Page 102 of Juniper Hill (The Edens 2)

But Drake . . .

He wouldn’t resemble me either. He didn’t have my blood. He’d never share my DNA. And I didn’t give a damn. Drake was mine in a way Jadon never had been.

I set the phone down on the table. “He’s cute as

ever. Growing fast.”

“Too fast.” She glanced toward the main doors, curiosity written on her face, but she didn’t ask about Memphis or Drake. “The restaurant is lovely. It’s very . . . you.”

“It’s been an adventure. But it’s nice to be home. Be close to family.”

“That’s great.” Her smile didn’t reach her eyes.

“Why’d you really come?”

She dropped her gaze, unable to look at me as she spoke. “I think about you. About us. About what we might have been if I hadn’t messed it all up.”

“Why did you? Why did you keep the truth from me for so long?” It was the question I hadn’t asked before I’d left San Francisco. There’d been too much raw pain and I hadn’t wanted her excuses. Her explanations.

Gianna’s eyes were glassy when she finally faced me. “I was afraid you’d leave.”

“I wouldn’t have. Not if you had told me from the start.”

“Then maybe because I didn’t want to give up the fantasy. I wanted to pretend and the longer I pretended, the harder it was to admit the truth.”

“So you came here to . . . what?”

“To apologize.” She gave me a sad smile. “I am sorry. So, so sorry.”

“You told me before I left.”

“It still rings true.” She lifted a shoulder. “And I just thought maybe we could talk. Eat dinner together. Drink our favorite red wine. Catch up. When your name came up, I volunteered for this assignment. I thought it might be . . . It doesn’t matter what I thought.”

No, it didn’t. There would be no second chances. I didn’t want one.

“I’ll plug in the extension cord.” I swiped up the end and dragged it to the nearest wall, fitting it in the outlet. When I returned to the staged area, Gianna had her camera in hand and clicked the button, the shutter snapping as she tested the light.

After a few adjustments, she had me sit at the table, relaxed and casual in the chair. Then she had me stand and balance a fork on my index finger. She took a few shots where I stared at the camera. Some where I looked to the wall.

“I think that’s enough for in here,” she said. “Let’s head to the kitchen next.”

“Want some help moving equipment?” I asked.

“No, that’s okay. I’ve got it.”

“Then I’ll be right back.” I walked past her and out the doors to the lobby, searching the space for Memphis. But except for Mateo, it was empty.

“She ran to Lyla’s for a coffee.” Mateo pointed to the large windows that overlooked the street.

When I’d asked this morning, Memphis had told me to wear my normal jeans and a black thermal. One step outside, I wished I had grabbed a coat. The cold was like a blast sinking to my core.

Thankfully, I didn’t have to walk far. Ten steps in the direction of Eden Coffee and Memphis came down the sidewalk. Drake was bundled in his parka, the red puffy coat nearly the same shade as the tip of his nose.

“What are you doing?” she asked. “Where’s your coat?”

“Inside.” I took her elbow and we retreated to the hotel. But instead of returning to Knuckles, I pulled her straight for the fireplace to warm up.

“Are you done?” She looked past my shoulder, probably for Gianna.