Chapter 54
CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR
Gage
“It’s not my birthday.” Gus looks down into the brown paper shopping bag that contains a new raincoat, four pairs of socks, a pair of new shoes and a sun hat.
“It will be one day this year,” I quip. “Call it a friend doing another friend a favor.”
“I’ll call it what it is.” He places the bag on the bench. “You’re a saint.”
“Far from it.” I laugh.
I don’t know what the hell I am.
Selfish fits the bill.
I left Katie last night so I could stop in at Tin Anchor. I bought the bar months ago as a way to build something for my daughter.
The plan has never been to get her behind the bar serving drinks once she’s old enough.
I wanted to double or triple my investment in the place so I could leave her something when I’m gone.
I named it after her.
The first time I called her Tin, her face lit up, so it stuck.
She’s been my anchor in the storms of my life these past five years. She kept me grounded when all I wanted to do was bolt.
I don’t want to give up the bar, but I might have to in order to fund bi-monthly cross-country trips to see Kristin.
“Trouble has found its way back to you.” Gus pats my shoulder. “What’s weighing you down?”
I shove my hands into the pockets of my jeans.
I didn’t feel up to working out this morning, so I put on the jeans and a Tin Anchor shirt. I needed kindness more than exercise. I knew Gus could provide it.
The urge to swing by Katie’s place to see her first was strong, but she told me in an early morning text message that she’s meeting Tilly and Olivia for breakfast.
I scrub a hand over the back of my neck. “Kristin and her mom are setting up shop in California. Katie is here.”
Gus pushes the paper bag to the side before he lowers himself to the bench. “What’s Katie’s take on this?”
I’ve been hesitant to throw this at her.
I turned her life inside out once.
How the fuck can I ask her to do it again?
“Don’t tell me you haven’t discussed it with her.” Gus waves a finger at me.
“I can’t expect her to sacrifice everything for me, Gus.”
“You think it’s a sacrifice. Katie may see it differently.”
“I can do both coasts. I spend weekdays here, and a few times a month fly back there.”
“That sounds like a hell of a bad idea to me.”
“Why?” I ask with a cock of my brow. “It can work.”
“Until Kristin takes ill and you’re clear across the country.” He jabs a finger into my side. “Or you burn out because you’re running yourself ragged trying to live two lives at once.”
I turn to look at him. “If I ask Katie to move back to California with me, she’ll be giving up her business and her friends. She’s made a good life for herself here.”
“If you don’t ask her to move to California with you, you’ll be taking away her choice.” He glances at the river. “You don’t get to decide what’s best for her, Gage. She does.”
He’s right. I made a choice for Katie years ago that changed both of our lives forever. I can’t do it again.
Hours later, I watch Katie through the window of her bridal store.
She’s wearing a light green dress. Her hair is braided to the side. She’s breathtaking, as she always is.
A smile lights up her face. Pure joy emanates from her when she’s around a bride-to-be. I can’t imagine the inner strength it took for her to get through the days after I called off our engagement.
On top of that, she had to face losing our baby on her own.
She pushed through. She prospered. She came out of it with grace and humility.
She’s the woman that I want my daughter to look up to.
Madison is a good mom, but I want Katie’s influence in Kristin’s life.
I’ll only get that if I tell Katie what’s going on. I have to let her in. I have to give her a voice in this because it’s the right thing to do.
My phone chimes in my pocket.
I tug it out and glance at the screen.
It’s a text message from Madison.
I read it twice, not believing for a damn minute that it’s real.
Madison: Cancel ur flight to L.A. Ur not coming here.
I turn my back to the windows of Katie Rose Bridal so the woman I love doesn’t see the rage on my face.
With fury racing through me, I dial Madison’s number.
“Hello, Gage,” she says in that smug tone I can’t fucking stand.
“What the hell? We had an agreement. I am coming to see my daughter.”
“Calm the fuck down.” She laughs. “You’re not coming here because we’re coming there tomorrow.”
“You’re coming here?” I turn back to face the windows of Katie’s shop.
I spot her looking at me. A beautiful smile graces her face.
Calmness blankets me when she raises her hand to wave.
I do the same back.
“Don’t read too much into this,” Madison stops to take a deep breath. “I got a call from a company in New York today. It’s a huge company, Gage. I have an interview for a District Operations Manager position.”
“In Manhattan?” I ask to be crystal clear.
“In Manhattan,” she repeats back. “I’m qualified for it. It’s right up my alley and it would make things easier for Kristin.”
I respect her for wanting to put our daughter’s needs first.
“It’s closer to Perry too, so fingers crossed.”
“I’ll arrange a hotel for you and Kristin,” I offer because I want my daughter to be comfortable.
“I already booked a room for myself.” She clears her throat. “Kristin can stay with you if you want.”
If I want?
“What the fuck do you think?” I chuckle. “Let me know your flight details. I’ll meet you at the airport.”
“I hope I get the job,” she says quietly. “I never considered Manhattan as a place to live full-time, but maybe this is meant to be.”
“You didn’t say a word about applying for a job here.” I stare at Katie, wanting nothing more than to go into the store and sweep her into my arms.
“I didn’t apply for it.” Madison laughs. “The woman who called me said she heard from a friend of a friend that I was looking for a job and wondered if I’d be interested in relocating to New York City. I’ve told everyone I know out here that I’m searching so I guess someone put in a good word.”
Fate doesn’t have a hand in this.
It’s too big of a coincidence.
“What’s the name of the company?”
“Liore Lingerie. The woman I’m meeting is named Olivia Donato.”