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“Maybe we should just end this before a whole bunch of people get hurt,” I said, my voice wavering slightly.
Brett sighed. “Is that really what you want, Georgia, or are you just saying that because you think you have to.”
I took a deep breath, letting the salt air calm me. “Does it matter?”
“Of course. It matters, Georgia. If you don’t want this — if you don’t feel the same way for me that I feel for you — then walk away right now. I’m too old to be playing games and wasting my time.”
“You’re not wasting your time,” I said, reaching up to cup his jaw. “I want this too. I’m just scared. I’m scared of what will happen to us and our relationships once this gets out.”
“Then what do you want me to do?” he asked softly as he leaned into my touch. “How can I help you with that fear?”
“I don’t know,” I said finally, wrapping my arms around his waist. “Just hold me.”
His cologne enveloped me as he hugged me back, holding on as he might never let go.
I was okay with that. I never wanted to let him go, either.
However, there was a sinking feeling in my stomach that told me sooner or later, I wouldn’t have a choice.
Chapter Ten: Brett
Mialeanedbackinher chair, tilting her face and closing her eyes as she soaked up the sun and the salt air. It wasn’t often that I got to see her this relaxed as she lounged by the ocean.
We tried to make time to get lunch together once every couple of weeks, but with both of us having careers, it could be hard to find the time. She had her career, and I had mine.
Throw sneaking around with Georgia into the mix, and I had even less time than I used to spend with Mia.
“Okay,” I said after our food was delivered. “How is work going? Do you have any shows coming up?”
“I’ve signed on for New York Fashion Week next year.” Mia took a bite out of her lobster roll and shrugged. “Other than that, there’s not a whole lot going on. I’m building a new line, but some designs aren’t coming together quite right yet.”
“I’m sure you’ll figure it out. New York Fashion Week is huge, though. We’ll have to have a party to celebrate. Congratulations.”
“I don’t think that I want to do anything to celebrate. Jaxon and I were supposed to take a trip when I got the invitation and signed all the shit that I had to sign.”
I sighed and ate a couple of my fries. “Why are you going to let him ruin this for you? This is a massive accomplishment, and you deserve to celebrate it. Instead, you’re letting your ex-boyfriend and what you had planned ruin the accomplishment.”
Mia rolled her eyes. I remember when she was a teenager, and the only answer she would give me was those eye rolls. At least back then, my wife was still alive.
The last five years without her have been the hardest to navigate. Whenever I thought I was getting somewhere with Mia when she was in one of her moods, it turned out that I was only making it worse.
It seemed like my wife was the only one who ever understood Mia.
“Dad, I appreciate that, but Jaxon and I were together for a year. We were going to start our lives together, and this was supposed to be our big first event. So I don’t want to celebrate what will be a reminder of how we’re not together.”
“I love you, Mia, but don’t let some man who doesn’t mean shit in the grand scheme of things take away big moments like this.”
She rolled her eyes again, but a small smile was on her face as she took another bite of her food. “Why don’t we stop talking about my relationships and start talking about yours?”
“Well, that’s part of what I wanted to talk to you about.” I cleared my throat and shifted in my seat. “I know you’ve joked that I should start dating again, but did you mean that?”
Mia shrugged. “Yeah. I don’t think you should spend the rest of your life alone. Mom would want you to be happy. She wouldn’t want you to be alone and wishing she was still alive.”
I smiled, even though the guilt was eating me alive inside. “Alright, well, I’ll keep that in mind.”
“I just want you to be happy, Dad. If that means that you find someone else to share your life with, then I think that’s great.”
“Thanks, kid. I’ll let you know if I meet anyone special anytime soon.”
