One to Keep (One to Hold 2)

Kenny said it in such a rush, it took me a moment to catch up. “Who?”

“My aunt Laura—”

“No… you’re calling the baby Peanut?”

“Would you focus? She lives in New York, so she’s not far from here. She’s got plenty of money, and, well, it’s a longshot. But at least it’s family?”

Her tone was optimistic, but I needed to be sure. “Is that something you think you can do?”

“Would you be okay with it?”

I thought about that. Relief was my initial response, but I wasn’t sure I could trust that emotion. Still, when it came down to it, a loving aunt who wanted a baby, who was related to Ken…

“I think, considering what’s going on with both of us, where we are and what we’re prepared to do, it’s probably the best solution. If you think your aunt will be a good mom?”

A huge sigh filled my ear. “She’ll be the best mom.” I could tell Kenny was smiling now. “I always loved visiting her when I was a kid. And they’ll be in New York! Imagine if the baby’s an artist.”

“Like you.” A return-smile crossed my lips. “Ken, if it makes you this happy, I trust you. Do you need me to do anything?”

“No, that’s just it. We’ll work out all the details.” She paused a moment, and I waited. “Thank you, Patrick.”

“I don’t feel like I’ve done enough—tell me if I can help you, okay?”

“I will,” she said.

“Take care of yourself.”

Kenny’s optimism was contagious, and knowing we had a solution, I was brave enough to take a chance. Hopping over to my recent calls, I touched the name I loved. Waiting as it rang, I realized she was probably with family and not able to talk.

Hearing her voice in the greeting still tightened my stomach. I missed her so much. “Just thinking about you,” I said in my message. “Hope you’re having a nice holiday. I love you.”

Leaning back in the chair again, I couldn’t give up hope. I had to believe Elaine and I would be together for Christmas.

* * *

Another week of getting through the hours, and by Thursday, the report for our Dallas client was done. Derek hadn’t questioned my sudden, work-obsessed behavior, and I hadn’t said anything to him about my relocation being on hold. Our Dallas analysis was completed in record time, and the only complaint I could imagine them having would come in the future. When they asked why our subsequent services took longer.

Time of day wasn’t even on my radar when I noticed a tapping on my door. Looking up, it was already growing dark outside.

“Let’s shut it down, hit the gym.” Derek was in my doorway, and I looked up briefly before returning to my laptop. He was right, and I was tired.

“Sure,” I said. “Be right there.”

A few clicks later, I was heading out, saying goodnight to Nikki and crossing the courtyard to Building E. A quick change in the locker room, and I was joining my partner on the bench.

“I’ll be out for the rest of the week,” Derek said through an exhale. Our gym visits had become more sporadic in the last weeks. He was gone more and actually seemed less driven, his spotting needs less frequent.

“What’s going on?” I asked, thinking how things had changed. I was the driven one now, pushing too hard, looking for any way to kill the nonstop ache grinding in my chest.

He dropped the large dumbbell on the rack and picked up a towel. “I’m not into this tonight. You feel like getting a drink?”

I finished my set and then nodded. “Sure.”

* * *

The Tavern on the Corner was a new bar within walking distance of our office complex, and as such, it smelled too fresh to me. The glossy wood shone too brightly, and as it was Thursday, we saw too many familiar faces from around the offices. It wasn’t the right atmosphere for the pain-killing drunk I’d had in mind when I agreed to ditch the workout for the bar, but I’d deal with it.

“So where you headed?” I asked once the server had placed my usual vodka in front of me. Derek was having a beer.