Thirty-five and Single

“Your turn. Is there something I should know about you?”

Yes, I’m in love with you. I can’t say that, especially with what else I need to tell him. First, I have one question that needs answering.

“What about your date with Cara?” I ask.

She’d said she hadn’t heard from him, but curiosity ruled my questions.

“What about her?”

“I heard her. You brought her home,” I say.

It doesn’t change anything, but I need closure.

“It isn’t what you think. I took her out like you wanted. Maybe I was trying to prove something to both of us. I took her to a place in Georgetown near our apartment. After, she wanted to walk. The whole time, all I could think about was you. When she said she needed a bathroom, I realized where I’d been heading—home—to you. After she did her thing, I ordered her an Uber and sent her home. Nothing happened.”

And I believe him.

“Not even a kiss goodnight?” I clarify.

He shakes his head. “I had her call me to make sure she got home and that was it.”

“Wine?” a waiter asks.

I’d been so focused on Joel I hadn’t noticed him coming in. As he pours a glass for Joel, I ask for water.

Joel’s eyes narrow, but he says nothing until after the waiter leaves.

“Not drinking tonight?”

To answer, I pull out a black and white photo from my purse that I’d gotten earlier today and slide it over to him.

His eyes follow the movement of the sonogram picture. His sharp intake of breath puts me on edge. Though I have no doubt he will take care of this child.

“Our kid,” he whispers with total amazement and finally meets my gaze.

I nod, which feels small compared to how big this is.

“I’m going to be a father,” he says, beaming from ear to ear.

He takes my hand and urges me up from my chair. As I stand before him, he stares at my belly for the longest time before he whispers, “I’m your father.”

It’s a moment of all moments and one I’ll never forget in my lifetime.

What settles me more is the lack of hesitation or fear in his expression.

I’m on the verge of saying more when he spins me around and pulls me tumbling onto his lap. The warmth in his eyes sends butterflies fluttering to my heart. Then he kisses me before I can tell him what I’ve been afraid to say until that exact moment.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Joel

Naked Olivia in my bed is something I’ve wanted for a very long time. While she dozes after the many orgasms I gave her, I memorize her as she is now, sleepily sexy. A look I’m growing to love. Later, I intend on immortalizing her on a canvas.

For now, I trace circles on her belly where our baby grows inside of her.

Then my phone buzzes, breaking the silence. I grab it before it can wake Olivia and head into the living room.

“Now is not a good time,” I say in greeting.

“Please,” Calli pleads. “Aaron needs you.”

I’ve heard this a thousand times, but it doesn’t make me any less worried.

To test a theory, I say, “Aaron’s with Rhett.”

“And who’s fault is that?” she snaps.

Just like that, she’s skipped denial and gone to anger.

“He needs time with his father,” I say.

“You can be his father,” she says, moving into the bargaining phase.

“I’m not his father as you yourself have told me a thousand times. Don’t be selfish. He’s safe with Rhett.”

“But I’m not.”

And it’s probably true and of her own making.

“The offer is still open. I’ll pay for you to get the help you need.”

“I don’t belong in any of those fancy places. They look at me like I’m scum.”

I can’t make her feel comfortable.

“Then a shelter or call the police.”

“Can’t I stay with you?”

Olivia comes in and tucks herself next to me. She looks up at me and nods as if she’s heard.

“That’s not a good idea,” I say.

“Why? Your new girlfriend won’t let you.”

“She’s not like that.”

“So you admit you have a girlfriend?”

Olivia and I haven’t discussed our relationship status, but I know how I feel.

I look into her eyes as I speak into the phone. “I do have a girlfriend, but that doesn’t mean I don’t care about you, Calli.”

Olivia grins back at me and I’m taking that as an acknowledgement of my declaration.

“I’ve been replaced,” Calli whines.

“We haven’t been more than friends for years. If you want my help, tell me where you are and I’ll send someone there to take you somewhere safe.”

She’s quiet for a second. “Okay.” She rattles off a half address with landmarks.

“Stay near the phone. I’ll call you right back.”

The number that came up on my phone isn’t hers. I have no idea whose phone she’s using.

“Is everything okay?” Olivia asks once I’ve ended the call.

“I don’t know,” I say and dial my brother.