Page 62 of Sold To My Ex's Dad

“Ah, you know, just thought I’d try out a new look for the summer,” I quip, motioning toward my leg. “It’s all the rage on TikTok.” It’s lame, I know, but it breaks the ice a little, drawing a reluctant smile from Caleb.

He relaxes slightly, finding a spot to sit at the edge of a chair. “Been staying with a friend in Queens,” he explains when I probe about his whereabouts. It’s vague, but it’s more than I’ve heard in days.

The conversation edges toward the incident, Caleb’s tone turning cynical. “You know, Dad, they’ve made dozens of movies about how dealing with the mob can be bad news. Maybe you should have watched a couple,” he jests, a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth.

I can’t help but laugh; the sound rougher than I intended. “Yeah, maybe a classic film or two would’ve clued me in,” I shoot back, the humor a welcome respite from the strain.

We both chuckle, the sound welcome against the beeping of machines around us. It feels good to laugh with my son again, even if it’s shadowed by the weight of recent events.

“Really though,” I start, “it was supposed to be just business. Luca liked the food and liked the privacy. I never wanted any ...” My voice trails off, the reality of how quickly things spiraled out of control pressing in.

Caleb nods, his expression sobering. “I get it, Dad. It’s just a lot to take in, you know?” His eyes meet mine, and there’s a depth there, a new understanding.

I nod, feeling the tension in the room easing slightly. "I'm sorry, son. I never wanted things to get this messy," I confess, the raw honesty clear in my voice.

Caleb shifts, his posture relaxing as he meets my gaze again. "I know you didn't plan for any of this," he admits, his voice steadier now. "I acted out because I was hurt, but I shouldn't have disappeared. That’s on me."

The air between us feels lighter, a mutual understanding taking the place of the previous chill. "Look, things are changing," I continue, my tone firm yet open. "You’re going to have siblings soon. I’d really like for you to be a part of their lives."

He pauses, considering my words, then nods, a slow, deliberate motion. "I can’t imagine not being around for them," he says, sincerity lacing his words. "It’s going to be weird, sure, but I’m willing to make it work. For them, and for us."

Pride swells in my chest, a surge of relief flooding through me. "That means a lot. More than you know," I say, extending my arms toward him.

He steps forward, and we embrace, the hug firm and forgiving, a physical mending of the fractures between us. As we pull away, there’s a smile on his face, mirrored by my own.

As Caleb glances out the window, he shakes his head. "I drove by Savor. It looks rough. What’s the plan, Dad?"

“I'm not quite sure yet. Still figuring that out. Got any bright ideas?” I ask, trying to draw him into a conversation about the future.

Before he can answer, the door swings open. A pretty young doctor with dark hair and big brown eyes about Caleb's age steps in. "Mr. Spellman, I need to conduct a quick checkup," she announces, her voice firm yet friendly.

Caleb's mood visibly brightens at the sight of her, the ruins of Savor momentarily forgotten.

The doctor does a check of my vitals and declares that I need to get as much rest as I can.

As she goes to leave the room, Caleb shoots his shot. "Hey, is there anywhere good to grab a bite around here?" he asks, more perked up than I’ve seen him in a long time.

She laughs lightly, a sound that seems to linger in the suddenly warmer room. "Actually, the food court on the second floor isn't bad," she suggests, her eyes twinkling with a hint of amusement.

Putting on his most charming smile, Caleb asks, “Would you mind showing me the way?”

The doctor smiles and nods. “Sure. I’m about to grab some lunch myself. Follow me.”

“Great, thanks. I’m Caleb, by the way.”

“Amy,” she replies.

Throwing me a quick smile over his shoulder, Caleb follows the pretty young doctor out of my room.

I let out a slow breath. Whatever is next for Savor, Caleb, and me feels positive, like there are fresh new beginnings just around the corner.

Epilogue I

Patrick

Five months later…

As we step into the newly minted space of our Upper East Side venture, I feel a rush of anticipation. The smell of fresh construction fills the air. Allie, her pregnancy making her glow even more, waddles alongside me, her excitement tangible.

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