When he slides his hand down to my elbow, I cross my arms.
“You still haven’t said what you’re doing here.”
“We need to talk. I don’t like how we ended things.”
“We could’ve done it over the phone.”
“I thought it would be best in person.” He shoves his hands inside his pockets. “Plus, you’ve told me so much about Golden Harbor, I thought you’d be excited to show me around.” He nudges his chin. “C’mon, get in. I’ve only got two days and I’m sure there’s lots to see.”
“You took two days off of work?”
“Technically…yes. I’ve got a video conference tomorrow and some emails to send. But other than that, I’m all yours.”
“I can’t remember the last time you took off work.” But I do. The memory assaults me like a shot of endorphins. He took an entire day off work and we went to Long Beach. Guilt presses down on me and pinches in my gut.
“Anything for you,” he responds with a genuine smile. It’s the kind of smile that used to melt my heart. Still does to a degree.
West is not intentionally a selfish guy. His work is intense and demanding, but he doesn’t have healthy boundaries. It’s been the root of our arguments over the last year.
“Why now?” I blurt out, not really sure I want the answer. Because will it change anything?
He frowns. “I nearly lost you,” he pleads, taking my hand. “I know that now. And it’s something I can’t afford. Now c’mon, let’s go.” He tugs me, and I reluctantly glide with him until my brain catches up.
“Wait, my car,” I protest, my feet halting.
“We’ll get it later.”
“How about Charlie and I drive my car and we meet you at Dottie’s.”
“Nah, I’d rather you came with me now.” His jaw ticks. “C’mon, we’ll get it later.” With a hand pressed to my low back, he ushers me to the passenger side.
I climb in reluctantly but put on a brave face for Charlie. Spinning in my seat, I smile wide. “Hi, Charlie girl. I missed you.”
“Hi, Mama!”
I pat her leg. “How was Stella’s? Did you have fun?”
“Yes! It was so much fun! I taught Max how to braid. Miss Stella found her old Barbies for us.”
“Wow. That does sound like fun.” I face the windshield again as West slides behind the wheel.
“Mama?”
“Yes, baby?” I glance over my shoulder as I wipe the wetness from my eyes.
“What’s wrong?” She’s twirling one of her long braids around her finger.
Pressing my lips together, I exhale a sigh. She’s not a baby. But shielding her from as much shrapnel during her childhood is my goal as a mom. “Nothing. I’m just tired.” I shoot a glare at West.
“Guess what, Mama? West got me a new stuffie!” She holds up a gray stuffed dolphin I vaguely see from the corner of my eye.
“I took her to that bookshop in town.”
The car rumbles as it reverses backward and my mind races. “When?”
“After I picked her up from your friend, Stella’s. We needed to kill some time since she told me it would be a few hours before the ferry docked.”
“She has plenty of stuffies. And you don’t have to compete with Beck, if that’s what you’re doing. He’s her father.”
