Page 51 of Starting Back
“I see. Shame, though. He’s handsome.”
I was going to kill Peyton.
“Peyton showed you?”
“She did, but don’t be mad at her. We were all thrilled for you. You looked happy and relaxed for once.” She tapped my chin. “And that”—she patted her chest—"made me happy. Even if it was only for a few days, like you said.”
She lifted a shoulder, that dismissive shrug she would give us as kids when she didn’t quite believe us.
“It was.”
Mom nodded again before heading into my kitchen.
I hung my purse on one of the hooks on my coatrack, letting out a frustrated breath. It would be easier to move on if my family stopped being so damn happy for me.
I fished my phone out of the bottom of my purse and turned to head up the stairs to get Chloe, jumping when my phone buzzed against my hand.
Leo:Hey, just checking that you got home okay.
I stared at the screen, falling back against my banister in shock. A stupid hope stirred in my belly that I didn’t need, but a smile ripped across my face anyway.
Me:I did. Thank you for checking on me. My daughter saved a bagel for you, thinking I was bringing my friend home with me.
The minute I sent it, regret made me freeze. After feeling so free with Leo while we were together, I hated the need to dissect a text now that we were apart.
Leo:I guess she figured that’s what you do after a sleepover. She sounds sweet, just like her mom.
“Hey, you’re home!”
Chloe’s voice wafted down the stairs, followed by the thunder of teenage footsteps from her and my nephew.
“I am.” I brought her in for a hug, both delighted and concerned by her relieved exhale as she held me tighter.
“Hi, Aunt Kris.” My nephew, Mike, waved behind her. His voice seemed to dip an octave each time I saw him, the crystal-blue eyes and sharp planes of his jaw so much like his father.
I leaned in with Chloe still in my arms to kiss his cheek, jerking back with an exaggerated gasp. “Is that stubble?”
He blushed, running his hands over his jaw. “A little, I guess. How was Florida?”
“It was great, and I’m glad to be home.” I reached over to squeeze his shoulder. “Go attack the rest of the bagels or whatever else is in the kitchen with Emma, I’ll be right there.”
I patted Chloe’s back until she let go. She was always a serious kid, but her smiles were so muted now. That was high on my list of things to work on or try to fix upon my return.
“I’m glad you’re home.”
“I’m glad I’m home too, kiddo.” I kissed her forehead. “So glad, I won’t give you any crap for staying up all night with your cousin, as I’m sure you did every night since I left.”
“It’s summer, Mom,” she said, rolling her eyes before following Mike into the kitchen.
I tapped my finger against the screen after my daughter’s departure.
Before I could chicken out, I searched for the photo I’d sent Nicole and shot it to Leo.
Me:That’s very sweet of you to say. She’s a thoughtful little mush. I thought you might like to have this.
I almost added, “To remember me by.”
I threw my phone onto the hallway table and joined my family.
