Chapter 18
(+28)
I took a deep breath as I calmed myself down; I didn’t want to say something that I would regret later.
I placed the envelope back on the counter and then started talking about my day, wanting to terminate the conversation.
“I have a photoshoot tomorrow, but I’m not sure I was also invited to that book conference, and I can’t miss it; my favorite writer is going to be there.”
“I know what you’re doing.”
“Yes, and also I tasted the wine; it was so good. Did you replace it?”
“We need to have this conversation, Patricia; we leave in three days.”
“What?”
“This is what Dad wanted me to do; I have to do it; I owe it to him.” He said, sounding serious, which made me realize it wasn’t a joke after all.
“Alright.”
“Alright?”
“Yes, you can go; Andreas and I will just be fine.”
“I can’t leave you two here, you know that.”
“Well, we can’t just leave our lives here to go and fulfill your dad’s wish. Andreas just started school, my career is finally going well, and I can’t risk and pause that now.”
“You won’t be pausing anything, and Andreas can attend school right there in Florida; Jane already found good schools for him.” He said–Jane was his assistant. “And most of your readers are from America; being in Florida will benefit you because guess what? I already found a good firm for you to join; I was just waiting for your go–ahead, and then I’ll sign the contract.”
“What contract?”
“A firm was experiencing a financial crisis; I offered to be their partner.”
“And?”
“You can go in my place; it’s a publishing firm; you won’t be disconnected.”
“Richard, you know I–Logan, he-”
“Florida is big; you won’t see him. Trust me, and besides, it’s been four years. I’m sure he doesn’t remember you since you weren’t really, you know what I mean.” He said, making me nod my head; refusing would be selfish of me, not after what he had done for me, and besides, he was right, Florida is a big city; it’s almost impossible to run into Logan, not with his boring schedule, so swallowing my saliva, I told him I would think about it.
He thanked me and then finally kissed my lips before he asked for help setting the table. I quickly got the plates and set the dining table. When it was done, I went to get my son; before we came, we had dinner.
The food was good; one thing about Richard is that he was a good cook. I was also a good cook, but I always loved when he cooked. I mean, Andreas, who always struggled to finish his food, always finished when Richard was the one who prepared it.
1/3
After dinner we watched some cartoons with Andreas; it was a routine where we would spend at least thirty minutes with him. Well, I wasn’t really watching as my mind was on Florida. I knew how important this was to Richard, knowing his complicated relationship with his father, but was I ready to see Logan again? Because let’s be real, Florida might be big, but there was a slight chance of us running into each other. I had to be prepared for that chance.
I was seated there, not realizing that the TV was watching itself, until Richard tapped on my shoulder, asking if I was okay.
“Yes, where’s Andreas?”
“I took him to bed; he fell asleep,” he said, and I nodded before I gave him my hand, got up, and allowed him to lead me to our bedroom.
When we reached in, I hit the shower; he asked to join me, but I refused, telling him I was very tired. After freshening up, I prepared myself for bed, putting on hideous pajamas as I didn’t want him to touch me; I was still in my thoughts.
I found Richard seated on the chair in front of the computer. He seemed to be in a meeting. Yes, he had so many companies abroad that it was without a doubt that he was in a meeting with one of them. Well, I thanked the heavens before I made quiet steps toward the bed, and slipping out of my slippers, I got in bed and gave myself work by counting sheep so I could easily fall asleep. Yes, it was a child’s trick, but it always worked with me, so I used it.
***
“I think you should do it. I mean, it’s not like you have anything to lose. I don’t mean to be rude, but Richard has sacrificed a lot for you and your son. If there’s a way to repay him, then I say it’s through this one.” Renea said, and I sighed, then walked to the fridge and pulled out a bottle of water.
I took a glass, and after pouring into it, I told her she was right before sipping on the glass.
“It’s been four years; I am sure he has moved on.”
“We have a son, Renea; that’s the only thing that worries me. I never told him about Andreas. What if he asks for custody? What if he takes my son from me?”
“He won’t. I mean, as far as everyone is concerned, Andreas is Richard’s son.”
“You have seen Logan; you know even Andreas himself would tell he’s the father the way they resemble each other,” I said, and when Renea nodded, I took the bottle of water and gulped it down, trying to calm my beating heart. I don’t know if this was a curse, but the way Andreas resembled Logan was out of this world; it’s like they were twins.
“I understand, but Richard will protect you; just give it a thought, Patricia. I know Richard, and he wouldn’t be asking you to do this if it weren’t important.”
“I know, but why can’t he go without us?”
“You know that man doesn’t go anywhere without his family.” She rolled her eyes, which made me nod. Richard has given up so much to try and be here for us–Andreas especially since I’ve focused on my career that instead of me being a wife, Richard had turned into the wife because if anything happens to Andreas and they call me, I would always be busy, so Richard always went.
He’s even the one who attended his parents‘ meetings, who registered him to school, and who took him to the parks and had ice cream with him because I was so focused on making money. I always had this feeling of someone showing up. I mean, after my experience with Logan, I didn’t blame myself for it, but now I was seeing it was too much.
I’ve built a fanbase, I had a successful company, and money wasn’t a problem, so stepping away for a little won’t affect me. Thinking of that made me get my phone while Renea crossed her fingers.
“Love, Is everything okay?” Richard picked up the first ring. I didn’t understand how this man always picked up my calls
2/3
when he was at work.
“Yes, I’m calling to tell you I’ve made a decision.”
“You don’t have to rush it, love, 1-”
“We are leaving for Florida in two days.” I cut him off, leaving no room for argument.
