"You're right. You're a grown woman with many talents." His words sound stilted, as though he had to force them out. They also sounded like something Helen would say. "You're capable of finding a job on your own."
"Thank you." Relieved, Eden shoved a big bite of cheesecake in her mouth, relishing a feeling of freedom along with the rich chocolate mousse.
"You're also capable of paying the rent on your apartment, so I won't interfere there anymore either. By the way, your lease runs out in three days."
Eden nearly choked as she tried to swallow the cheesecake. Her stomach plummeted, leaving her feeling light-headed. Her chest tightened again, and the temperature in the room climbed.
Was he trying to cut the final apron strings? Or was he trying to force her hand? She couldn't afford to pay her rent for more than a few months without a decent job. And to get a decent job, she'd need to return to Spokane. Even if she did get a job with one of the home decor stores, she wasn't sure she'd make enough to pay her rent without the help of a roommate.
Bill and Alice would let her stay with them as long as she wanted, she was sure of it. But was that wise? She still didn’t know if she belonged in Providence. Nor was she certain she was meant to be with Rudy.
There was undeniable chemistry between them, but she couldn't discredit all the bad things that happened every time they kissed. Besides, if he felt that strongly about her, he wouldn't have been so quick to agree that they shouldn't kiss anymore after the whole skunk ordeal.
Rudy leaned toward her and whispered. "Did you say skunk?"
Had she said that out loud? Or could he tell she was upset and ready to go home?
She nodded, more than ready to get off this emotional roller coaster.
Rudy set his napkin on the table and rose. "Thank you so much for having us, Mr. DuPont, but I'm afraid we need to head home."
A look of disappointment flashed over her father's face, but he quickly hid it. "Of course. I'm glad you were able to come." Her dad stood too. "It was nice to get to know you a little, Rudy."
"You too, sir— uh Mr. Dupont."
"Call me Oliver." Her dad held out his hand to Rudy as if they were old friends.
The evening had gone so much better than Eden expected, so why did she feel so drained and confused?
Because I have big decisions to make. And I need to make them soon.
No more sitting around learning how to be a homemaker from Alice and playing craft boutique assistant. She needed to decide what she wanted to do with her life. The only goal that had filled her mind the last few weeks was to be a mother.
But if she chose motherhood and all the craziness that came with it, she really would be wasting her degree and years of experience. Many women were mothersandmaintained demanding careers, but was that what she wanted?
They said stilted goodbyes to her father, and Eden hugged Helen again before walking out the door.
Rudy caught Eden's arm as they approached her car. "Are you okay? Do you want me to drive?"
Without meeting his gaze, she nodded and pulled the key from her purse. "Thank you."
She remained quiet as he drove. She was tempted to ask him to stop at her apartment so she could pack up a few more things. But they would only be things she didn't need. Things she hadn't thought about for the past month. Besides, she might be returning to her apartment sooner rather than later. Why haul more stuff out, only to have to bring it back?
As if sensing her turmoil, Rudy asked. "What are you going to do about your apartment?" When she didn't answer, he went on. "Scott and I can bring our trucks on Saturday and help you move out, if you'd like."
Move out?
Although she didn't have a desire to go back to her apartment right now, did she want to move out of it altogether? And did she detect a hint of hopefulness in Rudy's voice? Could she move to Providence with so much uncertainty about the future still hanging in the air?
"You and Scott are supposed to be helping at Mrs. Jacobs' house this Saturday."
"Austin and the others can get along without us for a few hours."
Eden shook her head. "I'll just pay the rent for a month or two, I guess, until I decide what I'm doing with my life."
Rudy's lips pressed into a tight line and the muscle in his jaw tensed. She took in his tight grip on the steering wheel.
Is he angry with me? Or just disappointment?
