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“She’s on her way to the airport. Daniel’s arranged a flight for everyone to go as soon as possible. We’re getting ready to leave to meet Mulaney now. Carlos will look after Gabriel until you get home.”
In the wake of the emergency, it hadn’t occurred to me Miss Ruby was Stone’s grandmother too, so of course they’d be going to Austin. I closed my laptop and gathered a few files on my desk.
“I’ll come get him now.” There was so much work to do, but my son came first. I’d developed a trust with Muriella and her ability to care for Gabriel, but Carlos was a completely different story. I was willing to risk my body with him. Nothing further.
“Take your time.” She spoke with a calm authority. “They’re talking about planes. Gabriel’s fascinated. He’ll be more than fine until you’re off work for the day.”
I hesitated, uncertain. Maybe I was a crazy helicopter mom, but I had to be. I wanted to control every situation he was in to make sure he never ended up in an environment like I had. One of my greatest fears was that I’d end up being like my own parents. I refused to let that happen even if it meant I was overboard on the protectiveness.
“I don’t know how long we’ll be away,” she continued. “Miss Ruby’s condition is serious, and Stone won’t want to leave her.” I certainly didn’t blame him. If anything, I was a bit jealous at how close they all were. “I’m sorry for having to rush away when you’re depending on me for Gabriel’s care, but Carlos is a good substitute in my absence.”
“Emergencies happen,” I said as if I weren’t in a panic.
“School starts back tomorrow. I’ll make sure the teachers look out for him.”
“Thank you.” My stomach knotted at the idea of Gabriel in a new place. I’d been much more comfortable with him going to Saint Pius when her familiar face would be there with him.
“If you need anything, we’re only a phone call away.” Her reassurance did little to settle my nerves.
“You’ve already done too much,” I said. “And the same goes both ways. Have a safe trip and please give Miss Ruby my best.”
I stared at the phone for a minute after I’d hung up. “It’s just a little curve in the road,” I said to myself. “You can get through this.”
For the first time since we’d left Houston, I wondered if I’d made a mistake by packing up our lives on a whim. We’d had a routine, a structure in place. Then I thought about the trouble that couldn’t find us in New York. I’d made the right decision. Gabriel and I would survive anything we had to face.
Only one?I think we can do better than that.
I tucked the note I’d discovered packed in my lunch back in my purse and leaned against the mirrored elevator wall.Even his masculine scrawl turned me on. As much as I ached to feel Carlos inside me, what I wanted more at that moment was to crawl into his arms and just be held. The thought of that made me feel a little less weary, but I only allowed myself a moment to daydream. It could only be sex between us, and it was dangerous territory to think of depending on him for something emotional. That had gotten me into trouble before. I couldn't make mistakes like that now, not when it wasn't only my heart on the line.
But could we have a casual relationship since it appeared for the immediate future that Gabriel’s care was in his hands? Was this a line we shouldn’t cross? I’d only been prepared to rely on him for my own needs, not my son’s.
I didn't bother stopping by my apartment but went straight to Muriella and Stone's place. I stepped off the elevator, and the door to the stairwell opened behind me. A familiar giggle filled my ears. Gabriel carried a soccer ball with Carlos right behind him.
“Mama,” Gabriel said, dropping the ball and rushing to hug me.
“Hey, baby. Did you have a good day?” His hair felt cold when I brushed it back from his forehead.
“Yes, ma'am. Mr. Carlos taught me how to play soccer.” My eyes drifted past him to Carlos, who was casually tossing the ball in the air.
“Good evening, Holly.”
“Hi.” The words of his note came back with a vengeance, and my face flamed. I turned back to my son in an attempt to mask my embarrassment. “Let's go wash up for dinner.”
Carlos already had my tote bag and purse in his hand, skirting us to open the door to the apartment. “I'll put your things in the closet,” he said as he ushered us inside.
“Thanks.” I hung back for a second. “I appreciate you watching him today.”
“It was my pleasure.”
Gabriel and I went to the half bath off the hallway that led to the bedrooms. Carlos crowded the doorway, watching us with guarded eyes.
“I scored a goal, Mama,” Gabriel said as he lathered his hands.
“Did you?” I asked, impressed.
He nodded emphatically. “I'm a natural,” he said proudly, without an ounce of boastfulness. Gabriel was only repeating what Carlos had no doubt told him. I shot Carlos a grateful look.
“He is. I showed him a few things, and he was running circles around me.” Carlos held out a hand towel for Gabriel.
