“Hey, it happens. And clearly, you two have a lot to work through,” Caitlyn replied.
“How’d the rest of the night go?” I asked.
To my surprise, a guarded expression flitted across Caitlyn’s face before she said, “It went well. I’ve actually been hired to do some shoots with a local activist group, and all my photographs sold, so I’m flush with cash.”
Her tone was warm and happy, and if I didn’t know any better, I’d have said that I’d been imagining that strange expression on her face a moment ago. But Caitlyn and I had spent nearly every moment together since Drew had been born. I knew her. She was my best friend. Something had to be up.
I didn’t ask her about it, though. I couldn’t in front of Cade and Drew anyway, but especially right now, because I had to figure out what to do about Cade and about Drew’s birthday. I had to trust that whatever it was, Caitlyn would tell me about it in her own time.
“Congratulations!” I told her instead. “I’m so happy for you!”
I looked at Drew. “Have you had breakfast yet, champ? I know it’s early.”
“No,” Drew shook his head.
“Then why don’t we have the pancakes that were left over from last time, while I figure out what else we can do for your birthday.”
Drew nodded. To my surprise, Cade said, “Hey, buddy, why don’t you give me a tour of the house real quick? I bet you have a super cool room.”
Drew lit up and took Cade’s hand, dragging him down the hall. I sagged down on the couch in relief.
Caitlyn gave me a look. “Everything okay?”
I nodded, then shook my head. “Yes and no. Cade apologized for how he had abandoned me and that I wasn’t just a fling to him—he explained that back then, he hadn’t known how to stand up to his parents. He had lied to me so that I wouldn’t fight him about the break-up.”
Caitlyn sighed. “I get that, and from what you’d told me, you both were young, but…what he’d said was still hurtful.”
“Yes, and he said that he’s sorry. He promised he wouldn’t abandon me or Drew.”
“Do you believe him?”
“I want to. He’s angry that I kept Drew from him—or he was angry, but last night he finally seemed to understand my reasons and see my side of things. He seems to want to be there for us. I just don’t know what he’ll do now that he’s met Drew, now that we have all these reporters. And he’s still never stood up to his parents his whole life.
It was Della who did that, who’d called off the wedding, not Cade. So, I…I don’t know. I want to believe him. I want to trust him.”
Caitlyn hugged me. “This is one of those things that has no easy answer and only time will tell you how it’ll go. So, for now, let’s warm up these pancakes.”
We did just that and then I went into Drew’s room to fetch the two boys.
“…and this is my space command,” Drew was explaining as I walked in, showing Cade the toys he’d arranged in a corner of his room to resemble a space station, “where all my astronauts and Jedis work.”
Cade was crouched down next to Drew, listening attentively as Drew showed him all the different toys, explained their personalities and jobs.
I smiled, watching them. Neither of them had noticed me yet, and my heart ached at this sight. This is what my life could be like. That is, if I could trust Cade and if we could figure out what to do about the reporters, his family and the fact that I was still rooted in Detroit.
But maybe, just maybe, I could have this. Maybe it would work out all right in the end.
I cleared my throat and Drew paused in his passionate lecture about one of his astronauts to turn and look at me. I smiled, “Breakfast is ready. Why don’t you give Cade a break?”
Drew scampered out of his room while Cade got to his feet. “I don’t mind it. He’s imaginative. I love how much passion he has.”
He sounded sincere, and I smiled at him with relief. “I’m glad. He’s my whole world.”
Cade nodded. “I can see that,” he said seriously.
We went into the kitchen to eat, and Cade, to my surprise, pulled out his phone. “What would you have for your birthday, Drew?” he asked. “If you could have anything? A dream birthday party?”
Drew shrugged, still focused on his food. “I like to go to the zoo and see the animals.”