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“Better than that, but it’s everything. He’s there, and he wants to be. If it was just sex, I could probably walk away, but he makes me happy.”
“I can tell,” Candice said, dropping down next to Tilly again. “You’re playing with fire, but I have to admit I do like this look on you.”
“You know I’ve always been happy when it comes to my kids, but as a woman...it’s been a long time. He makes me feel wanted, cherished. I can’t walk away from that.”
“Even knowing the consequences?”
Tilly didn’t answer right away, giving the question the attention it deserved. “Even knowing the consequences. I’ve taught my children to go after what they want. I want him. It’s that simple. I shouldn’t want him, I know that, but I do.”
Candice poured more wine in both of their glasses, handed Tilly hers, before lifting her own. “Be careful, Til, but I am happy you finally found your happy.”
_______________
Gage lay back on the lounge chair, taking in the view. He’d chosen a hotel with an indoor heated pool, knowing Scarlett would enjoy it, and she was. She and Rachelle were swimming from one end to the other, racing one another. It seemed the other patrons in the hotel didn’t find enjoyment in the indoor pool as it was just the three of them and one lone woman lounging, reading a book. He reached for his cell sitting on the small plastic table next to him. He looked at the time; he smiled as he brought up their texting thread.
I’m gonna try to keep you wet all weekend, baby. ;) We’re at the pool.
He was just backing out of the text when his daughter yelled to him.
“What’s up?” He called back.
She bounced up and hooked her arms on the ledge of the concrete. “Do you plan on coming in?”
He glanced to the double door entrance to the pool, before looking back at his daughter. “Soon.”
She rolled her eyes. “Okay.” Then Rachelle splashed her from behind, and Scarlett took off after her.
I already am, and I haven’t even seen you yet. ; ) We’re checking in. See you soon.
Gage grabbed his phone when it chimed with a new message. Reading it, he grinned.
“Why are smiling?” Scarlett asked, pulling Gage from any thoughts of Tilly.
“Oh,” He waved a hand. “Nothing. Just a message.”
Scarlett lifted her arms and began to wring out the water from her long hair. “Is it Mom?”
Gage felt those words shot to him from only a few feet, hitting him in the chest. The night before, he, Heather and Scarlett had dinner for the first time in days. It was nice. Nicer than Gage wanted to admit. There were a few times his mind drifted off to what it’d be like to be sitting at the dinner table with Tilly and her kids. All of them merging into a happy family. Would it be that easy of a transition for all parties? Would there be hostility? When Gage and Heather had retreated to their bedroom that night, Gage faked a headache. Even the quintessential excuse almost had him choking on the words. Heather offered to join them for the weekend, but again, Gage pushed her back, telling her to take the weekend to get her work done, so when they got back, they all had time to spend together. He choked on those words, too.
“No, honey, just one of the guys,” he told her then added, “Go swim, cause after a bit, we’ll grab lunch.”
“On our way down to the pool, I saw someone with a pizza, it looked so good,” Rachelle said, coming up next to Scarlett. “Can we see where the closest pizza place is?”
“I’m on it,” Gage told her.
“Cool.” They both said in unison and took off in a race.
Gage had his knees bent, feet to the chair, face in his phone, checking out the menu for the restaurant in the hotel, when he felt the shift. His lips slowly turned up into a smile. He felt her. Then he heard her voice. The sound coasting through the air, landing in his gut.
“Yes, Justin, go. I’ll get the chairs.”
“There’s no one here.” Justin said scanning the pool, stopping when he saw the girls at the other end of it.
“What’s wrong, Justin?” Ashley teased, leaning closer and whispering, “See something you like?”
Gage was trying to hold in the chuckle as they all grew closer to him.
Justin moved fast, grabbing Ashley. “Hold your breath.” Then he jumped into the pool with a reluctant and squirming Ashley.
