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Claudia stares deep into my eyes like she knows something I’m unaware of and smirks. “Your son is a little cutie, and now I understand why Dalton would even consider getting involved with you. It’s his charitable heart.” She stills the gift bag swinging on her wrist. “He had a romance with a single mother once before. He was won over by the little girl but realized it would never work out due to the difference in social status. His kind heart had gotten the best of him again. He felt the need to help the mom out, not because he loved her, just that he wanted to help her situation.” She eyes Rex once more. “Anyway, now it makes perfect sense.”
Claudia’s words have a bitter aftertaste, but they’re a much needed warning.
Claudia glances at her smartwatch. “I’ve got an appointment for a facial before I leave the island. See you at the office next week.” She gives Rex a sorrowful look. “Take care, sweetheart.” She tilts her head and looks back at me, her expression all serious. “I’m worried about your heart too. But more for your little boy. What if he gets attached to Dalton, and then he comes to realize he’s made a mistake? That’s not fair on your son. You need to put your boy first and protect him from unnecessary heartbreak.” The words are steeped in maternal care, as though Claudia is a concerned friend rather than a hostile enemy. Her tone is gentle and soothing, “From a mother to another, I think you know that this thing between you and Dalton is not going to end well. Before you sink too deep, and both you and your son’s hearts get broken. It’s best if you walk away while you can.” She touches my shoulder. “You’re a smart woman, Pam. You must know what I’m saying is common sense. Put your son first.”
Claudia drops her hand, gives me a sad smile, and turns on her heel. She power walks the cobblestone street, leaving me in wonderment.
The sun disappears behind a cloud, leaving a cold crispness in the air.
I did enjoy Dalton’s company, and Rex adores him, but it’s a dangerous situation, and I need to protect both our hearts.
Claudia’s words do make sense. I didn’t know about Dalton having another relationship with a single mother. It’s true—Dalton didn’t have feelings for me before meeting my son.
Rex tugs on my arm. “Are we getting the cookies, Mommy?” I glance at my son’s large brown eyes and understand how any person would be besotted by him. He’s full of zeal, and he accepts everyone. Dalton isn’t falling in love with me. He sees me as a struggling single parent, and Rex has no father around. Dalton thinks he has the means to fix my problems. Claudia is right. He’ll wake up one day and realize he’s made a mistake. I need to protect Rex from getting attached to Dalton.
The ferry ride back to the mainland seems longer, but I’m thankful for the time it gives me to think. I had let my guard down and let Dalton in, and now I’m worrying about the consequences of my actions.
Thankfully, he’s on the outside deck enjoying his last moments of the vacation while I sit in the cabin area, scrolling for employment on my tablet. I need to find another PA job and fast. How can I work closely with Dalton, seeing him every day after all we shared this weekend? How can I erase the memories and leave them behind on Nantucket Island?
Rex is asleep in his seat, exhausted from the long days we’ve spent outdoors. My heart squeezes as he sleeps peacefully. He needs a stable father figure in his life–I can’t risk getting involved with someone who won’t be around next month.
I swallow against the lump of emotion that clogs my throat. This isn’t fair to Rex—he deserves better than a broken heart. He deserves happiness and stability so he can thrive with no worries or fears that someone he loves will eventually disappear from his life without warning.
I blink back tears as I make up my mind—it’s time to end things with Dalton before it’s too late—for both Rex and me.
I scroll through my tablet for any potential job openings in our area. Unfortunately, none of the available positions pay what Dalton offered me for his PA, so I’d be taking a huge pay cut if I accepted any of them. Still, I send off multiple applications anyway. Hopefully, someone will call me back soon and provide some form of steady income until I can find better employment.
Claudia will give me a good reference as she’ll love to see the back of me. Although today, she did seem sincere, like she wanted to save my son from heartache. She must have a good side to her.
I spot a job posting for an administrative secretary opening at a local law firm. It pays less than half of what Dalton would give me, but it’s close to home, so there wouldn’t be much commuting involved. I quickly upload my resume and start typing a cover letter.
A looming figure casts a shadow over my tablet, and I glance up to see the disapproving face of Dalton. His tight-lipped expression tells me he’s seen the jobseeker website. A million excuses flood my mind, but no matter how hard I try to conjure them up, there is no satisfactory answer for why I am looking for another job when we both know I had no intention of leaving anytime soon. He fixes his penetrating stare on me, leaving me speechless.
Chapter Eight
Dalton
Unacceptable. The word floats around in my mind on a continuous loop. Things went a little haywire after I caught Pam scrolling for jobs. I wanted to talk to her about it right then, but the ferry wasn’t the right place. Not in front of all those people when I felt so angry.
Once we arrived back on the mainland, Pam and Rex hurried home after Pam made some excuse about needing to check Rex’s blood sugar after eating the cookies from Ellie’s. The little rascal apparently pretended to be asleep and snuck an extra one while Pam looked on that blasted website.
A surge of anger attempts to rattle me again. I shake myself free of it and approach Pam’s house.
I gave her an hour to take care of Rex, but now I need answers. Her small house is tucked in a narrow lane alongside others in identical styles but painted in varying shades of the same sad brown.
The street is quiet, as are the neighbors. I tug at my t-shirt collar and raise my hand to knock.
The door swings open, and Rex barges out. “You came.” He leaps at me, tangling his arms around my legs. “I told Mommy you said you’d see me later.”
I can’t help it. I scoop him into my arms and let him snuggle closer. “I always keep my promises.” I lift my gaze from Rex and find Pam standing inside the open doorway.
Her face is a mixture of panic and pain. “Rex. How many times have I told you not to open the door?” She palms her face and groans. “I even put up a child-proof lock, but he’s figured it out.”
Ah, the master mischief is at it again. This kid is going to keep everyone on their toes. I can’t imagine what his teachers are going to say when he starts school. My heart clenches. I want to be there to see him off on his first day. And I want to be there to see him graduate high school. College. Heck, I’d offer him a spot at the company right now.
Pam continues muttering, not the least bit concerned with my sudden revelation. “Where did I leave that warranty? I’m going to call the company.” She spins on her heel.
I eye Rex, who shrugs his little shoulders.
