Chapter 19
HAYES
Foster assesses the PowerPoint he’s swiping through on his tablet.
We have been sitting in my office seating area for the past hour, going over numbers, and every time we swipe to a new slide, he’s unreadable.
Sure, we’ve had solid conversations when a question came up, but the overall theme of my proposal requires deep thought.
“I mean, at least we wouldn’t be letting anybody go,” he points out as he closes the cover and sets the device on the coffee table.
“We have too much overhead, and we need to distribute it better. Too many hands on deck; it’s better to combine divisions. That doesn’t need to be a bad thing,” I remind him.
He scratches his chin and seems to consider.
“Budget allocation could be better distributed, I agree. It’s my job to make the numbers work with what others consider to make sense.
As long as I don’t have an auditor up my ass, then I’ll do that.
I’ll have a look so that the next C-level team meeting can be riveting to all.
Get ready for Olivia from HR to sling shade Easton’s way.
They might have to work together on internal comms if this goes forward. ”
I get comfortable in my leather chair as our conversation takes a casual turn. “Yeah, I noticed they have some issues.”
Foster scoffs in agreement. “Never a dull moment at Haven Crossroads. Speaking of which, let me ask off the record and as a friend. How is it going with my employee?”
An instant smile hits me. We’ve done our best to maneuver around our schedules and Lola. It’s pretty much been stolen time for us alone, especially as we try to keep work separate, which means the office is a no-go zone.
“Good. She’s coming around. Exploring beyond parenting. Speaking of which, my mom is coming to town tonight to meet Lola and Elodie. I’m also meeting Elodie’s parents.”
He laughs privately to himself. “Damn. I thought my family Thanksgiving dinners were hell enough with my asshole brother. But you both? Piling all of that on at once. I wish I had front-row seats.” He crosses his arms and lifts his chin at me.
“Scared of her dad? I bet that’s gotta be shaking you up. ”
A tiny bit of me, yes, but I’m not going to admit that out loud, especially not to Elodie, as she is already nervous.
“Whatever he may think doesn’t matter. It doesn’t change what has happened or what will happen.
Besides, I might need to rein in my mom.
I’m not 100% sure she won’t say something to Elodie about the not-knowing-her-granddaughter factor. ”
“Eek. The thing with Elodie is that she does have a bit of quick wit at times that might ruffle feathers. I love it when dealing with accounts, but I’m not sure that will go down well with your mommy dearest.”
“That’s a good quality.”
He nods with his lips quirked out. “I’m not going to lie, between you and Julian and your adamancy when it comes to the women in your lives, I should either deeply admire it or be extremely concerned.
Do you even give her the option to run away if she finds you repulsive and not at all suitable for a relationship? ”
Smirking to myself, that is the easiest answer there could be. “Nope. It’s only going to go one way, Foster. One day, maybe you will understand.”
“Or I’m just logical,” he flatly replies.
“Logic can still be part of the process of giving no options. Elodie is the mother of my child; it’s logical that we go through this hard time together. But there is also something else between us, and that’s why I’m so sure that we’re only going in one direction.”
Foster grins at me as he stands. “God, your arrogance could be persuasive.”
“I’ll remind you if you ever actually have a successful date two with somebody,” I call out as he leaves. Once the door shuts, I look at my watch, suddenly aware of the time.
I’ve never seen Elodie nervous in this way. We’re in my living room, and she’s visibly pacing next to the fireplace, shaking out her hands, while I casually sprawl across the chaise lounge. On the ground, Lola plays, occasionally holding up a toy and telling me what it is.
"What the hell am I supposed to do with a basket of knitting supplies? Watch from the side knitting socks while your mom glares at me?”
I grin because I thought the gift was a nice idea. Shows I consider her de-stressing activities. Although appreciative, she thinks it was a ridiculous idea.
“It will be fine,” I promise Elodie.
She stops mid-pace and snaps her gaze to me. “How can you sit there so calmly?”
“Because she is my mom and this has to happen.”
I had my driver pick up my mom from the airport. In hindsight, maybe not the right move—I could’ve used that car ride to clue her in about Elodie’s nerves. Instead, I came home. Elodie grabbed Lola and rushed straight here. She wanted Lola settled, but right now, it’s Elodie who needs calming.
