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“I’m sorry to say this, Paige.” She looks me in the eye. “But maybe he’s not the right one for you.”
Later, I walk through the house on my own. Emma wanted to give me a tour, but each room held too many memories—good and bad, and I didn’t want to cry until my eyeballs ached. I need to take it slowly.
When she’s in bed, I look around the new bathroom. The dingy yellowing tile has been replaced with smooth white tile from floor to ceiling. All the fixtures are new, and the bathtub looks as spacious as an Olympic pool. I turn on the tap, and the sound of the water soothes my tears away.
Soaking in a tub filled with bubbles, I lose it completely.
The house is what Dad wanted for us. He finally got his wish. Emma and I will have no financial concerns in the future, and I have Popov to thank.
But what about the rest of our lives? Money can’t pay off all my troubles.
Thinking of Andrei as Mr. Wrong makes me even more miserable. It dashes my hope that maybe we can be together. Maybe he’ll fall madly in love with the baby and want to change for all our sakes.Maybegives me hope, even though I’m staying away. I cry even harder over everything I’ve lost. I place my hands on my stomach; the fading bubbles slip through my fingers, and I feel my baby move.
“I love you,” I whisper. “And I will always take care of you. Just you and me.” I smile as a tear drops into the cooling water. “I’m your mommy, and you don’t know me yet, but I love you. I went away on a misadventure just so I could save you. And bring you home with me. You’re safe with me because you’re mine, and I will always love you.”
Chapter 51
Paige
Two months later
“It feels like someone is jumping on my bladder.”
“Well, they are,” Emma says in a playful tone. “Don’t worry. We’re at the table closest to the bathroom.”
I take a sip of my Piña Chill smoothie while Emma takes another bite of her Hawaiian Poke Bowl. Spring is still months away, but the temperature is mild, so we take advantage of the weather to go out. As I look out the window at all the people walking by, my mind wanders back to him. It doesn’t hurt like it did before. The pain is getting duller, and I know he’s respecting my wishes by staying away. He’s leaving me alone, and I wish he wouldn’t. But I can’t go back, not when I have what I need. Andrei made a choice too.
If Emma hadn’t been with me, I would’ve gone running back to him months ago. But the end of the road is fast approaching, as my hand rests on my protruding belly. After I give birth, we’re moving out of state. California, North Carolina, or Wyoming. Somewhere far. Nothing is tying us down to Twin Rivers.
Emma watches as I shift around in my chair, seeking a comfortable spot.
I’m heavy with his child, and I wonder daily if Andrei will ever meet her. I was right, and the doctor confirmed it.
She’s a girl.
“Are you going to have a gender reveal party?” asks Emma. “It might be fun.”
I laugh at her silly suggestion. “Who will I invite?” I scoff. “My old Mafia pals?”
Emma giggles as she takes a sip of her smoothie. “There are still some good guys out there, you know. Plenty of men love women with babies. It makes them feel primal and shit.”
I shake my head and smile. Leave it to Emma to bring up the taboo conversation. “Time to change the topic,” I reply quickly before she can get any wilder ideas in her head. “How is school?”
Emma grins widely and leans in close enough that I can smell her Jo Malone perfume. Like me, she kept a few things. “After you marched into the principal’s office threatening to sue them, it’s all going really well. And oh my God … I’m so popular now! I own the place!” She throws her head back and laughs with delight.
Emma’s laughter always reminds me that I made the right decision to leave.
But then, just as quickly, she sits up straight and looks me in the eye. “Seriously though,” she says. “Gender reveal party? It might be fun.”
“Emma …” I’m about to lecture her when I notice a woman outside the window staring at me. My mouth drops open when Sonya comes into the café with shopping bags draped on both her arms and Vanya following behind her. My heart starts racing. I’m filled with dread as I recall the way we parted on awful terms. My face flushes, remembering how I refused to speak to her.
I struggle to stand, but Sonya stops me, leaning in and placing a kiss on my cheek.
“Paige, my dear.” She stares at my stomach, and a giddy smile lights up her face. “Look at you. When is the due date? Soon I hope.”
I smile, much happier to see her than I thought I would be. “February,” I reply quietly.
Sonya looks over at Vanya. “That’s this month!” Sonya sweeps in again with a kiss. “Paige, I’m so happy, and I’ve missed you.” She glances over at Emma. “I am so rude. Emma, darling. How are you?”
