He tilted his head. “Did someone beat us to the punch?”
I shook my head. “It’s not that. I . . . can’t move to Atlanta.”
“Ah, I understand. It’s hard leaving an area you’re familiar with. California was home for so many years and I miss it.”
“I didn’t know that.”
“We had some good times there.”
I placed my hand on his. “We sure did. But I’m not going to stay there.”
He observed me quietly for a moment, then the corners of his mouth quirked up. “Something tells me you’re looking for a ticket to Detroit, not Atlanta.”
Nodding, I asked, “How did you know?”
“Well, I heard a few rumors. My wife thought you and Asa made a very good team.”
I recalled Ana’s visit several weeks ago. She inadvertently showed up during an intimate moment and both of us had a hard time recovering. “She said that?”
“She did, so I’m not surprised that you’re telling me this now.”
“What do you think?” I scraped the edge of the table with my thumb. “Do you think I’m making a good decision?”
“If you’re asking me because you’re worried that I would somehow think less of you, I have to tell you, that will never happen.”
“Thank you, but that’s not why I asked.” I laughed softly. “I just wonder what you would say to your daughter if she was making a move like this.”
“Well, first of all, youaremy daughter.”
I sucked in a deep breath.
“Maybe not by blood,” he continued, “but definitely in my heart. You and Zara are mine. And that was the case before your sister married my son.”
Again, my eyes filled with tears. “Thank you for always being there for me. I appreciate you in my life.”
“I’ll be there every time you need me.” He leaned forward. “But if you are wondering if I’m worried about Asa hurting you, I’m not. His father is my best friend. Asa is my godson. He’s cut from good cloth. And it’s been amazing to watch him grow from a boy to a capable, intelligent, funny man. The way he loved Gemma unconditionally . . .” He swallowed roughly. “He was the best friend she could’ve had. He gave her a gift, and now he’s risen to the occasion. You could do a lot worse. And you did.”
I barked out a laugh. “Really, Jax?”
“Just sayin’.” His phone rang, but he made no move to answer it. “That’s probably Ana. I was supposed to meet her for a late lunch.”
“Well, don’t keep her waiting.” I stood. “I’m going to break the news to X.”
“He’ll be alright.” He opened the door and gestured for me to lead the way. As we neared the bay of elevators, he asked if I had any job leads in Detroit.
“My friend Cyn put in a good word with her grandmother at Batchelor Corp,” I told him.
“Ah, good company. I know Joyce well. Tell you what . . . I’ll give her a call. Let her know you come highly recommended.”
“I didn’t know you knew Joyce Batchelor.”
“Baby girl, I know everybody.”
“In that case, tell her I’m interested.”
ten
DO 4 LOVE
