Page 108 of Stay with Me

“Hello,” I answer.

“Hey, listen. Knight is here and he’s looking for you. He seems really worried.”

Welp, I guess going to her place is out of the question. I kind of figure it would be. Otherwise, I would have gone there first.

“Tell him I’m fine. I just need some space to think for a bit.”

I hear him in the background and close my eyes. I cover my stomach with my free hand, wishing he knew why I need this space. I have more to think about this time. An entire life.

“I have to go,” I say to Saga and hang up.

I swipe at my tears and place my phone in the pocket of my sweatpants. Hopefully, I can call my sister and talk to her later.

I blow out a breath and start down the stairs. My mind is fully occupied as I walk down them. I have so many feelings to sort through.

“There she is,” my father croons as I make it to the bottom step.

I look up to find Sheldon standing beside him with a smile on his face. I wait to feel some type of excitement or pull to him. Nothing comes, not even a little spark.

Not that he doesn’t look handsome in his gray suit and brown shoes. He looks sharp and has a nice fresh cut. That smile would probably entice some other woman, but it’s doing nothing for me. Instead, I want to groan and stomp my foot. I can’t seem to catch a break around here.

“It’s good to see you, Reminisce. I was very pleased to hear you were here,” Sheldon says with a smile.

“It’s nice to see you too,” I say politely.

The sound of heels clicking against the floor fills the space telling me my mother has entered the foyer. I glance over at her and take in her expression. She has a frown on her face, looking as if she tastes something sour.

I have to bite down on my lip to keep from laughing. It’s the first real laughter to bubble up inside me in days. I wonder what she has against Sheldon.

My mind goes to how my parents will feel if I chose to be with Knight. My father got over his issues with Saga’s marriage. He and Bishop have become close, it’s all water under the bridge now. I don’t get to fall too far down into that rabbit hole as my mother breaks into my thoughts.

“Reminisce, dear, I was about to get on a conference call with Tessa about that youth center charity. I was hoping you could join me. You’ve always had a mind for details and organizing. I think you’d be a great help,” my mother says as she does her best to school her features.

“Oh, okay,” I say, recognizing the save.

“That’s a shame. I was hoping we could sit and talk for a bit,” Sheldon says with that megawatt smile still in place.

“Maybe next time.”

“Or … I could come back and pick you up for dinner tonight. I feel like it’s been forever since we’ve had a chance to catch up.”

“That sounds great,” my father says as if he’s the one Sheldon asked out.

I have to fight not to roll my eyes. How hard is it to read the room? Damn, Daddy.

“Oh, I’m not sure I’m up for that this evening. I’m not feeling so well.”

“Yes, she’s been suffering with nose bleeds,” mom says as she comes to place a hand on my back and rub it.

I sag into her, so grateful she’s trying to help me out of this. Sheldon looks at me in disappointment. My father looks frustrated.

“I’m sorry to hear that. I do hope you feel better. Let me know if there’s anything I can do,” Sheldon says.

“I’ll give you a call,” I murmur.

“Please do. If you’re feeling better after your call, feel free to ring me. I’ll get us reservations for this evening. Maybe dinner with good company will brighten your health.”

“Ah, well, let’s go to my office,” my father says, leading Sheldon away.

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