The second the car turns off, she’s running down the porch front steps right into my arms.I spin her around as she squeals. I hadn’t realized how much I missed her until now.
It was an odd feeling the past week and a half having Jules with me every night. She made me forget a lot about my reality—not that I would ever forget about Claud—but she made me feel alive, more than I have in a long time, and tricked me into thinking maybe there’s a possibility for a life outside the one I live.
My stomach twists.
It’s the same one I get whenever I think of her…or of the what ifshe wasmy reality. Only I need to stop my thoughts from wandering too far because lately, it’s all I’ve thought of.
A life with Jules.
It feels like it could be perfection but completely out of reach.
Claud lifts her head from my shoulder and scrunches her face. “I don’t like when you drive that car.”
“Oh, angel, I know. It was the only car for me to drive from the city. I’ll drive the Jeep while I’m here.”
Claud is the only person I’d happily trade my Bugatti Mistral for. The Bugatti is a two-door convertible I got for fun. Not for my daughter.
There is no way in hell she’ll ever be allowed in that thing.
“With the sides off?” Her eyes jump in excitement.
“Only near the beach or town when we’re driving slower,” I remind her.
She jumps down and takes my hand to drag me toward the house. “Or you can drive Uncle Leo’s new car. I think that’s my favorite.”
I look around the driveway and spot the brand-new custom Land Rover Defender.
“Did this just get delivered?” I ask her.
She nods. “Yesterday. We rode to Grandma’s for breakfast, and he let me blast all my favorite songs.”
“That’s because he’s a good uncle. Where is he and the rest of your uncles, anyway?”
“By the pool. Will you change right away and come out to swim? I’ve been waiting all day for you.”
I pick her back up and squeeze her to my chest. “I know I’m sorry, Claud. I got stuck in a meeting, and then it was too late. Traffic was terrible.” I kiss her forehead and put her back down. “I’m here for three days, and then you come home three days after that.”
“Okay!” She smiles wide, then does a pirouette before taking off toward the backyard.
Seeing her do that reminds me of Juliette and what she suggested.
I don’t think Claud will be too happy, but I hope she’ll listen if I tell her Jules said so. Naturally, my thoughts go back to my Juliette and how I’m not the only one with a soft spot for her. Claud adores her too.
“Fuck. I needed this.” I lean my head back on the lounge chair and bask in the sun after three hours of switching on and off between diving competitions and cannon balls.
“Same. We’ve been traveling nonstop. I’m exhausted,” Nate says from beside me.
“When do you leave again?”
“Next week. I’m not back until it’s my turn to take Claud.” He shakes his head, annoyed. “I think it will be my longest time away from her.”
I lift my beer to my lips but realize it’s empty, and I have no strength to walk the two feet to the outdoor bar for another one.
“She’ll miss you, but honestly, two weeks away from home is a lot. She’s missed several dance classes, and although she seems okay, I think it will take her a while to acclimate back to city life.”
The back door opens. “Ah, yes. Leo, coming in clutch.” I take the beer bottle from him. “Thanks.”
“Daddy! Look at me,” Claud screams. I look up and see her getting set up in the first position. “Are you watching?”
