impress, and though Maya has made it perfectly clear that she’s not my date—I know that, and I wouldn’t rush to make those judgments—I still want her to like this.Us meeting again means a lot to me, and I just want her to like this place.
The concierge opens the door for me and I walk in, but stop and stare.
Maya is standing inside the entrance staring up at the high ceilings and the gilded artwork.The ambiance here is one of quiet luxury; it doesn’t scream decadence, it justis.
She looks composed and serene, yet guarded, as if she, too, is bracing herself for this evening.As if she feels it, she suddenly turns and catches me staring.The air whooshes out of my lungs.She looks amazing, and she’s wearing a black satin trouser suit.It’s clean cut, and elegant.Understated, yet eye-catching.
I walk toward her, unable to dim my smile, my gaze taking in all of her.Her hair is pulled back loose and soft, while wayward strands frame her face.Her eyes are made up in smoky charcoal and glitter; a stark contrast to her nude lipstick.
I’m already bedazzled.
“You look lovely.”I reach for her hand, but she doesn’t offer it.Instead, her fingers curl into fists.
Keep away.
I receive the signal loud and clear.I let my hand drop.“Sorry.”
“I’m sure you’re charming and have perfect dinner etiquette, but you don’t have to bother with any of that tonight,” she says breezily, holding her clutch bag close to her body.
“Noted.”I adjust my tie, feeling thrown off.I’m accustomed to things going smoothly, but it feels like Maya is throwing barbed wire at every step of the way.
Her quick glance doesn’t go unnoticed.I think she likes what she sees—my tailored dark jacket, crisp white shirt open at the collar, no tie.Casual and effortless.I want her to see me at my best.
She looks down at her trouser suit and shrugs.“I’m feeling a little underdressed.”
Is she kidding me?She looks ravishing.Not over the top.Just perfect.I know she’s not fishing for compliments.She’s not that kind of person.“On the contrary.You look like you belong here,” I tell her.
Her gaze sweeps over the surroundings again.“Are you a regular here?I imagine this must be one of your haunts.”
Her whole demeanor puzzles me.I didn’t expect it would be this difficult from the start.It’s not the conversation I want to be having.This feels sharp and prickly.
“Sometimes,” I admit.“It’s one of my favorite regular places.”
She huffs softly and I immediately regret saying ‘regular’.She’s not impressed or amused by this place.
I cough lightly.“You should have taken a seat at the table instead of waiting for me here.”
“I wasn’t waiting for you here,” she chortles.“This is a beautiful place.I’m taking it all in.”
The hostess approaches.“Good evening, Mr.Knight.Let me show you to your table.”She gives Maya a warm smile, and I, out of habit, rest a light hand at Maya’s elbow as we follow the hostess through the restaurant.Maya flinches, like the touch is too much.
