Page 65 of Waiting to Love You

Although this isn’t how I planned for today to end, I can’t say I’m disappointed. I may not have told my girl how much I cared for her, but I found out I have a daughter. Who could ask for anything more?

Now I just have to hope that I can be the man they both need.

Chapter 18

Bristol

Ipull out my phone for the millionth time today, open my messages, and sigh. Still nothing from Seth. Wanting to let him know I’m thinking about him, I open up a new message and type.

Bristol

Hope you’re doing okay. Did you start work at the station yet? Maybe we can grab coffee or something. No pressure.

“Desperate much?” I mumble to myself as I set my phone down on the counter.

It's been almost a week since Seth found out about Rebekah, and I haven’t heard a peep from him. I understand he needs some time to cool off and wrap his head around being a father. I just thought that after a few days, he would calm down and at least contact me, but he hasn’t. I gave in two days ago and sent him a text message just asking how he was doing, but he never replied. Every time my phone chimes, signaling a new message, I jump, but it’s never him. I wonder if it will ever be him again.

“Still nothing from Seth?” Audrey says from behind me as she wraps her arm around my shoulder, her eyes motioning toward my phone on the counter.

“Nothing. It shows that he read my text, but he hasn’t bothered to respond.” I grab it and shove it into my bag underneath the counter, crossing my arms. “He could’ve at least messaged me and told me to fuck off or something. The silence is killing me.”

“I’m sure he’s just trying to work through his feelings. It’s a big deal finding out that you have a daughter you knew nothing about,” Audrey answers with a knowing smile.

Not wanting to have the same conversation we’ve been having for almost a week, I change the subject. “I need a coffee. Want anything?”

“Nah. Seli and I are having lunch when I get out of here.”

“Mind if I tag along?” I ask as I reach under the counter and grab my bag.

“Sure. We’re meeting Vance and Connor,” she responds brightly, and I cringe.

My heart aches at the thought of being around my friends and their significant others. I never used to be jealous of my friends, but now that I’ve had a taste of how things could be between Seth and me, I miss it. My heart yearns to have someone stand behind me and support me when I feel as if my entire world is falling apart. Too bad that person may never want to speak to me again.

“Suit yourself.” Audrey twirls her hair around her finger, deep in thought. “Maybe we can grab dinner later this week. Give Leia a call. I’m sure she could use a break from everything going on with her dad.”

“That’s an understatement,” I grumble, reaching for my phone, but I stop myself.

Mr. Armstrong isn’t doing well. Leia hasn’t shared all the details about what happened when he fell, but what she has shared with us isn’t good. By some miracle, her father has agreed to turn over Tranquility Retreat to her, but only if she finds a husband.

“She has the solution to her problem, but she doesn’t want to take it.” Audrey jokes as I shake my head.

“If only it were that simple,” I reply as my phone vibrates across the counter.

I dive toward it, almost knocking it off the counter. My shoulders tighten as I flip the phone over but immediately release when I see a text from my mom.

Mom

Hey, baby. Rebekah and I were out for a walk and stopped at Just the Drip for a snack. Want to join us?

Bristol

Let me check with Audrey, but I think I can make it happen.

I smile at the phone before turning to Audrey. “My mom brought Rebekah for a visit.”

“Go. I’ll text Seli and let her know I’ll be running late for lunch.”

“Love you.” I smile at her over my shoulder before heading out the door. Thankfully, most of the classes for the day are finished, and I can run and hide for a little while.

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