No. He couldn’t have. There was no identifying information in that letter. Just heartfelt words and a sense of gratitude too big to truly capture.
“You still didn’t answer my question,” I state, placing my hands on my hips. “Why are you here?”
“I was looking for you. I called.”
“I know,” I snap, the words spilling out before I can stop them. “That’s why you fired me, remember? I left my phone in the living room while I vacuumed so youwouldn’t come home to a mess. I made a mistake. You’ve made your point, Hayden.” I push past him, storming toward the building.
“I tried calling to apologize,” he shouts after me.
I stop in my tracks, turning to face him. “Apologize?”
“I…may have overreacted.” He takes a slow step toward me.
“You think?” I snip out.
“I just…” With a long exhale, he shakes his head. “Can we talk?”
A bitter laugh escapes me. “So now you want to talk? You didn’t seem interested in what I had to say a few minutes ago.”
“And I’m sorry about that. I fucked up. All I’m asking for is five minutes of your time. If you still hate me after listening to what I have to say, you’ll never see or hear from me again. Just…give me a chance to make this right.”
I should say no.
I’ve known guys like Hayden before.
I’veworkedwith guys like Hayden.
Guys who never take responsibility for their mistakes.
Who are so set in their ways they refuse to admit when they’re wrong.
After I got out of the hospital, I swore I’d never surround myself with anyone like that again.
Butishe like that?
“Let me drop off the keys,” I finally say.
Hayden blows out a long breath, his relief palpable. “Thank you.”
I step inside and hand the mechanic my keys. After he promises to call Monday once the replacement tires arrive, I head back outside.
“Okay. Talk,” I tell Hayden, crossing my arms in front of my chest.
He glances around, obviously uneasy about whatever he wants to tell me. “Do you want to go for a walk?”
I gesture to my suitcase. “I’d rather not drag that all over town.”
“You can put it in my car. Afterwards, I’ll take you wherever you want to go. Though I’m hoping it’s back to where you belong.”
“And where’s that?” I arch a brow.
“You know where.” He gives me a knowing look, and I can’t ignore the strange fluttering in my stomach.
Since I first hopped in my van and put my old life in the rearview mirror, I didn’t really care about belonging anywhere. I didn’twantto belong anywhere.
Didn’t want to put down roots.
But in only a matter of days, I’ve felt more at home with Hayden and his kids than I ever did back in Chicago.