“She doesn’t blame you.” That’s what Elodie needs to hear. It might be meh, 90% true, but I see the nerves on her.
“She thinks I kept…” Her eyes drop down to Lola, then bounce back up to meet my gaze. “From you.”
I quickly leave the sofa and walk straight to her.
Scooping up her wrist, I give her a little yank to clue her in on the need to follow me.
The moment we have enough distance where Lola can’t see us but we can see her, I sling Elodie straight against my body, and my hands cup her face before I kiss her.
“I’m calming you,” I whisper, and it’s accompanied by a tiny smirk.
“Not the worst of ways to do it.”
My hand slides down to squeeze her ass, and she gives me a knowing look. “There is a better way, we just don’t have the time for it.”
“Yeah, because nothing is better than the ‘Mom, this is the younger woman who had my baby, just found out, and I just fucked her’ look,” she says flippantly.
A chuckle rumbles in my throat, and I love the way her fingers resting against my chest always get to me somehow. A perfectly innocent touch, yet at any second, they could turn into sultry little claws.
“I’ll take control of this situation.”
“Surprising.” Her tone is flat.
I pull her into a hug. “It will be fine. Everything is about Lola.”
She inhales a sharp breath. “Right.”
“And she kind of knows that we’re back at it. You and I.”
Elodie’s beautiful blue eyes turn to saucers. “Does she now?” I shrug a shoulder and give her my best boyish grin. “What is it exactly you said?”
I’m about to answer, but my phone begins to vibrate in my pocket, and we both know it is probably reception downstairs letting me know my mom is here. A quick answer, and it’s confirmed.
Stuffing my phone away, I kiss Elodie’s forehead. “Don’t worry. Trust me.” For a split second, I wonder if she does. Are we at the point of complete trust yet?
She nods numbly and walks back to Lola.
I’m a bit nervous about this, but calmer than most would guess. I reach the door, open it, and wait as the elevator dings. When my mom steps out carrying her bags, I grin.
Her grays are freshly covered with blonde, and her understated earrings contrast with her colorful scarf. She appears healthy, which matters.
Her wide smile greets me as she approaches, her arms already outstretched and ready to hug me. “There’s my son.” Her hug is big.
I roll my eyes at the ridiculousness of her over-the-top greeting. The man from reception gives me a knowing smile as he places her bags down by the door and leaves us be.
“You’re in good spirits.” She’s already about to walk herself in, but I step in front of her. “Wait a second.” I close the door halfway and lower my voice as my mom stares at me peculiarly. “Just before we go in there, get whatever it is that might make this awkward out of your system.”
"Don’t be silly. There’s nothing," she says, her smile too bright. She shifts to move past me, but I hold steady, arching a brow. Her facade crumbles. "Fine. Maybe I’ll never get over you not knowing about Lola for two years. What would’ve happened if she never found you?
What if Lola would have questions one day?
I still think you should put something on paper to protect you. "
“I’m also to blame for the lack of exchanging details not just Elodie. But okay, you’ve said it now. No need to say it to her. Anything else?”
She rolls her lips in and thinks for a second. “Not that I can think of.” It’s a lie, but I don’t press further.
“We go in there and no over-the-top hellos. Let’s not scare my kid before she can even utter the word grandma.”
“Mimi, I decided I want to be Mimi,” she corrects me with excitement, and it causes me to grin. “It sounds younger.”
I grab the handle of her roller bag and notice it’s heavy. “What the hell is in here?”
“Gifts.”
“Oh, missed the memo on going over the top then. Come on.” I make a point to get in front of her, and she follows me toward the living room. I ensure we take a snail’s pace while I leave her bag in the hall and approach.
Part of me is nervous because I want to show her that I'm a good father, I'm everything my own was. The standard is high, and I'm fulfilling it. I want her to be proud and have the feeling that I'm honoring my dad. Now is her first impression of her son as a father.
“Easy,” I mutter once more to her.
But the moment we cross the threshold and Lola enters our view, it’s hopeless.
