“Okay.”
“Ben’s mom . . .”
I filled my cheeks with air and slowly blew it out. “What about her?”
“You’ve said Ben doesn’t have a mother in his life. Is she just not in the picture? Does she live far away? Did she abandon him?” She flattened her hand on the table. “I don’t want to assume anything, but I’m very curious about the whole situation.”
Seven years. In many ways, that felt like an eternity. It also felt like those years had passed in seconds. But every time I glanced at my son, I saw what that amount of time looked like.
It didn’t make it easier to talk about.
It didn’t make it hurt less.
When I filled my lungs, I felt the burn. “Ben’s mom passed away.”
Her hand shot across the table and reached for mine. “I’m sorry, Gavin. I didn’t know. Oh God, I’m positively gutted for Ben. And for you.”
“It’s okay.” I nodded. “Ben never got the chance to know her ... so he doesn’t know what he’s missing.”
Chapter Nineteen
Emily
Me:I need to thank you again for the best night ever. I swear I haven’t stopped smiling since I got home.
Gavin:I want to see that smile.
Me:You can. Soon, I hope.
Gavin:How soon?
Me:Lol. You tell me.
Gavin:I think I can peel myself away from work tomorrow. Lunch?
Me:I would love that. See you tomorrow then.
Gavin:Good morning, gorgeous. How did you sleep?
Me:Not as good as when I’m in your bed. You?
Gavin:I much prefer waking up to you.
Me:You just like the way I wake you up ...
Gavin:Did I love opening my eyes to you blowing me, fuck yes. But that’s not the only reason I like you in my bed. Just like having my mouth on your pussy before you fall asleep isn’t the only reason you sleep well when you’re with me.
Me:You may have a point.
Me:I get to see you today ... it’s going to be very difficult to keep my hands off you at lunch.
Gavin:There’s always the backseat of the SUV.
Me:You have a better chance of that happening in the restroom at the restaurant than getting me to agree to kick Denis out of the driver’s seat.
Gavin:Don’t put that idea in my head, Emily. We’ll be in a stall for the whole hour of your lunch.
Me:I’m surprised you wouldn’t just shut down the entire restaurant.
