AllFreeNovel
Share Us
It’s been that long since Case left Manhattan.
Our only communication has been through our lawyers. Chloe negotiated a settlement deal with Cabbott Mobile that compensated me well for my share of the future royalties for Letter Leap.
That comes with a substantial advance.
Chloe wanted that in my hand so I’d be able to find a comfortable place to live in Manhattan.
I haven’t received the check yet. It’s due to arrive in the next few days. I haven’t signed the employment contract with Cabbott yet either. It’s not that the terms aren’t fair or generous. They are, but I freeze up every time I imagine working for Case’s company.
“Have you talked to your brother?”
I push my palms along my jean-covered thighs. “I did. Their flight lands in a few hours.”
“Are you excited to see them?” Bella always finds brightness where darkness has settled.
She texted me the morning after Case left to see how our evening went. When I told her that he had left to go back to California, she insisted that I meet her at her apartment in Brooklyn.
I had dinner with her and her fiancé. Barrett Adler loves Bella completely. He looked at her the same way Case looked at me before he left New York.
Or my wishful heart wants to believe that he looked at me that way.
“I am,” I admit.
I need something to anchor me to this place. I have Bella, but family is what I crave. Drake and I have some issues to resolve, but I need him right now. I can’t wait to feel his arms around me.
She takes a sip of her tea before adjusting the collar of the red dress she’s wearing. “I saw Delaney and Mickey yesterday.”
The change of subject is welcome. My mind has been so focused on Case for the past week that I haven’t let anything else steal my attention away. I’ve replayed our last day together over and over again.
I assumed we had crossed an emotional barrier when he confided in me about his brother, but I was wrong.
Case stuck to the plan of leaving New York without me.
He even did it sooner than I expected.
“How are they?”
“Mickey is great.” Her smile brightens. “He’s struggling a little with some of his summer school work.”
My ears perk. “What kind of school work?”
“I’m not sure.” She shrugs. “But, I know that Delaney would thank you in free cupcakes if you could lend a hand.”
“I’d love to.”
“Good.” She leans back in her chair. “Delaney didn’t seem like herself.”
“Why?” I ask, even though I think I know the reason.
I’ve interacted with many parents because of my work. I’ve seen the struggles they face. I know there’s an extra layer added to that for single parents.
“She was vague about it.”
“Vague?” I finally take a sip of the coffee, and it’s as good as I remember.
When Case left for California, Lester stopped dropping by the apartment with a morning coffee for me.
I’ve restricted myself to a coffee from the café next to Durie’s. It’s bland, but not overpriced.
“All she would say is that it had to do with Mickey’s dad. It was literally that one sentence and then she changed the subject.” She looks to the counter. When the woman working the cash register notices her, she raises a hand in greeting.
Bella smiles and waves back.
“Do you think she heard from him?”
Bella’s head slowly turns until our eyes meet. “He died before he knew Delaney was pregnant.”
***
“She was eighteen when Mickey was born.” Bella shakes her head. “I’m twenty-four and some days I don’t think I’m ready to have a baby.”
“The only thing I worried about when I was eighteen was which dress to wear to prom.” I tap my fingernail on the table. “Delaney was thinking about giving birth and raising a child all by herself.”
“Her family helped.” Bella curls her hand around the cup in front of her. “Her aunt owns Sweet Bluebells. She’s the one who gave Delaney the job.”
“Did Mickey’s dad’s family help at all?”
Bella shrugs. “She never talks about any of them. I’ve only ever gotten bits and pieces about that time in her life. Once, I asked how they met, and she burst into tears, so I don’t press.”
It must have been desperately hard to lose him and then to have his child alone.
“She told me he was her first love.”
Bella’s lips curl into a smile. “She told me that too.”
I glance at my watch. “I have time to stop at Sweet Bluebells before Drake’s flight arrives. Is she working today?”
Bella pushes back from the table. “I don’t know, but let’s go find out.”
“You have time to go with me?” I shoulder my purse before I stand.
“I always have time for a cupcake.” She skims her hand over the front of her dress. “This little lady loves those strawberry cream ones the best.”
