Getting stuff done. I met Forest. I scheduled a business trip for next week.
MrTimberland: Do youmean I will have to survive without you for a few days?
I’m arranging it so I will be back home to spend the weekend with my boyfriend.
MrTimberland: I like that. I’m going to run to the house and get some clothes.
MrTimberland: Can I tell you a secret?
You can tell me anything.
MrTimberland: I don’t know how I will return to sleeping alone. I never cared much about it. Now I dread when I won’t be with you.
I am catching feelings for you too. Get your stuff done. I'll see you in a few hours. xoxo
I smiled and returned to the kitchen, where Forest and Charlie played. Charlie had his wings out and stomped his feet, moving back and forth. I called it dancing. Forest turned and looked at me, and his grin took over his face.
“You talked to your man. Is he having a good day?”
“I did. How did you know?” I tried to keep my expression neutral.
“Maybe that goofy look on your face gave you away.” He stood up. “I need to go. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
After he left, I made more phone calls. I looked through TMZ, CNN, and People magazine to see if there was anything about any of myathletes. There were a couple of companies that wanted some new talent. I looked through the options and called them to recommend who would fill the requirements.
At the end of my workday, I always emailed Cecelia and told her what happened during the day. She would then organize that info, including making travel plans. I wanted to leave Tuesday evening and hopefully be back Thursday night, but I wanted to return by Friday. I would no longer travel or be gone over the weekend unless necessary. I had something more important to be home for.
I looked at the clock; it was almost 3:30 p.m. Aaron would be home soon. I smiled, realizing that I also thought of this as his home. How did that even happen? I thought about what he said. Having to sleep without him causes a knot to form in my stomach.
I heard the elevator ding. The butterflies that seemed to live in my stomach now did flips and spins. I needed to talk myself out of running into Aaron’s arms.
Chapter twenty-eight
Aaron
River skidded to a stop about two feet away from me as the elevator doors opened. It tickled me that he was so eager. I never knew what it felt like to be wanted by another person.
“Hi you.” He said, a little breathy. I unhooked Daisy, and she flew to the coffee table where Charlie was eating grapes. He would pick them up with his front feet and then lean back and munch on them. They danced and chittered at each other.
“Hi you.” I opened my arms, and he walked into them. He wrapped me up in a tight hug. I never thought much about hugging, but I have become dependent on them. It makes me feel complete, safe and loved.
He looked up at me and kissed me lovingly. I hope this wasn’t just wishful thinking because I knew that was how I felt about him. Is it too soon to voice these things? For now, I figured I would channel it into my actions.
“Are you ready for tonight? Feeling Excited? Nervous? What can I do for you? Sorry, I am a little anxious on your behalf.” He hugged me again.
“I think I am ready. Come sit with me.” I led him to the couch and told the dragons to scoot over. I felt I should share with him what was happening in my head. I knew that if I did, he would somehow soothe me. Over the last eight years, Daisy would help with my anxiety, but she didn’t talk back. River gave me that same grounded feeling. Inoticed he was not awkward when he walked me through something difficult. I could see how he was so successful as an agent. He had authority and calmness about him.
He took my hand. “Talk to me.”
I took a deep breath. “I am afraid of how this is going to go. I feel like he is going to tell me how much I hurt him, how I abandoned him. I don’t want to badmouth his father by telling him how hard I tried to get time with him, but this will reopen wounds that took years to heal.” I couldn’t stop the tears from coming. “I tried so hard to keep a relationship with Tanner. I loved him like my child. I would have given up all my wealth if I could have just raised him as my own. I’m just so scared.”
He wiped the tears away. “I know you are scared. You love this boy, and he asked to see you for a reason. Maybe it is to tell you how much he hates what you did. As a child, he didn’t know the dynamics between you and his father. If that happens, I will help you through that hurt.” He pursed his lips together. “If that is what he needs, then you are helping him. You are taking his pain on yourself so he can rebuild.”
I nodded my head, unable to form words. “At least this time, I will be able to tell him that I love him and say a proper goodbye.”
“That’s a good thing. He could also be wanting to rebuild a relationship with you.” He wiped my face again, then kissed my cheeks. I agreed that what was about to happen was a complete unknown.
“Rodney is babysitting. I don’t think we should leave them alone just yet, and taking them might be too distracting. I hope you don’t mind my taking the liberty to arrange it. He will be here until around 9 p.m., so we have time to eat and return here.”
