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* * *
“How’s it going, baby?” my dad asks, kissing me on the cheek before taking a seat. I think it’s the first time he has been here since I took over the business.
My parents have been giving me some space the past few days as I work through my issues. I asked them to because I was still a little angry that they practically pushed me into this entire ordeal with Michael. But their hearts were in the right place, and I understand that.
“Great. Business is booming. I’m thinking about expansion, in fact. Residents from the neighboring towns sometimes come here for coffee and pastries. Why not open another branch?”
“That’ll take time and resources that I’m not sure you have right now, Christine,” he tells me.
“I know, it was just a thought. A work in progress. How’s Mom? How come she didn’t come with you?”
“Your mother and I are not joined at the hip, Chrissy.”
I raise an eyebrow. “You kind of are. Don’t worry, it’s adorable. Is she okay, though?”
“She’s fine. She has a little cold, but it’s getting better.”
“Really? I’ll come see her later.”
“And risk you getting what she has and passing it to my grandson? Not likely. I’ll take care of your mother.”
“Alright, fine. I’ll call her as soon as I get off work.”
We both fall silent as I wait for him to ask about the issue he specifically came here for. He does a minute later.
“How are things going with the Cranes?”
“I wouldn’t know. I’m just dealing with Michael right now. I don’t think he’s told his family yet,” I reply.
“And how exactly are you dealing with Michael? Has he met Noah?”
I shake my head. “It’s not that simple, Dad. You know that.”
“Don’t drag it out, Christine. Noah’s a smart kid, and he’s young—he’ll adapt. I know you’re not a big fan of change, but you have to give the man a chance.”
“I’m trying to do that.”
“Don’t use Noah as an excuse just because you’re scared.”
I don’t have anything to say in reply to that because he’s right. I am scared. Scared of what Michael could do. Scared that he would take my child away from me.
“You both formed a partnership and a bond the moment that child was born, Chrissy. It’s time for you to let him hold up his end of the deal.”
I nod slowly, digesting his words.
“I’ll try, Dad. That’s the only thing I can do right now.”
“I know, honey.”
I try and fail to text Michael and set up a date for him to meet Noah. I keep chickening out. But I can see how hard he’s trying. He sends me texts daily, asking questions about Noah’s ADHD and wondering about what he should and shouldn’t do. He’s making an effort, and I owe it to him to make one in return.
It’s just one meeting. I decide to call him the next day so we can talk about when it’s going to happen.
* * *
There’s a knock on my door the next morning as soon as Noah leaves for school. I answer, wondering if either he or Tia forgot something. Instead, I find the last person I was expecting to see at my home waiting on the other side.
“Michael?” I ask, staring at him in surprise. There’s a guarded look in his green eyes are he looks at me. He’s wearing dark jeans and a white T-shirt and there’s a frown on his face, as well.
