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“Yes. At the hotel.”
“What happened last night?”
“Nothing. I went out and ran into Barrett. I had too much to drink.”
He sighed in that silent way that said he didn’t approve. “Why didn’t you take Martel?”
“I wanted to be alone.”
He shifted and his voice sounded closer. “I’m guessing yesterday didn’t go as you hoped?”
I still didn’t want to talk about it, but then I thought about everything Barrett said, and tried not to waste energy being upset about the things I couldn’t change. I focused on the positive.
“We had a really nice lunch. He’s coming to the wedding and he’s going to walk me down the aisle.”
“That’s great, baby. I’m happy for you.”
“Yeah. I’m happy too.”
“Are you? It sounds like there’s something else you’re not telling me.”
“It’s just a lot to process. I made certain assumptions in my head and, well, you know how that goes.”
“Just remember, he’s human. He probably made assumptions too.”
Ugh, that didn’t help. Now, I was preoccupied with wondering if I somehow didn’t meet my dad’s expectations.
Hale cleared his throat and yawned. “I can’t wait to hear all about him.”
“I was hoping you two could meet when you come back.”
“Bad news, baby. Some of our investors got delayed and I have to stay longer than expected.”
Dread tunneled through my stomach. “How long?”
“Another week.”
My heart instantly seized. “That’s cutting it really close, Hale.”
“I know. But I promise this is the last trip until after the honeymoon.”
That meant he wasn’t going to be able to come with us to get my dad’s tux. “I’ll miss you.”
“I already miss you, baby. A lot.”
I sighed. “Get some sleep.”
After hanging up with Hale, I called Andrew to check on Elara. They had a full day scheduled with a visit to the petting zoo. I was jealous I wouldn’t be there. Hale suggested flying them out to New York, but I wasn’t planning on staying long. I just needed to get my dad situated then I could return home.
I texted the new man in my life and he seemed happy to hear from me. Was he sitting beside his wife? Having breakfast? Had he told his family about me yet? I wondered if he was even aware of how much his announcement screwed with my head.
We decided to meet tomorrow for another lunch and then a visit to the tailor. This time he was driving into the city to meet me—because he owed me that much.
I ordered room service and enjoyed a large breakfast. It felt like I hadn’t eaten in weeks. Then I made the call I was dreading.
“Hi, Mom.”
“My goodness, Ray, I’ve been leaving you messages all week.”
