She smirked. “Doth thou protest too much?”
I pretended to be looking around with my hand to my ear like I was hearing voices. “Shakespeare, is that you?”
She laughed and jabbed my side, making me jump. “Now I know something is going on because you’re not normally so sassy.”
I laughed. “Sorry, Mom. I couldn’t resist.”
She grinned and rubbed my shoulder. “It’d be nice if you found a man who made you glow. It’d be more than nice—it’d be everything I’ve dreamed of for you.” She brushed myhair back. “You deserve it, you know. Someone who worships the ground you walk on.”
“I don’t know about that. If anyone deserves that, it’s you.”
She gave me an exasperated look. “We’re not talking about me, we’re talking about you. I’m content. I don’t need a man. That part of my life is over. You’re young and such an amazing human.”
I yawned. “Thank you, Mama. I want to argue that it doesn’t have to be over for you yet, but I’m too sleepy to make sense.”
She kissed my cheek, and we said good night.
I’ve worked a ton of overtime this week, despite the holiday, because I’m not in the mood to put up with my dad’s barbs about me not getting the work done. The office has been empty, but my dad has been in a few times and seen me working, so hopefully that will buy me a little time without him riding me. However, I noticed some discrepancies in the books earlier and had to call him about that. He told me to stop turning small things into mountains, whatever that means. I ended up talking to Dylan until early this morning, so I still didn’t get much sleep, but I’m energized by the thought of seeing him later.
I zip up my suitcase and check on Chloe, who’s standing in front of her little kitchen cabinet, pulling something out of the microwave.
“It’s almost time to go, baby girl. Let’s get your shoes on.”
“I don’t want to yeave my kitchen,” she says.
“I know, but we’re going to have fun in California. You’re going to see Daddy!”
“And Dyyan?” she asks hopefully.
“Maybe Dylan for a little bit. But you’ll mostly be with Daddy, okay? He really wants to see you, and he’ll be so happy that you’re spending time with him. Oh, and you know who else you get to see? Gigi and Papa!”
I’m not sure she even remembers who they are. It’s been so long since she’s seen Christian’s parents.
She looks at me, her expression somber, and I motion for her to come over so I can put her shoes on. My heart aches that she’s having to process these confusing emotions as such a little girl. My mom jokes that I was the same way—a little empath wearing my heart on my sleeve from the moment I could breathe.
There’s a tap on the door, and I open it. Aunt Ginny is standing there, blowing on her hands. She’s taking us to the airport.
“I don’t know where my gloves are,” she says.
“It’s so cold. Hold on, let me get some for you.”
“It’s all right.” She waves me off. “Are you two ready to go?”
“Yes, we are.” I look over my shoulder. “Chloe! Aunt Ginny is here!”
We get to the airport in plenty of time and have no problems on the flight. I think about Dylan so much because I’ve been with him for the past two round-trip flights. He really wanted to be on this flight with me, but it was completely sold out. He’ll get in a couple of hours after me, and by the time I get to Christian’s house from the airport and drop Chloe off, I won’t have long to wait. He gave me the code to get into his house.
Leaving Chloe with Christian doesn’t go as badly as I thought it might. Anastasia says hello but then gives us some space. I stay for about twenty minutes, until it seems likeChloe is relaxed. I talk to her about the plan, how she’ll stay with her dad for two sleeps at night and two naps in the day.
She nods like she completely understands, and when we say goodbye, she gets tears in her eyes, but she doesn’t bawl like she did the last time.
I still cry all the way to Dylan’s house and spend the time before he arrives in a bath and taking my time with my makeup.
When he gets home, I’m wearing a pretty gold shimmery dress. We stare at each other for a few long seconds and then he steps forward and hugs me, kicking the door closed behind him.
“Wow,” he says. “Even more beautiful than the last time I saw you.” He leans his forehead against mine. “Hi.”
“Hi,” I whisper.
