Page 216 of Goodbye Note

How did she know?

“Yes…,” I said.

She wiggled and hopped out of my arms. “Is my dad on tour with you?”

“He is.” Arik held back a laugh.

“How do you know he’s not on tour with me?” I asked.

“You’re not cool. No one even listens to your music anymore, but Arik’s song is on the radio.”

“Wow. My kid thinks you’re cooler.” I didn’t know whether I should laugh or cry.

“I mean, I am, but that aside, no kid thinks their parents are cool.” Arik winked.

“‘Cause he’s not,” Nova said.

“I like your kid already.” Arik knocked his shoulder into mine.

Nova narrowed her eyes. “Are you two friends?”

“We are.” Arik gave her his big rock star smile.

“You’re pulling my leg!” She turned to me.

“I’m not. Arik and I have been best friends for a long time.”

“Then how come I don’t know him? He’s never been to our house. He’s never come to my birthday parties. You don’t have any pictures with him.” Nova started checking things off her fingers.

“She has a good point. Why have I never been to your house?” Arik asked, like an asshole.

“Don’t you start,” I said before turning back to Nova. “He’s super-busy being on the radio. Tell him he needs to make more time for his best friend.”

Arik’s mouth dropped open.

“Not a good look, bro,” Nova said to Arik. “I need to get my backpack and you have to get my suitcase, daddy.”

When I turned toward the SUV, Lindsay stood with her arms crossed, and I could see in her eyes that she knew.

FIFTY-NINE

VARIAN

“I can’t believe you’re going back to him.”

“You left me. Why are you mad? Do you think I just don’t deserve happiness, either?” I loved this argument. I couldn’t win with anyone.

“No, because you couldn’t give it to me.”

“We never should have been together. I’ve always loved him.” I wanted her to get it and just be happy for me.

“Are you saying you regret our child?”she asked, faking horror.

I sighed. “I’d never say that. It has nothing to do with loving her. But you and I don’t fit. We can’t. I’ve always loved him.”

“You’re so stupid. He’s just going to break you again, and this time, I won’t be there to pick up the pieces.” Tears welled up in her eyes.

“I’ll take that risk to be happy.”

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