Page 24 of Barron's Second Chance
He noticed that she neglected to return the sentiment.
"So," she continued, "I was calling because I didn't want our first proper conversation to be tomorrow in front of everyone."
That made sense. If Eden showed up tomorrow without him knowing, they would feel the eyes of everyone on them. Wondering if they would talk, soaking up their body language.
"Seeing your parents today, I've missed them a lot." Guilt stabbed him at her words. His fault. It was all his fault that she lost two people she loved dearly and vice versa.
"I don't want your Mom feeling any awkwardness between us, and I told her that I would like to put the past behind us."
"I think that's a great idea."
"But," she interrupted. "In saying that, I don't want you to think that we're going to be close friends again or anything."
His heart sank at her words. "I know. I wasn't expecting that." He wasn't, but it didn't mean it didn't hurt to hear her say it.
"I just want us to co-exist, be cordial to each other when we see one another. I'm going to be here pretty much all summer, and with me working closely with your Mom, we're probably bound to run into each other more."
"Yeah, that makes sense."
"I know you've given me space all these years." He heard her draw a deep breath. "So that's why I thought I would call you to break the ice, so to speak. I know you wouldn't reach out to me-"
"I didn't think you'd want to hear from me," he interrupted.
"I didn't; you're right," she bluntly said. "But it's been, what, over six years? Our Moms are still friends, and I don't want them tip-toeing around us anymore, you know?"
He swallowed down the lump in his throat. "I get it. I don't either."
"So," she tentatively said, "We'll greet each other when we cross paths, I'll be cordial, and you'll respect my space."
She wasn't leaving any room for arguments. Honestly, it was more than he was expecting. More than he deserved. If that's all she wanted, then that's what he'd take. He'd take anything."Yeah, Eden. I hear ya. When we see each other tomorrow, we'll be cordial."
"Great."
More silence.
He bowed his head in frustration."So I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Yeah. See you tomorrow."
"Bye, Eden."
Silence met his words.
He stared at his phone and saw his home screen. She hung up on him.
Well.
A knock had him turning to his open door. Tracey was leaning against the side jamb with a flirty smile. She had shed her work uniform and was in a tight tank top, low cut to show off her big breasts and tiny shorts that he knew grazed the bottom of her ass cheeks.
"Hey, handsome," she cooed. "Ready to go?"
Eden walked up the front steps of the Carter residence, her arms laden with a pasta salad and a boysenberry white chocolate no-bake cheesecake that she had prepared earlier that morning. She was a little late due to her Zoom call with her agent regarding the upcoming New York Fashion Week. She also decided to FaceTime with her friends, who were getting ready to leave for Croatia in a few days. Okay, she probably didn't need to talk to them right that second, but she was procrastinating.
When she woke up this morning, she realized that she hadn't been to the Carter residence sincethat day. And she never thought she would step foot in there again.
She was nervous. She had no reason to be. Her Mom and Mike were going to be there, along with Sofia, Ryan, and Mama Sefina. She also knew most of Kelly and Gavin's friends and family members, who were invited. No worries there.
She huffed in annoyance. So much for calling Barron to clear the air. She thought it would eliminate her uneasiness about being near him again. But she might as well have turned up blind. Once she saw him, waved, smiled, maybe even a quick hello, then she wouldn't have to interact with him again. People just needed to see that they were cool with each other and then they would grow bored with the "will they scream at each other" prediction and move on to more exciting things.
