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“Ethan, the job didn’t work out. I’m not able to do that kind of work, even though there were aspects of it I really enjoyed.”
And what am I going to do without Drake’s magical food appearing at the snap of a finger?
What am I going to do without Sebastian?
“You know there’s more to this than the job,” Ethan says.
“I know. But how come you know that?”
“Like I said, I talked to Sebastian.”
“Is he okay?” I’m dying to ask him what Sebastian said, what he’s thinking, but I don’t know if I’m ready to hear the answers.
Ethan chuckles. “No. He’s not okay. But you need to do what you feel is best.”
His tone reminds me of my parents when I was in high school:You can choose for yourself, but you know how we feel about it.
I asked Sebastian for some time, so hopefully I can gain some clarity soon.
I know what I want. I want Sebastian—loyal, kind, fierce Sebastian. But the nebulous Sebastian, the one blinded by vindication? I don’t want that.
And I’d like to learn how to stay and put in the work to build a relationship, something I’ve never done.
It’s those thoughts churning in my mind that freeze me.
Chapter 35
Sebastian
Whoever invented miniature dollhouses was sadistic.
I grasp the interior wall, its beveled edge coated with wood glue, and jockey it into position. I’ve had to buy three vises of various sizes so far, and I’m not sure this latest one is even going to do the trick.
Navie will love it though, and that’s the thought that keeps me going. My niece may not have her dad around much, but she’s going to have some positive father figures in her life, if it’s the last thing I do.
Sometimes, when I’m sifting through the necessary tasks at work or late at night when I’m working on the dollhouse, I can manage to go a few minutes without thinking of Elianna.
But all it takes is for one of a thousand tiny things to pop up and then I’m reminded of her. And the nerves clench my stomach and the ache in the back of my throat flares up again.
It’s been two months since she’s been gone.
Two very long, sleepless months.
There’s a knock on my suite door and I grab my phone to check the camera. It’s Stella?
I jump up and answer it. Her face is apologetic.
“Sorry to come by this late.”
“It’s not even ten yet, you’re fine.” I try to offer her a smile, but it feels strange on my mouth, like I’m pretending on a stage and everyone in the audience knows I’m just an actor.
I gesture to the sofa and she sits. She gasps. “Is that for Navie?” She points to the dollhouse, which is now on the kitchen countertop in my suite.
“Yes, it is.” I sit next to her. “If I ever finish it. It’s making me realize how impatient I am.”
“You are,” Stella says, nodding with an encouraging smile. “So way to go for trying to work on that by building this for Navie.”
I chuckle. “How are you doing?”
