Is it presumptuous that I’m thinking how I’d like this to be an everyday occurrence? Zoey in my house, in my pool. The silence that’s been so thick replaced with these sounds instead?
Sure. It’s presumptuous. I doubt that Zoey is any more endeared to me after seeing me at my worst than she was before. I’ve never been able to crack the code of what would impress her.
Still … she came when I texted. And she stayed. She took care of me. Would people normally do that for their boss unless they had some kind of feelings?
“Ready to get out there, champ?” Thayden appears and shoves an armful of towels at me. “I’m headed out. But please update me later. Can’t wait to hear how it all works out.”
“Thanks for nothing,” I call after him.
“I made you coffee! Gave you towels!” he says, just before I hear the front door slam.
The noise has garnered the attention of Zoey and the girl, who are both staring at me wide-eyed. I noticed that Zoey has a black eye, which triggers half a memory. I think we talked about that last night? I can’t quite get it clear.
With a deep breath, I walk out to the pool, my eyes not leaving Zoey’s the whole time.
There’s a look in them I don’t quite understand, one that has disquiet unfurling in my gut. I try to push it away, like the dizziness that’s making spots on my vision. Can’t pass out now.
“Hi,” I say, coming to a stop by the pool’s edge. What a stupid way to start a conversation.
“Hello,” Zoey says in a wobbly voice.
I keep my eyes focused on hers, especially when I realize that her light gray blouse is practically see-through. She must realize that too because she crosses her arms over her chest. The girl has drifted closer to Zoey, looking almost frightened, and when her shoulder brushes Zoey’s, Zoey wraps an arm around her.
I sit down on the nearest chaise lounge, wondering if my height made me more intimidating. I’m also still pretty dizzy.
The silence is palpable with something I can’t quite put my finger on. Clearing my throat, I bounce my gaze between Zoey and the girl.
“I don’t really remember the last day or so. It’s a bit … foggy.”
Except for the part where you ran your fingers through my hair in my bed. I won’t forget that part, even if the edges of the memory are unfocused and hazy.
“If you introduced me, I don’t remember.” I smile down at the girl, who blinks at me with deep brown eyes. “I’m Gavin,” I tell her.
Her eyes find Zoey’s, like she’s asking for permission or help. There is something here that I’m missing, and it’s an uncomfortable feeling, especially when I’m already so off-kilter.
Zoey squeezes the girl a little closer. “Gavin, this is Ella.” She pauses, and it's like I’m blindfolded, waiting for someone to land a blow but unsure where it’s coming from.
“Ella is your daughter.”
Chapter Sixteen
Gavin
I’ve never been sky-diving. But my current level of panic and the drop in my stomach is what I’d imagine feeling the moment after someone pried my fingers off the plane to toss me out.
I have a daughter.
Or do I?
I don’t know Ella’s exact age, but she looks around either eight or nine. She could be mine, but none of this makes any sense. How has Eleanor kept this hidden for so long? And why?
As I’m listening to Eleanor’s phone ring and ring, I realize I’m holding the phone so tightly that I might crush the thing. Voicemail. Again. I mutter a curse under my breath and dial again.
“Still nothing?” Zoey asks.
I shake my head, willing my ex to answer. This is the first time in years I’ve ever wanted to talk with her on the phone. I guess this is more of a need, not a want. I’m definitely not looking forward to this call.
I glance down the hall, where Zoey managed to find Ella’s tablet cord. She’s apparently watching a movie in the guest bedroom.
“You sure she’s okay?” I ask.
Zoey nods, lowering her voice. “I think this whole situation is ridiculously hard. But it doesn’t sound like things were … stable with her mother either.”
I definitely wouldn’t call Eleanor stable. I don’t know if I want to imagine what Ella’s life has been like. As far as I know, Eleanor bounces from bed to bed in posh mansions and lavish estates all over the US and Europe. Did Ella go