The next morning, I head to the office, even though Wilby told me to stay home and take the day off. He’s sitting at his desk, drinking coffee and doing online clothes shopping when I walk up to his desk.
He closes his eyes. “Silverlyn. Why aren’t you at home resting?”
“I’m selling it all,” I tell him as I flop down in the chair next to him.
His eyes widen. “Selling what?”
“The penthouse, the building, anything I can. I don’t want it anymore.”
He blinks. “Where are you going to live?”
“Not here.”
I slide into the chair next to him.
“Let’s not be rash,” he says. “Talk to me, Goose.”
I snort at theTop Gunreference. Wilby and his movie quotes.
“I don’t know where I belong,” I admit quietly. “I just want him.”
Wilby sets his cup down. “That’s the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard.”
I blink at him. “I have no idea what I’m doing.”
He leans in and whispers, “You don’t want this anymore?”
I shrug. “I don’t know.”
“You can have it all,” he says. “You don’t have to choose. Men don’t choose.”
I sigh. “I don’t want what my father had. I don’t want to work eighteen-hour days and live here. I want to live.”
“You don’t have to run things like Charles,” he whispers, looking around to make sure no one is listening to us. “You can run this with a family and with healthy boundaries. Just because he didn’t have any, doesn’t mean you don’t have to.”
I stare at him and smile slowly. Because he’s right.
“You’re not him,” he continues. “You can do this your way.”
“You think so?” I whisper.
Wilby smiles. “I know so. And I think you’re already doing it.”
34
Cal
“Hey, Mom.”I smile as she opens the door and holds it open for me.
I set a few bags of groceries on the table, along with three new paperback books.
“Honey, what a surprise. It’s not Tuesday, is it?” she asks, looking confused.
I shake my head. “I’m going to New York. I wanted to make sure you were good before I head out for a few days.”
She softens, shame filling her face. “Oh, honey. Thank you. I’m sorry you had to take the time to do this.”
“Mom, don’t say sorry,” I tell her. “I love you, and I want to take care of you.”