“Oh my goodness.” My mom’s happiness is apparent as she zeroes in on Lola. Elodie swings her gaze to my mother, unsure of what to do. “She looks just like you.” Lola looks up with her pony toy in hand and stares peculiarly at the woman.
Thankfully, my mom reins herself in, resisting the urge to dive talons-first and snatch time with her grandchild.
Clearing my throat, I gently tap her arm. “Uh, how about we get a drink in the kitchen?”
She looks over her shoulder at me and grasps my clue.
It’s only when I lead her straight to the counter at the open kitchen that she pauses when she sets her purse on the stool.
Blinking a few times, she finally notices Elodie.
I make no mistake, and notice her giving Elodie the once-over, and Elodie smiles politely through the process.
“This is my mom, Colleen.”
“Hello, it’s great to finally meet you.”
My mom gives her a genuine smile. “Likewise.” She takes a few steps in Elodie’s direction. “So you are the one to give me a granddaughter.”
“That’s me.” She smiles nervously.
Oddly enough, I know better than to interfere; I brew tea and watch—quiet, calculating.
My mom glances at Lola, then back to Elodie. “There is a resemblance. Both, I mean, you and my son.”
“I think so.”
“My son is a good father?”
The way Elodie breaks out in a giant goofy grin weakens me. “He is amazing at it,” she gushes with pride.
“Would have been great if he were around from the beginning—”
That’s my cue to intervene. “To make tea. Camomile is fine, right?”
“Lovely.” Everybody gives their attention to Lola, our princess, who will break the conversation if needed.
“I’m hungry. Bunnies hungry.” Lola speaks up as she stands.
“Her stuffed bunnies,” Elodie clarifies as she crouches down to wait for a tottering Lola.
“Dinner sounds good,” I say.
“Doesn’t it? We can really talk and get to know one another. I’m assuming you and my son missed that memo a while back when you first met,” my mother quips.
Elodie’s jaw goes slack, and I wince from that sudden turn. “Wow.”
She looks between us all. “I’m joking!” But she still mutters something under her breath.
Elodie and I ease but still might need an extra second to recover.
“We start from today, okay? We’ll have all evening to get to know one another and breakfast, too,” my mother adds.
“Oh, I won’t be here at breakfast. Lola will stay here tonight so you can have one-on-one time with her.
I’m going home later,” Elodie explains. It’s a disappointment I already knew, but I also get it.
We are in unknown romantic territory, and my mother’s presence adds an extra element.
Elodie doesn’t live here and has the option to escape this overwhelming situation before tomorrow’s big dinner.
My mother begins her exaggerated cackle. “Really? You two are… Don’t feel the need to leave on my account. We are past the waiting-for-marriage part. I just assumed that you two are shari—”
“Subtle,” I comment as I see Elodie’s face bloom red. A smile begins to etch on my face because, truthfully, as much as my mom is questionably witty today, it’s good to see. I haven’t seen her this way since before my dad passed.
Elodie begins to bounce Lola on her hip.
“Okay, dinner for the princess.” She turns her attention to my mom.
“I hope you don’t mind that we’re keeping it simple.
She eats early, and we figured it’s better to stick to routine as everything is a lot.
Maybe more for the adults than her. Don’t worry, the mac n’ cheese is for her, the orzo bake is in the oven is for us. ”
“Perfect.”
My mother keeps her gaze locked on Lola, and Elodie notices and gives me a sidelong glance for a clue as to what comes next.
I turn the stove off and give up on my mom’s tea before I circle around the kitchen counter to join them standing by the island, and I tap Lola’s arm. “Hey, kiddo, there is someone you get to meet.”
She looks at me with her wide eyes.
I point to my mom. “Your mimi. My mom. Another grandparent. Do you understand that?”
She wiggles in Elodie’s arms to swing her gaze between my mom and me. She doesn’t seem to understand, but she waves at my mom anyway.
Elodie smiles and kisses her little forehead. “You’re very good at welcoming people to the family,” she partly jokes.
Even with my mom now cooing her way to Lola and holding out her arms, my ears were already sealed in on the word family and the way Elodie said it so easily.
Because that’s what we essentially are, right?
One another’s family.