Her voice is even. I know she didn’t mean it as a jab, but it hits like one anyway. Because I missed so many important moments in our kids’ lives. All in the name of a legacy neither of them cares about... and one I’m not in charge of anymore.
I swallow hard. She’s already thought through every angle, detail, and responsibility.
“And Alicia?”
“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.” Ceci takes a breath. “Felicity offered to have her stay at her house while I’m traveling. But I wanted to give you the opportunity first. If it’s something you want.”
“Of course I want my daughter with me,” I answer, offended she even had to ask.
“Okay.” Her voice stays calm as if to say let’s not turn this into a fight. “You already take her to and from school and ballet,” she continues, “so you’d just need to check if she needs anything extra for her classes and make sure she has everything she needs.”
I nod.
“Before the end of the month, we’ll buy all her school materials and anything else she thinks she needs. I’ll leave you a list with anything I think is important. Also, Felicity will have a copy of my house key, and Alicia has her own in case she needs to come by and pick something up.”
Ceci keeps talking, outlining the arrangements she’ll make for the kids before her trip, every detail perfectly organized.
And all I can think is:
She’s going with him. They’ll spend all those weeks together.
“Colin, did you hear what I said?”
I look at Ceci, swallowing the knot in my throat. “Yes... I heard.” My gaze drops to the coffee table. “Why?” I ask, unable to hold it in any longer. “Why now? Why this trip?”
She doesn’t answer right away, and when I finally look back at her, she says, “Because it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. And there was never time, or the opportunity. With Ethan going to college, and Alicia getting more independent every day, there’s no reason to keep postponing it.”
I want to ask if that’s really the only reason. If Santoro has anything to do with this. If he’s the one pushing her out the door.
“We went to England on our honeymoon,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.
Ceci nods. “Yes. And it was a nice trip.”
Nice. When she once described it as the best trip of her life.
“Are you going to Scotland this time?” I ask.
“Yes.”
It had been part of our honeymoon itinerary, but the January weather ruined the plans, and we ended up visiting other places instead.
“When are you going to tell the kids?” I ask, trying not to slip back into old memories.
“Later tonight, or tomorrow at breakfast.”
“You think Alicia will want to spend those five weeks with me?” I ask, uncertain.
“I think so. She’s already taken the first step, spending more time at your place, and even sleeping there this weekend.”
I stand. “Thank you for telling me. And for giving me the chance. I’ll make the arrangements to ensure there’s someone there to handle Alicia’s breakfast and prepare meals. If there’s anything else you need, just call me.”
I’m already reaching for the doorknob when Ceci speaks again.
“Colin.”
I turn.
“The way you’re respecting Ethan’s space, and how present you’ve truly been for Alicia these past months... it makes me think that maybe, someday, I’ll be able to trust you again. At least as the good father you used to be to our kids.”
