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16
Lola Grace
Fake it untilyou make it, right?
That’s my plan today. My heart is in my throat and all I can think about it whether or not Wyatt got my note. Whether or not he’s read it. If he even cares about anything after all this time.
It wasn’t a full confession.
There’s no way I would be able to write the entire story down on the back of a gas station receipt. In fact, if he reads it, he may be even more confused than when I left.
Wyatt,
There’s so much that you don’t know about what happened, but I want to tell you everything. Please call me when you get this.
Chloe
He hasn’t called, and if he does now, there won’t be time to talk. Again, my parents are getting in the middle of my relationship with Wyatt, or our lack of relationship.
Most of the guests are here. The party is in full swing. I’m making my rounds, greeting my parents’ friends. Playing the doting daughter, avoiding answering as many questions as possible. I’m so caught up in faking my happiness that I almost forget that Jones was invited.
Almost.
When I look to Addy for help escaping my current conversation, I find her and Jones staring at me. The look on his face is worrisome. He looks almost apologetic, but why? Why would he be sorry about anything?
Once I’m finally able to excuse myself, I beeline it in their direction, avoiding eye contact with the other guests so I don’t get pulled aside.
“Hey,” he says as I approach, his voice sounding cautious.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, my voice rushed. Something is obviously wrong.
“Why don’t you two find somewhere quiet to talk? I’ll cover for you,” Addy suggests.
Nodding, I turn to lead Jones inside when I hear her shouting my name.
“Mama!”
Lola plows into my legs and wraps her arms around them.
“What’s up sweet girl?” I ask, using my body to hopefully keep her hidden from Jones. For now, anyway. It sounds like I have bigger things to worry about.
I hear his swift intake of breath from behind me and then he’s at my side, staring at Lola. When he looks up at me, the recognition in his eyes is apparent.
“Who are you?” Lola asks.
Bending down until he’s her height, Jones extends his hand to Lola and she shakes it. “My name is Adam. What’s your name pretty girl?”
“Lola Grace Beech,” she says proudly. “I’m four years old.”
Jones smiles. If there was any doubt in his mind, Lola washed it all away for him. My secret is out. I knew this moment was coming, but my heart wasn’t prepared for it. To see Lola talking to her uncle for the first time makes my heart ache. I knew it would hurt the first time Wyatt met her, but I didn’t really expect it to hurt for Jones.
They both have lost time with her. Neither of them was around to watch her grown into the spunky princess that she is. That’s my fault. My parents’ fault. Yet, they’re the ones who will suffer because of it.
“Well, Lola Grace Beech, your mommy and I were going to go inside and talk about a few things. Is it okay if you stay here and hang out with Addison?”
“Aunt Addy, is that okay with you?” Lola asks, peeking around my legs to where Addy is standing.
“Of course, sweetie. Come on, we’ll go find the dessert table.”
