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“I gave her some time off.”
“Well, aren’t you a generous boss?”
“Thomas was admitted to the hospital a few days ago. I figured she’d like some time—”
“Hewhat?” Annabeth’s face goes white. “Why didn’t you tell me, Hunter? I need to call Eden and check on her. She shouldn’t deal with him alone.”
“I don’t think reaching out to her right now is a good idea. It would only stress her out more.”
She sniffles, her eyes glossing over. “Fuck, I’m such a useless mother. I want to be a part of her life, Hunter. I really do, but I’m scared it’s too late. I thought she’d be in good hands with Thomas. What the hell am I supposed to do?”
I feel bad for Annabeth. I feel bad for Eden. Hell, even though the man hates me within an inch of my life, I feel bad for Thomas, too. Their whole family was barely hanging on by a thread, shattered to smithereens because of one man’s mistake.
Mine.
If Eden ever found out that because of one mistake, I accidentally set off a domino effect that led to her parents’ divorce, Thomas’ drinking, her mother’s distance, all because I couldn’t see Walton for the snake he really was…
She’d never forgive me.
“You should talk to her,” I tell Annabeth gently. “Make an effort to be there. She might not be open to it at first, but it’s better than not trying at all. If you want things to change, you have to take the first steps to make it happen.”
Annabeth smiles. “When did you get so wise? You should start an advice column in theLA Times.”
I roll my eyes. “Absolutely not.”
My phone pings in my pocket. I smile when I see who the sender is.
Can I come over to your place to study? Taylor’s putting on a cam show and she’s very… loud.
You don’t need to ask. I’ll tell Mei-Lee to let you in.
When do you think you’ll get home from work?
Home. There’s something incredibly nice about hearing her call it that.
In about an hour. See you soon.
Chapter 25
Tip #25: Work hard, play harder.
HUNTER
Ilike her, Mei-Lee signs.She’s got spunk.
Where is she?I ask her.
Poor thing seems kind of stressed, so I suggested getting some fresh air out back. I offered to cook her something, but she said she wasn’t hungry. Do you want me to try again?
I’ll talk to her. You can take the rest of the evening off.
You kids have fun.
I find Eden seated at the edge of the pool, her shoes and socks off so she can dip her toes in the water. She’s left her hair down, brown locks spilling over her shoulders gracefully as she reads the massive textbook balanced on her lap. She looks like a Hollywood starlet of old, leaning her weight back casually on one hand as the warm breeze sweeps past. She’s elegance and grace incarnate, an indisputable beauty against the backdrop of the setting Hollywood sun.
“I’m glad someone’s making good use out of this thing,” I say as I step outside to join her. “I rarely get the chance to go for a swim.”
Eden looks up and greets me with a smile. It’s so sweet I swear I feel my back molars ache. “What’s the point of having a swimming pool if you don’t use it?”
