Bella nodded, even as Gen stiffened, still refusing to meet him in the eye.
Oh well.She’d agreed to this meeting, so he planned on staying, even if she found it hard.
“Would… would you tell me a little bit about her?Mom said that you were friends as kids.”
He nodded, his gaze sliding to Gen’s.Still no answer.“I remember your mom as being the smartest person in school.”
“Smarter than you?”Bella asked.
“Absolutely.I liked math, but was not so great at science.I couldn’t remember stuff like your mom could.”
“Mom says I have a good memory.”
“I’m not surprised.I mean, you remembered my name when you answered the door.”
Bella chuckled.“You’re funny.”
“Hey, takes one to know one, right?”
“Right.”
He grinned.Glanced at Gen.Still no response.Which was odd.But maybe she was finding this harder than him.
“So, Bella, I gotta know.Is Bella short for Isabella?”
“No.It’s just my name.Bella Dominique Rivas.”
Dominique.Like Gen’s mother.“It’s a pretty name.”
“Thanks.”
He glanced at Gen.Cleared his throat, waiting for her to finally look at him.“Rivas?”
“It’s her last name.”Her gaze finally lifted to meet his.
His stomach twisted at the despair there.What had caused that?Surely she didn’t think he was going to take Bella away?What could he say to assure her?“Hey, Gen, it’s going to be okay.”
She scoffed.“How can you say that?”
“I’m not going to take her away.”He smiled at Bella.“I just want the chance to get to know you.”
She nodded.“I know.”
Wow.Okay, that was unexpected.But also, maybe not.Bella had a maturity about her which he sure didn’t recall about himself at that age.Maybe it had come about from spending so much time with adults all her life.
He shifted on the uncomfortable seat.“I was wondering if maybe we could have a meal together sometime.My parents are in town next weekend and would love to meet you soon too.But only if that’s okay with you.And your mom.”
Bella’s eyes widened as Gen paled.
“It’s okay, they only want to meet her,” he soothed.“Nothing else.”
“I just don’t want—” Her lips clamped.
He could guess what she was afraid of.And he’d make sure Mom and Dad—well, Mom, really—knew exactly what was and was not allowed.And there would be no talk of moving or switching schools or anything like that.“You don’t need to worry,” he promised.
Gen studied him for a long moment, then jerked her head.“But only if I’m there too.”
“Of course.”He switched his attention back to Bella.“So, would that be okay with you?I don’t want to do anything you are uncomfortable with.”
