Page 81 of Completely Captivated
“They sure are,” Leigh Anne replied before I could and introduced herself to Jen.“I’m already planning family vacations with my favorite daughter-in-law.I’ve been in a family full of testosterone for so long, I’m just grateful to finally have another woman in the mix.”
“Congratulations, Christa.I’m happy if you are.”
I felt the weight of Aaron’s stare on my skin, so I searched the room until I found him.Our connection was strong, but I was afraid we were moving too fast.I’d just met his parents, and his mom was planning family vacations.His brother had apologized, but I wasn’t quite over my anger at him.Aaron and I seemed to be both moving at light speed and standing still.
When I looked at him, when I was with him, I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.
When we were apart, I struggled with the whole forgive and forget concept.
Something had to give.
Always on My Mind
Christa
Spendingthe weekend with Aaron was even better than I’d anticipated.After his exhibit opening, we went back to his condo.I thought the painful memories would hit me when I walked in, but I was surprised I felt at home there.It was late when we arrived, and Aaron was exhausted from being in the spotlight all night, but that didn’t stop him from revering every inch of my body until just before sunrise.Then we collapsed, spent and sated from feasting on each other.
I awoke Sunday morning to find Aaron resuming his focus from just a few hours before, though I had no objections.As promised, we soaked in his jetted tub together, spending every moment talking—when we weren’t making love.We learned more about each other during those hours alone than in the rest of the time we’d been together combined.I wouldn’t trade any of the time we spent together.Weneededit.
Also as promised, Aaron brought me to work that morning, helped me get everything arranged to start cooking for the day, then left to finish his work in progress.I had been a bundle of nervous energy since he walked out the door, but I didn’t know why.With my earbuds in and the music blaring, I baked, cleaned, and prepared food like a madwoman.By the time I’d run out of chores to accomplish, I already had the lunch sandwiches made, the soups ready to start, the kitchen completely cleaned, and not much left for Allie to do when she came in later today.
The long line of early morning customers occupied my time and my mind, keeping my thoughts from wandering too far off target.But the ominous foreshadowing I’d felt growing around me all morning never fully went away.The knot in the pit of my stomach warned me to beware.
But beware of what?
Allie and I were cleaning out the display case at the end of the day when the chimes alerted us of another customer.When I stood to offer a greeting, my voice was frozen in my throat.
“Hi, Christa.”The door closed behind him as he stood rooted in place.
Allie grabbed my hand, her gaze cutting between him and me.“Christa, are you okay?Who is he?”
“I’m her father,” he replied, his eyes dropping to the floor.At least he had the decency to look ashamed of even referring to himself that way.
“What?”Allie demanded and stepped between us, as if she was my human shield.
“I know I gave up my rights to be your father years ago, but we really need to talk.Please, Christa.It’s important.”
“Make it quick.I have plans tonight.”I took a seat and gestured for him to do the same.He sat across from me and fidgeted with the centerpiece on the table for a few seconds before he spoke.
“How long has it been since you talked to your mother?”
That wasn’t how I thought he’d start the conversation, but I assumed he was leading up to something.“She called a few weeks ago, looking for money.The only time I hear from her is when she wants something.Why?”
“The sheriff’s deputy showed up at my place today.Christa, there’s no easy way to say this.She was found dead in her apartment.It’ll be several weeks before the official toxicology report is back, but for now, it appears to be an overdose.I’m so sorry to have to tell you, to be the one who brings you the bad news.”He stopped and looked at me, thinking I’d fall apart and he’d be there to put me back together.The hero.The ultimate father figure.
But I felt nothing.
The day I turned to him for any kind of comfort would be the day hell froze over.
He was still waiting for a reaction from me.“Had you stuck around, you’d understand why this news doesn’t surprise me.Is that all you wanted to tell me?”
“Umm… Yes, I guess,” he stammered.“Here’s the key to her apartment.I’ll let you go through her things for anything you want to keep.Whatever you leave behind, I’ll make sure it’s taken care of.”
“Fine.You’ve done your duty and conveyed the news.Now, if you don’t mind, we’re trying to close the shop for the night.”I stood and moved toward the door, ready to lock it once he was out.
“Can I come back soon?Just to see you, so we can talk?”He walked toward me, his eyes pleading for me to say yes.
But I couldn’t.
