“She does indeed,” I say bluntly.
Isabella rubs her chin then slides her hand down her neck trying to think of the best way to answer. “Okay.” She swallows. “Theo has met her?”
“Yes, but not as my girlfriend. Whether we are together or not, he would have met Abby. She is a friend of the family, same friend group, and small town.”
Isabella smiles to herself. “Ah, so your dreams do come true. Back in Sage Creek, house you want, and the girl you probably had some teenage fantasy about.” She gives me an arched brow.
“Maybe,” I answer without blinking as I drink my coffee.
“Will I meet her?”
“If you want.”
Isabella thinks to herself. “Look, Lucas, I actually think it’s great that you moved on. I have too.”
Doesn’t surprise me in the slightest.
“Has Theo met him?” I need to ask.
Isabella nods.
“Does the guy have a name?”
Isabella nervously bites her lip. “You know him actually… Ryan.” She looks at me and waits for a reaction.
I have to laugh to myself. “As in my old colleague, Ryan?”
She nods again.
Go figure that Isabella would pick someone from our inner circle of friends.
“How long?”
“Six months ago, actually. It just happened,” she explains, knowing full well that this is a slightly bitter pill for me to swallow. This factor may have played a part when we fought over custody.
“Really, six months ago?” It comes out harsh. Also, because I don’t believe her. In fact, now a few dots connect.
Instead, I take a deep breath and decide to take the high road. “Be honest. Was it really six months ago?”
She rolls her eyes. “Yes. It was.”
I study her for a few moments and can see she appears to be honest.
“Okay… we both have moved on. Let’s focus on Theo. Is he okay with all these new people?”
Isabella gently smiles. “He didn’t stop talking about your friend Abby. Romeo this, Romeo that, and French toast, and animal doctors.” It comes out sincere.
It warms my heart that Theo is talking about Abby that way.
“He hasn’t mentioned Ryan,” I tell her.
“I haven’t really involved him much. He also has a daughter who is 12, so we have to be mindful of that too. But we would like them to meet.”
I gently nod in agreement.
“Maybe we should all meet for dinner or something. I would like to meet Abby,” Isabella suggests, and it’s logical, can’t fault her there.
“Well, we know I don’t need to meet Ryan.” That came out a little flat.
