Page 121 of Falling Together

Besides, Luke wants to be here. I want to give him everything he needs…even if it’s at the sacrifice of my own heart.

“What time is Mom picking me up?” Luke comes out of the bathroom. His hair is a wet mess, but he has on a light blue button-up shirt.

“Change of plan,” I say. “Mom is going to come over tomorrow. She wanted the two of us to spend Thanksgiving together.”

"Really?" Luke asks, a sadness to his voice as his shoulders drop.

"Look, I know you were looking forward to seeing her, but she’ll take you shopping so you can decorate your room and get a nice fresh start. You’ll be happy here.”

“Have you talked to Georgia?” Luke asks, opening the fridge to grab a soda.

“I haven’t, no. Have you?” I try to keep the hopeful note from my voice, but I don’t do a great job.

“Just a few texts here and there. She said she hopes I like it here at my school and to call her if I need anything.”

The pain that has been sitting in my heart since the moment I stepped on the plane surges back with a vengeance. It’s just like Georgia to still be there for Luke. It’s not his fault that we’re not talking.

I did the one thing I told her I wouldn’t do.

I left her. But she had to understand I wasn’t doing it without reason. This. This right here is why I didn’t want Luke coming to LA on his own. Because what would he be doing today if I weren’t here?

Would he be sitting at Kari’s house while she and her new husband went out to dinner on their own? I hate how irrationally angry she makes me. All because she treats our son like he’s an inconvenience to her life.

“Good. I’m glad you’re talking to her. You can tell me if things aren’t okay too, you know that, right?”

“I know.”

“Okay. Then why don’t you help me make dinner so the two of us don’t starve?”

“Can I change my shirt since I’m not going out?”

I smile at him. “Sure. I’d hate for you to look nice for your old man.”

What was going to be a sad Thanksgiving dinner of leftover pizza from the night before is rescued with a bowl of pasta and my kid and me watching football.

It wasn’t the day I had planned, but those days are gone. I have no idea what will be waiting for me when I get back to Pinecrest, but I can only hope I didn’t ruin any shot I have with Georgia.

Because being here on my own, with my kid halfway out the door, I need her more than I ever thought possible.

I want the family that she wanted. I want everything with her.

I only hope I didn’t fuck it up.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

GEORGIA

Iflip through my notes one last time. Everything looks to be in order. I had my replacement come and meet the kids at our morning session. With both Janice and me there, it was easier. Gail will be shadowing me for the next few weeks to ensure a smooth transition.

Sighing, I lean back in my chair and stare at the first few snowflakes drifting down in the darkness. I never minded staying late. I loved being at the ranch. It was my life.

Keyword was.

Then Grant swooped in and changed all of that. I haven’t been able to bring myself to take any of his calls or text with him. Hearing how Luke is doing is hard enough. I want to be there for him, but I don’t know how long I can.

For the first time in a long time, I’m not racing home to anyone. There’s no one making me dinner. Welcoming me home with a kiss and an ear to hear about my day. No teenager to tell me if I’m doing something uncool.

Grant and I were together for a few months, but I fell hard. And now he’s just gone.