“You’re not,” she continued. “You’re…a chef. I grew up with one of those. Never home, guaranteed divorce.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yes, really. And it would be bad for you to date your professor’s daughter. I think the school would frown on it. Could cost you the spot in the culinary program.”
“Yes, I know these reasons, Pepper. I suggested them to your father, who swatted them down.”
“Well, they’re valid,” she insisted, stabbing her key in the ignition. “And I have to go. Please. Goodnight.”
He stared at her and made no move to get out of the car.
“Goodnight, Jonah.”
Atlas squirmed, about three degrees from waking. “Will you be here on Wednesday?”
She stared straight ahead, then sighed. “No,” she said, the word hitting him like a brick to the head. “After this…I just don’t think it’s a good idea. I’m sorry.”
“Pepper!”
“I don’t want to leave you in the lurch. I can ask a friend or?—”
“Why? Why would you quit?”
“Because I can’t keep seeing you and hear your arguments and…and…” She put a hand on Atlas’s back. “I can’t fall any more in love with him or…” She lifted her gaze and met his. “You.”
He just stared at her, unable to comprehend this.
“Please don’t fight me, Jonah. It’s my choice.” She turned the key. “I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry. I am. You know the truth and we really shouldn’t be in the same place together anymore. I have to…” Her voice trailed off.
“You have to protect yourself from the unknown,” he said softly, reaching for the door handle because either he or Atlas was about to cry. “So…goodbye. I don’t need your friends to help. I don’t need…”This much pain again. “Bye, Pepper.”
As he started to get out, she turned and reached for Atlas, a little horror on her face, as if she just realized she’d not only lost Jonah, but this baby she loved so much.
She gave a whimper and Atlas woke up, stared at her, and broke into a huge smile that visibly crushed her.
At least he was trying to help his dad out.
Without another word, Jonah climbed out of the car and walked to the house.
She backed out slowly and pulled onto Gulf Shore, her lights disappearing in an instant while Jonah stood in the driveway in the purple night, holding his son.
The word he had not let himself think for months and months welled up like a sob.
Cursed.
His mother died. His girlfriend died. And now this. His whole life was?—
Atlas slapped his face and giggled.
“You think this is funny, young man?”
The gummy smile just grew. “Da! Da-da! Da-da!”
Jonah stood very still, staring at this beautiful, tiny, miraculous creature who didn’t know any pain or heartache or…curses.
“Da-da,” Atlas repeated.
Jonah started laughing. “Once more for the people in the back, buddy!”
