“My patients needed me. You know how it can be some weeks,” he said. “Idowant to talk to you about Matilda. And us. But let’s settle in first.”
Right. Settle in. I glanced around the cafe. Did they serve alcohol here? Maybe wine would help me power through this awful dinner…
A buzz rattled the floor beside my feet. Bending down, I dug my hand into my bag and grabbed my phone.
Callan
Got my eye on you.
I grinned. A glance over my shoulder caught sight of Callan outside the bar across the road. He was sipping a Coke because he was my self-appointed designated driver. My heart fluttered in my chest. He looked so handsome tonight, his hair neatly trimmed and his smile so achingly sweet. He raised his palm. What I wouldn’t give to wave him over to sit on the other side of the table.
Erin
CHIZL.
Callan
I don’t get an easy night of Unscramble even when you’re putting up with your ex? Bloody hell, Ez.
I’ll give you a hint. It’s how much fun I’m having.
Zilch, huh? Hang in there.
MOUSISY.
I bit back a smile.Miss you.
Miss you too xo
Jeremy cleared his throat. “Erin?”
“Sorry…” I put my phone on the table and forced myself to give Jeremy a tight smile. “Did you say something?”
“You haven’t thanked me for the flowers.”
“Oh.” I glanced at the discarded bouquet of white roses dumped on the table. Matilda would love them. Me? Not so much. “Thanks.”
“Roses are your favorite, aren’t they?”
Maybe. Once upon a time. I propped my chin on my hand and stared out the window again. Callan had plucked a few sprigs of lavender from the fields and bunched the fuzzy strands with some twine for me. They were on the cottage windowsill, and the kitchen smelled so pretty—
Jeremy cleared his throat louder this time.
Oh. Right. Dinner. Our conversation about how to manage long-term plans for Matilda.
Jeremy sighed. “Erin, I’mtrying.”
“Huh? Oh. Yeah. Sure.”
I grabbed the menu and scoured the appetizers. Jeremy’s fingers curled over the top, and the menu lowered enough for me to see his frown.
“Yeah?” I said.
“I asked you how Matilda is.”
“Oh. She’s great.” I managed a genuine smile. Finally, something I loved talking about. “She’s just started a tiny tots ballet class at the church. Oh my god, Jeremy, she’s so adorable in her pink leotard. Cal said—”
“I don’t give a fuck whatCalsaid. The less attention you pay to that freak, the better.”
