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On Monday, with Rose in my arms, I slowly pad the stairs of our apartment complex to the office located on the ground floor. It’s time for me to show Dana my daughter. I’m filled with guilt because I didn’t take her last week. I know Dana has been waiting for me to visit the office. Only Ethan will be there, and I didn’t want to be emotionally vulnerable around him after everything that’s happened.
I hate that I need to be strong around Ethan, prove to myself I’m the bigger person and forgive him for treating me like shit.
Pushing the door open, I find Dana alone in the office. She gives a little squeal and rushes around her desk toward me. “Finally,” she says, smiling, her arms outstretched toward me.
I give Rose to her for a cuddle and turn toward my father’s empty office. “Dad’s out?”
“Yeah, he and Ethan are in the city for an appointment with a construction company.”
“About the pool renos?”
“Yeah.”
Damn, now I want to know what they are planning as this was my project—the Bali-inspired resort pool.
“When are you coming back to work?” Dana’s eyes remain on Rose, although her tone is a little desperate.
“I have four months leave, although I could pop down and help when you need me.”
Her eyes lift to meet mine. “Between you and me, Ethan isn’t covering your work. He’s paving his way to assist your father and leaving me to pick up his slack.”
“Help Dad? In what way?”
Rose whimpers, so Dana places her on her shoulder and pats her back. “No idea. Your father thinks rainbows shoot out of his ass.”
I chuckle. “I can come in for a couple of hours when Rose takes a nap during the day.”
“Thank you. And seeing both of your faces here will help to cheer me up.” Dana smiles. “What else have you been doing to keep busy?”
“Just trying to be a mum.” I shrug. “And I’m trying to get in touch with Brenda, a friend of Gran’s. But I’m not having much luck.”
“I remember Brenda. Was she the one at your Gran’s funeral that wore the—”
“Red shoes. Yes.”
“Good luck with that.” She hands Rose to me, then reaches for a tissue to wipe her forehead. “I can’t wait to hear about your adventure. Your dad has already announced Samuel might not return.”
“He said that to Ethan?”
Dana nods.
“That’s not entirely true. He’s just going to take longer to come here.”
“The sooner he arrives, the better.”
I smile at Dana. I need to be around her more. “I have a story to tell you about Gran too. I’ll feed Rose in here while Dad and Ethan are out, and I’ll fill you in.”
“Let me make a coffee since it’s my lunch break. I want you to tell me everything.”
40
EDEN
Two Weeks Later…
Shutting my laptop, I close my eyes and hope I’ve done the right thing. Emailing Samuel’s parents with an update as to his whereabouts was a precursor in case things go pear-shaped. At least they know now, and if they want to alert any authorities, they have more power than me to do so. I also attached photos of Rose as they wanted to be updated on her progress. It’s the least I can do for them.
It’s mid-morning, and I promised Dana I’d assist her for a couple of hours. After feeding Rose, I place her in the stroller and walk along the esplanade until she falls asleep. It doesn’t take long, so we turn back and head to the office. The moment the door opens, Ethan is on his feet and walking around the table to greet us.
