"I'm sorry!Okay?"he says while stepping towards me.His voice drops, vulnerability seeping through the cracks."Put my number in your contact list.So that next time Samantha shows up at your door, you can let me know."
I stick my nose up in the air at his demanding tone and respond."Nope.Not going to do that."
* * *
Cole
What?Oh, this woman is unbelievable.I can't think straight when she's near.My head is spinning from the whirlwind of emotions I've encountered today.
When I found out Samantha left without a trace, horror scenarios took over my imagination.The only thing I kept thinking was, what if she walked away?I'm aware she's having a hard time adjusting to the new situation.But I am too.After two weeks, I know I suck at the parenting thing, which frustrates me because I'm trying my best.The moment I discovered Samantha went to Alisha's, it bothered me.
Samantha prefers Alisha's company above mine, and to an extent, I understand.She's a woman.But when I came to her door and heard them laughing, a nasty sting hit my heart.My daughter was laughing, and I wasn't the one creating it.With me, she's miserable.
My mind comes back, and I stare at Alisha, who is waiting for my response.God, her character is as colorful and dynamic as the color palette of her interior, and her emotions are compatible with a confetti cannon.If someone or something pushes her buttons too far, she pops.
From the moment we met, there has been this intense energy between us.Everything she does and says affects me, and it drives me nuts!I've always been a relaxed and collected person.But now...Now, her full red lips are mocking me, and I can't stop staring.They look inviting; I bet they taste delicious.
God, fuck, don't go there.I open my jacket, pull out one of my business cards, and plant it on the kitchen island."This is my number.Put it in your phone."I turn and move away from her and her taunting mouth.
I open the front door and stumble back when Nick and Emma stand on the other side.Their faces show the same surprised reaction as mine.
"Cole?What are you doing here?"
"He's leaving," Alisha says as she stops next to me and focuses her attention on our friends."How did you two get up here?I thought—"
"Don't worry," I say at the sound of her concerned voice."Nick has free access.I've given Daniel, the concierge, that instruction."
Nick coughs as he picks up the tension between us.Emma steps forward and holds up a square box."I brought your present," she exclaims with a careful smile to her blond friend.
Alisha lets out a huff, takes the box, and pushes it into my hands."Here, this is for you and Samantha."Then she grabs one of Emma's hands and pulls her into the apartment."Nick, we're swapping.You take him with you and leave.I'm claiming a chat with my best friend.I'm in desperate need to vent my emotions."
Nick's eyes fly from Emma to me and Alisha.
"Enjoy the present in the box, Grumpy.Since I'm not hungry, Nick can have my piece."
Stupefied, I walk out, and the door closes with a bang.Nick pats me on the back."Let's go.I want to hear what caused that reaction."
Once in the elevator, my friend gives me a curious glance."I thought by the present you're holding, things were better between you two.Emma has outdone herself.They're incredible."Curious by his words, I open the lid.My eyes widen as I see the content."What are they?"I ask, gazing in awe at three amazing-looking pastries.
"They're called tompouce.They're a Dutch treat.Easy explanation.There are two layers of puff pastry filled with pastry cream, and the top layer has sweet icing."
"Shit," I murmur when I view the text written on it.
One says,WelcometoBoston,Samantha.And when I focus on the other one, heat rushes to my face as I read.Thankyou,Cole.
Oh, damn, I screwed up.
7
COLE
I stare at the open cake box I put on the dining table, and sigh."Fuck, I screwed up, Nick."
I walk out onto the terrace and take in the city view.There's something in the movement and different colors in the sky that calms me.From up here, Boston looks deceptively peaceful—like a place where fathers don't completely mess up with their teenage daughters.
Nick stops beside me, and for a few minutes, we enjoy the scenery.The fact that he gives me room and doesn't push me to talk shows how well he knows me.An hour after I received the phone call from Emily telling me I might have a daughter, I called Nick and Brian.They listened and told me to go to L.A.and find out.Since then, they've been nothing but supportive friends, texting me daily to check in.When he recognizes my calmer state of mind, he speaks.
"Alisha isn't a pushover, Cole.She shows her claws when she feels intimidated or scared.And the moment you threatened to take back the apartment she longed for, she reacted."He shifts, leaning against the railing."Emma told me how eager she was to move.She admitted she hopes this place can help her with her anxiety."
