We’re in the center aisle, with Kane to my left and Millie to my right. No first class for us this time.
My heart aches for the kid. They ended things amicably. It was the best choice, in my opinion. They’re too young to do long-distance, but I hope they remain friends.
“Yeah. He was my first sorta-boyfriend, you know? But moving is the best option for me, and I’m kind of ready for a change. Hawaii reminds me too much of my mom. Not that I wanna forget…”
“I know what you mean, buddy.” She reaches across me to squeeze his forearm. “Plus, your brother said he’d bring you back to visit, if that’s what you want.”
He lifts a shoulder and lets it fall. “Maybe. Would you come too?”
Lips pressed together, she surveys me, then focuses on him again. “If you want me to.”
As we take off, I close my eyes and give in to the fantasy that a world exists in which the three of us return to Hawaii as a family.
Once we’re in the city, things turn awkward. It feels wrong leaving Millie behind in the Uber; she only lives a few blocks from me. But she insists I get Kane settled and that we’ll talk in a couple of days.
“Text me as soon as you get home,” I say as I bend to kiss her on the lips.
She bats her lashes. “Yes, Daddy.”
“Gross, I heard that,” Kane calls from behind me.
“Oh, I almost forgot.” She twists the rings off her finger and passes them through the window.
I’m frozen in place, my hand out, the two white-gold circles resting in my palm. This feels wrong too. But I garner my strength, force a tight smile, and tuck them into my pocket. Then I step back and watch as the car pulls back into traffic.
I introduce Kane to our doorman and request an additional key so he has access to my apartment, then we head upstairs. The flight was long, and we’re both exhausted, but I want to help him unpack the things he brought with him. Though it cost a fortune, I arranged to have his and his mom’s belongings shipped over. It’s important to me that he makes this his home too.
Halfway through unpacking, my phone dings.
MILLIE
I’m home. Thank you for a wonderful trip
I type outThank you for, but pause, because what am I thanking her for? Coming to Hawaii in the first place? Pretending to be my wife? Sticking up for Kane? Celebrating my birthday? All the amazing sex?
ME
Thank you for everything
I deleteI miss you already. I don’t want to come on too strong.
After Kane’s first slice (or four) of NYC’s infamous pizza and half a dozen cookies from Levain’s, I consider taking out a loan for his teenage appetite. He can barely keep his eyes open on the sofa while we watchThe Office, so as my first fatherly duty, I send him to bed. Luckily, Cam left behind all his furniture when he moved out, so a fresh set of sheets was all I needed to prep the second bedroom for him.
A long, hot shower feels good, but sliding into cool sheets naked is even better. Or it would be if there was a curvy blonde in my bed. I figured I’d pass out quickly after a full day of travel. Instead, I’m wide awake.
I text my mom to let her know we’re home and that we’ll see her tomorrow. She’s itching to meet Kane. I’m eager to introduce them too. His mom is gone, but I’ll happily share mine.
I haven’t checked my social media since Kane found me, so in hopes that some scrolling will help my mind settle, I open Instagram. Several notifications pop up, including one from Millie.
@amelia.r.greer tagged you in a post
It’s the picture my brother snapped of Millie and me before we left the island. We’re on the beach with our backs to the camera. I’d just smacked her ass, but the photo captured my arm outstretched behind her. The caption readsParadise <3
I scroll her feed, but the following pictures in her grid are from months ago, when she was touring withMamma Mia.
My fingers find their way to our text convo.
ME
