“Did he saywhenhe’s coming back?” I barely breathe between words.
She shakes her head. “No, he just wanted the money for the ticket and that’s that.”
I narrow my eyes at her. “So, he could just take the money and decide not to come.”
Veronica rolls her eyes. “Jesus, Brad. If it means that much to you, why don’t you call him and ask?”
The question hits me in the gut.
I did. About thirty-seven times before his phone cut out. I called him every single day for over a month, and he never had the decency to answer. I would’ve waited for him for as long as he asked me to. But he didn’t…because henever fucking picked up.
Anger boils my blood as I think back about what I would’ve done if he had decided to stay. To give me a chance.Usa chance.
However, he chose the easy route.
And now, when I’m actively trying to make things right in my life and forget about him, here he comes, storming back.
On any given day, at any given time, Noahmaywalk through that front door. And I’m just supposed to…take it.
I clench my fists by my side.
“I’m going for a jog.” I bite out, heading to the bedroom to get changed.
“Whatever you need to cool off, Brad,” she calls after me.
***
“Looking good, guys,” I say, tapping Ethan on the back and giving the rest of the crew a thumbs up. It’s been a week or so since we started on the interior of this new build, and it’s coming along nicely. It’s moments like this, seeing a place go from blueprint to bones to something someone will one day call home, that I feel proud of what I’ve built. Of what we’veallbuilt.
“Tomorrow, we’ll get to work on the cabinetry install,” I add, scanning the space. “That’s it for today, though. Great job.”
A few of the guys nod, already packing up for the day, while Ethan scribbles something down in his notepad. I take one last look around before heading outside, the early evening sun casting long shadows across the driveway. The air is crisper than it was this morning. As expected, since we’re in the tail end of February. The trees are still bare, and the ground is still covered in a thin layer of snow as I back out of the driveway of this lot.
Time to head home. Back to Paislee.
I wipe my hands off on my work pants. I’m going to have to take a long shower once I get home. I may be the foreman, but I get down and dirty alongside those guys.
I make it home in no time and notice that Veronica is outside on the back patio with Paislee, bouncing her on her knees as she’s sitting on a deck chair.
It’s sweet, and I may even join her once I’m all done in the shower.
Themore time that’s been passing, the easier it’s been getting to be around her. There was a good reason why we found each other in the first place. After all, it’s not her fault I fell in love—
No.
Holy shit.That was close…
I refuse to finish that thought. What an idiotic thing to think. It wasoneweekend. One stupidmistake.
I take my time in the shower, cleaning the dirt from my body and from my mind.
He hasn’t called. Not once. Just takes and disappears. If I didn’t know any better, it’s almost like all that disdain he had for his mother was projection. He hates what he is.A liar.
I shake the thoughts out of my mind, throw on some grey sweats and a white t-shirt, and make my way downstairs.
I take in the view. Veronica is holding Paislee above her, as Paislee giggles and squeals down at her.
The image makes me smile. Something about it reminds me of the difference in my own upbringing. I’m excited to provide my child with a loving household. One that welcomes her, and loves her unconditionally, no matter what…
