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The tenseness in his muscles eases a fraction, suggesting he was worried I’d been raising his daughter while high on coke. “I’m madder than hell at you, Lilah, but I’m happy to hear that you were able to stay sober.”
An unwelcome surge of warmth blossoms in my chest at the sound of my name on his lips. It’s been too long since I’ve heard it in that deep timbre of his.
I can’t get railroaded by a lust that has yet to diminish over the years. He’s an engaged man, and not only that, he despises me.
“I should get to work.” I reach for my purse beside me.
“What is it you do?” He nods at my name on my scrubs.
“I’m a dental hygienist.”
“Huh.” He pauses to soak in the information. “Good for you.”
His response comes off half patronizing, though I don’t think he means it to.
“Well, we can’t all be Oscar-winning actors.” I slide to the end of the booth and stand, my hand on the strap of my purse. “I’ll see you for dinner then? Six?”
“You can count on it.”
“Great,” I say.
It doesn’t feel great at all.
In fact, it feels more like my happy little bubble is about to pop.
Chapter Fifty-one
JIMMY
The second time I walk up the stairs of Lilah’s house, my mind is worlds away from where it was a day ago.
Yesterday, I was brimming with the need for answers, closure, retribution.
Now I’m filled with nerves and uncertainty and curiosity.
What if Monica doesn’t like me?
How am I supposed to talk to her? I know nothing about kids.
What if I screw this up?
What’s her favorite toy? Her favorite food? Her favorite color?
I’m so mad at Lilah for stripping the years away from me, it’s hard to look at her. She looked healthy and happy though. The people at the diner referred to her by name. She’s made a life here with Monica. A life I would have liked to be a part of.
Focusing on one thing at a time, I bring my mind back to the fact I get to spend the evening finding out the answers to the questions about my daughter. This moment means nothing to Monica, but tonight is a night I’ll never forget.
I knock on the screen door, and Monica peeks around the corner from the back of the house. Her eyes light up when she sees me, and her little feet clap against the hardwood as she flies down the hall.
Lilah pokes her head out of the kitchen and follows, looking way less enthused than her daughter. Wait,ourdaughter.
Monica pushes the door open for me. “Hi!”
“Hey.” I beam down at her.
God, she’s as beautiful as her mom. Her eyes sparkle as she stares up at me with a smile from ear to ear. She’s cute as a button in a pink, one-piece short-and-tank set with silver stars printed on it. Her hair is pulled back into a ponytail at the top of her head, and her wavy blonde hair hangs down her back. She’s definitely the most beautiful kid who ever existed.
“Sweetie, you remember Mommy’s friend Jimmy from yesterday? He’s going to have dinner with us tonight.”
