“I’ve waited this long,” he says, and I relax a little. “As long as you’re sure it’s her, I’ll hang onto that happy news until you can fill me in on everything else.”
“I’m as sure as I can be without a DNA test.”
As soon as the words leave my mouth, I wish I could shove them back inside.
I’m on the verge of saying too much.
Thankfully, Lexi chooses that moment to step outside.
“I gotta get off here, but I wanted to let you know where I was at with the case. I know you’ve been waiting a long fucking time for this.”
“You’re right about that. Thank you, Jake… for not giving up even when I started losing hope.”
“It’s what I do,” I say simply. “Thank you for being so understanding.”
Lexi reaches the car as I’m ending the call. She opens the door and slides in, looking at me with her eyebrow arched. It’s amazing how one simple facial gesture can express so many different things. What’s even more amazing is that I’m starting to recognize them all.
“Work,” I explain, slipping my phone into my pocket.
“Where do you want to eat?” she asks, starting the car.
I love that she doesn’t ask unnecessary questions, that she accepts my short answer and moves on. Now that I no longer have guilt churning in the pit of my stomach, my hunger is taking over.
“I’m not picky. Take me to your favorite place.”
I don’t care where we eat.
I’m simply happy to be with her.