“Zoey…”
“No, you want to know what kind of twisted shit is going on in my head, I’ll tell you. It may not be rational, and some of my feelings may be presumptuous, but they’re my feelings, and they’re driving me crazy.”
“Okay.”
“You’re my nephew’s father. If we got married, I’d be his aunt and his stepmother. If we had more kids, Chris would be their half-brother and their cousin.”
“Those are just titles. Who cares?” I asked, barely containing my anger.
“Maybe I care.”
“Maybe you’re just latching on to this and not letting go because you want an excuse to end things. Maybe it was fine and good when we were at camp and things were easy, but now that things are serious, and we’re facing something we never imagined we would, you’ve decided it’s too hard and I’m not worth the effort.”
“Is that what you think of me?” she asked, standing quickly and actually having the audacity to look offended.
“That’s what you’re showing me here, Zoey. What am I supposed to think?”
I followed suit, standing abruptly and sending the chair flying a few feet behind me.
Zoey’s chest was heaving as she looked at me with hurt and confusion.
“I don’t know.”
“Well, here’s what I know…” I took a folded piece of paper out of my wallet and threw it on the table. “Chris and I are leaving tomorrow for Cherry Springs. I’ve already told Chloe I want her to come with us, to ease her mind about Chris meeting my family for the first time. I wasn’t sure what your plans are, since you’ve been less than happy to see me since I arrived, but I went out on a limb and bought you a ticket anyway. You and Chloe are scheduled for the same flight on Saturday.”
Zoey looked down at the paper like it was a snake before shifting her eyes back up to mine.
“I want you, I think I’ve proven that. I came here for you, just like I said I would, and I want to bring you home, just like we discussed. But, Zoey, now it’s up to you. I’ll make it easy on you. Are you willing to work on your issues and give us a chance? Can you let go of your hang-ups about being Chris’s aunt and my girlfriend? If you’re ready to show up and meet my family as my woman, then get on that plane. If you don’t show up, I’ll have my answer.”
I wanted to pull her to me one last time, but wasn’t sure she’d be receptive to the gesture. So, with my heart aching, I left, and prayed all the way back to the hotel that she’d bought my bluff.
Chapter Thirty-Eight ~ Zoey
I was sitting in front of my computer, the cursor flashing over the blank page in the Word document. I’m not sure how long I’d been sitting there, hours at least, but the words weren’t coming out.
I looked up at the clock, aware of the looming deadline and the fact that not only had I not packed anything, but I hadn’t showered or gotten dressed.
Did this mean I wasn’t going?
I didn’t like ultimatums, and Gabe had definitely given me one. Was I going to let this opportunity pass me by and sit here in my pajamas feeling sorry for myself, rather than getting on that plane and fighting for what I wanted?
Pounding on the door caused me to jump.
“What the…”” I muttered as I pushed back and rose to go answer it.
I swung the door open to see Chloe, perfect from head to toe in her version of casual wear, pressed slacks and a flowing blouse, her hair down and straightened so it was flat, smooth, and shiny.
She walked in, her hands fluttering around her in a nervous gesture.
“Reardon called me this morning,” she began, pacing rather than taking a seat.
“What about?”
“To get my account numbers … Gabriel’s paying me back child support.”
Warmth flooded my belly.
“That’s wonderful.”