Page 81 of Changing Lanes

“You don’t want anymore?” she asks as she gets into the SUV.

Sliding into the driver’s seat, I answer her, “Yes, I do. I didn’t think you wanted any.”

Starting the vehicle, I pull out onto to the highway. We’re going south, driving toward the beach. I try to stay upbeat, knowing at some point I need to talk to her about something. I stare out my window, thinking of different scenarios of how this could go down.

“Did I upset you?” I question, she’s been quiet.

She’s nervous, her voice comes out shaky. “No. Not at all.”

“So, you do want kids?” I hesitate but ask anyway.

“I do. I want as many as you’ll give me.” Turning to me, she smiles.

I take her hand, kissing it. “If you only knew how amazing that sounds.”

“I think I do. I have a few things I still need to tell you.” Her words are blanketed with concern.

“I know, we have a lot to discuss. For one, your work.” I talk as if I’m marking off a list.

“Agreed. I’m thinking of calling my mother tomorrow. I need some advice, and she’s the expert on my father.” I’m not sure how much help she’ll be, but Torrie needs to start somewhere.

“You think she’ll be okay with us?” I’m worried.

“She was always okay with us. She thought you were handsome, I think, ‘strapping’ was her word for you. I can’t wait for her to lay on eyes on you now.” She reaches over to feel my muscle.

I look over at her, grinning. “Oh, you like that, do you?”

“Damn straight I do. Although, I have no clue what’s happened to my mouth.” Torrie laughs so hard, I join her.

“I happen to like your mouth just the way it is.” I wiggle my brows. I’m such a smartass.

I slow down, turning the signal light on. We pull into Aspen Grille. They specialize in southern cuisine. The parking attendant opens her door, helping her from her seat. I appear at her side as the attendant parks the car.

“I hope you enjoy this place, the food is outta this world,” I whisper in her ear as we’re being seated.

“I’m already impressed, we didn’t have to wait.” She smiles and picks up the menu. “What do you suggest?”

“Knowing you love surf and turf, I want to suggest something like that, but honestly”—I glance at her— “the pan seared flounder and shrimp. You’ll love the okra.”

“I love you.” I’m not sure why she needed to say it now, but I feel like I’m about to combust.

I give her a sincere smile. “I love you.” We order our food and silence fills the air between us. There’s no good way to say it, I need to know.

“So, your father. Have you given any more thought on how to deal with him?” Wait. She purses her lips, she knows we need to discuss this now. “I take it you haven’t.”

“I’m sorry, I haven’t. I know this job has but a few weeks left, but I still don’t know how to handle it.” She shakes her head slowly.

“Are you…going home?” My voice quivers with every word.

She scans the room, doing anything to keep from looking at me. “I know this isn’t what you want to hear but I don’t see any way around it.” I nod. “I’m hoping my mother can help clear some of this up for us.”

“How’s that?” My brows pull low over my eyes.

“She may know his plans for retirement. When I have the company, I can work it from here. I don’t have to live in New York to run it.” She looks at me expectantly, but I don’t know what to say.

“You’ll be going back until he turns the company over to you,” I say quietly.

“I know it’s not what you’re wanting, but I’ve worked so hard to get it. I just need a little longer, please.” Taking my hand in hers, she squeezes it.