Chance Encounter - Jerry Cole Page 0,41

client.”

“I’ve noticed that he hasn’t been around as much.” Ava giggled and threw a piece of pickle onto the floor. She sighed, picking it up. “Are you worried about something happening?”

“No. That isn’t who Gray is. I’m just annoyed since we planned a hike today, and I’m off all day. Who knows how long he’ll be gone?” I gazed at her and sighed. “I was also offered the manager position at work. Ginny is retiring, and they think I’d be perfect. I wanted you to hear it from me before the mouths started going.”

“Wow! That’s huge.” She hugged me over the booth as best as she could, grinning. “Are you going to take it?”

“I think so. The money is good, though my shifts might change and we won’t work together as much. I can’t be in plays like I am now. It’s a big role in the theater.” I sipped my soda and looked at her. “What do you think?”

“I think that you should go for it. Ginny was always happy at work, and you’ll do even better. Maybe it will make more time for you and Gray. Take it!”

I’d been working with Becca for the last seven years at the theater at night. I knew that this new position would change all of that. Hadn’t everything already changed? I was with Gray, navigating a relationship. She was with Mari and had a daughter. Our lives were evolving, and we were drifting away in some forms.

“I think I will. I just feel like we’re changing.” She smiled and reached for my hands across the table.

“I know. I think about that a lot, but we’re not drifting apart. We’re evolving into a family.” She stared at me as I nodded. “We’ve had a real Thanksgiving, and Christmas with real trees. We ate the best food.” She wiped a tear from her eye. “We also spent it together in the same apartment building with the same family.”

“We did.” I agreed as our eyes locked. “I love you, Becca. I don’t want to lose you.”

“I love you, too. You’re not going to lose me. You’re stuck with me, my wife, and our daughter.”

I looked at Ava, who was drinking from a sippy cup and smiling at me. “She’ll do.”

We all laughed and finished eating before going to the park. Ava was taking small steps now, but still needed a lot of help with everything. Becca and I were happy to guide her all over the play area, sliding and swinging. She fell asleep in the stroller on the way home, and we maneuvered her upstairs to bed for her nap. I sent Gray a text, finding out that he was still working. We took our seats and closed our eyes, chatting as I held onto the magic of the day.

I woke up later, finding Becca lying flat on the couch. I felt my phone buzz in my pocket, reaching for it as I yawned. It was Gray.

I’m off. Where are you?

Nap time at Becca’s. Want me to meet you at our place?

I’m going to grab a bite to eat, and I’ll be home in half an hour. I love you.

I love you.

I remained on the soft chair for a few minutes, enjoying the quiet of the apartment. I glanced around to see the toys scattered around the living room, with things in the kitchen that represented Ava. Things had changed, but for the better.

I checked on Ava before leaving, seeing that she was peacefully sleeping in her crib. I locked the apartment door behind me, heading down to see Gray walking into the foyer. “Hey.”

“Hi. They are still sleeping?” He asked, nodding toward the stairs.

“Yes. I’m well-rested if you’d like to get tired enough for a nap,” I suggested, raising my brow.

“Come here.” He kissed me hard before unlocking our door. We walked inside, and he dropped his keys on the counter along with mine.

“So, we should talk.” His eyes darkened as we took seats on the couch.

“Is everything okay?” Gray asked, reaching for my hand.

“Yes. Of course.” I smiled. “I’ve been offered a manager’s position at the theater. Like the guy under the owner kind of manager.”

“That’s great, Hay. Are you going to take it?” He asked, and I smiled.

“I’m thinking about it. It’s a considerable pay raise, but I won’t be able to be on stage, at least not in prominent roles. My shifts might change to oversee the day-to-day stuff.” He sipped his soda, waiting for more.

“I think you should