Chapter 86
Staring at Gideon in bed, in my house—it’s truly wild that I own this house now. I consider how we’re in Wisconsin. I want him to meet my parents!
“Crazy idea,” I start, not believing I’m even thinking it myself. “Do you want to meet my parents?”
“Of course, baby,” G says, leaning down to press a kiss on my lips.
“They might have plans, but let me text them.”
Dani Sommer
Any chance you could get lunch before I head back to Chicago? I’d really like for you to meet Gideon.
Mom
Lunch? It’s a workday.
Dani Sommer
We could do Charlie’s. Just a quick lunch. No pressure.
Mom
Okay. We’ll meet you at 12:15.
I stare at my phone, feeling a mix of nerves and relief.
“They said yes!” I look at him, considering a few details.
“Let’s not tell them about this house. Let’s play it off like we stayed at The Abbey last night if they ask about where we stayed.
” G gives me a little look like he doesn’t understand why I’m saying that.
“I want to wrap my head around this before I talk to them about it.”
“Whatever you want, baby.” He kisses my cheek. “How about I work out and then take a shower, and you work for an hour.”
“I thought you wanted me to play hooky?”
“I know you will be less stressed if you clock in for an hour before unplugging for the day.”
I smile. He knows me so well. “You’re not working?”
“I took bereavement leave.” He winks at me.
“Perks of having a corporate job.” I don’t have any of those policies for myself. “Well, I have this new client. I need to make sure we make a good impression.”
G leans over and softly kisses me. It’s tender at first, then escalates, and I pull back. “Seriously, I’m so sore.” That’s not a lie. He was a goddamn animal last night. G smiles and leaves the room.
I create dozens of tasks in my project management software for the various freelancers to work on based on the client emails in my inbox.
Finally, I text my friend Sam, who’s been on my mind since I heard about her situation.
Dani Sommer
Don’t feel obligated to text back. I heard what’s going on and if you want a place to stay and think, my aunt’s cottage is available. The key is behind the house. I’m at it right now, but it’s available starting tonight. Let me know if you want to talk.
Tapping the sides of my eyes, I can’t believe tears are starting to form.
I know what it’s like to have no money and feel the need to start over.
That was me last summer. I’m happy that I’m able to offer her this place.
This fucking cottage. It’s the place where people start over, I guess.
I internally laugh about Sam finding some guy until darker thoughts creep in.
I don’t want her to feel trapped. I know what that feels like.
Sorin. I can’t believe I didn’t leave his house all those years ago.
I sigh, hoping Sam takes me up on the offer if she needs it.
I need to refocus, so I put on my headphones and listen to Bad Omens radio.
I’m completely in the zone until Gideon taps me.
He’s dressed, looking hot in a white linen button-down and tan shorts that hit him above the knee.
Those thighs! They are definitely bigger than when we first started dating, and they were already thick.
“I let you work for nearly two hours. You need to shower before lunch.” I look at the time. Fuck!
“Ah! Okay.” I slam my laptop and quickly shower before changing into a mosaic-printed sundress.
“So, where’s Charlie’s?” he asks.
“Down the street,” I say, grabbing his hand and beginning the short walk to the restaurant. The last time I walked down this hill was to meet my friends at Charlie’s for my birthday.
“What are you thinking about?” he asks, noticing the change in my demeanor.
“I just realized the last time I was here, Adam had proposed to me the night before.”
“Ah,” he says, then squeezes my hand. “New memories,” he whispers, kissing my temple.
“My dad doesn’t drink. Let’s not order any alcohol, okay?”
“Of course.”
“He’ll probably say something offensive. Just ignore him.”
“Baby, don’t be nervous.” He squeezes my hand reassuringly.
“I’m trying. Oh, and this is the bar I met Declan at.”
“Is this the only bar in town?” He groans.
“Basically.”
He opens the door for me, and my parents are already sitting at a table. They almost look relieved when they see him. Is it because he’s only thirty-seven? Or is it that he is a fucking presence? No one in their right mind would ever mess with him, that’s for sure.
“This is Gideon,” I say, and he shakes Dad’s hand. My mom smiles.
“Nice to meet you, Crystal,” he says, and she stands, giving him a little side hug. He remembers her name. That brings a smile to my face. This exchange is nice … and normal.
“I know you guys have to get back to work, but I wanted you to meet my boyfriend.”
They both flash me a look because I was not calling him that the other day. “Gideon, that’s a unique name. I’ve never met a Gideon before,” Dad says.
“It’s Hebrew. I don’t know if Dani mentioned it … I was born in Israel.”
They look at me again because I have told them fucking nothing about him.
I put my face in my palm for a moment. “I’m the worst. This is basically a blind date for you guys.
Gideon runs Real-ity. He founded it in 2018 and has grown it into a monster company,” I tell them.
“My dad is a mechanic, and my mom works for a boat rental company.”
“Real estate. Isn’t that not going great right now?” Dad states.
Of course, Dad is acting like an armchair expert on something he knows nothing about, but I don’t let it rile me up.
“It’s harder than it used to be,” G responds.
The server comes over and we order burgers and soda.
“Did Dani tell you about the press she recently got for me?” he asks.
“She doesn’t tell us anything,” Mom says, and Gideon chuckles.
“I see where she gets it from,” he says, squeezing my hand. My parents laugh and it’s a warm moment between us.
“I actually haven’t told you yet.” He looks at me. “My mom called me after reading the Business Insider article. It was nice to catch up. She really liked it.”
I cover my face with my hands for a second, feeling my eyes get heavy with fucking tears. I love that the article was a bridge for them to talk again. This all feels too sweet.
“What’s up?” G softy asks.
“I’m just really happy. I’m so happy we’re all doing this.”
My mom wraps her arm around me. “We’re very happy you invited us. We want to see more of you … and more of you.” She smiles at G.
“Dani, Gideon is a client?” Dad asks.
“Brand new,” G says. “We were introduced in March and even though she and her company were the best option, I decided not to work with Dani and instead ask her out.”
“He took me on the best first date of my life,” I add, smiling at him.
He beams, squeezing my hand on the table. My parents look happy, very happy. I made the right decision. “She’s the best publicist,” Gideon says.
Lunch continues for over an hour. G was perfect. My parents were mostly perfect. The tears represented every emotion. The biggest feeling that kept coming through is that I have never been this fucking happy in my life. Maybe I should pee on a pregnancy stick. Why the fuck am I crying like this?