Page 41 of Unexpected Love

Chapter Thirteen

Chloe

I walk into the coffee shop by work and get in line. It’s been two weeks since Joe surprised me, and I freaking miss him. Our dates over the two weeks have been phone calls, texts, and video chats. Sometimes we’ll Facetime and just watch TV together. One time he watched me put together a bracelet.

While he was at his parents for dinner, he Facetimed me, and I got to say hi to his mom and dad, his brother and sisters, and of course his niece and nephews. They’re so adorable, and I loved watching Joe with them. Of course I’d never say that it made me a little sad because he would’ve been a great father to our baby.

Last week, Violet texted me, checking in to see how I was doing. Per my request, she sent me a picture of her and her baby belly. She was positively glowing, and her husband is way hot—they looked so happy. Then she shocked the shit out of me.

Violet: I have something I’m going to email you, but you can’t tell Joe. He’d kill me if he found out.

Chloe: What is it? You’re scaring me?

Violet: Oh it’s nothing bad. Five years ago duringa dance recital we did a special dance for our grandma and well…Just watch the video?

I grabbed my laptop and opened my email. Violet’s email was at the top, and I opened it, clicking on the video link. Tay Tay appears on the stage and introduces the grandkids. “Uptown Funk” plays, and I watch Daisy and Haddie dance around the stage. Then Cari, Lilah, and Abby come out and immediately start dancing.

The big finish comes up, and Violet and…Oh my God, it’s Joe. He and Violet tap dance around the stage, and then they’re joined by everyone else. I couldn’t believe how good he was and was in awe of the way he could look so light on his feet considering how big he is. I closed the lid to my laptop and picked up my phone.

Chloe: OH…MY…GOD!!! I know he’s your cousin, but he’s so hot and he can dance.

Violet: I knew you’d love it. He’s a natural dancer, but he’s always been too cool to do it. I’m serious though don’t tell him you saw that. He tried to destroy all evidence, but I couldn’t let that happen?

Chloe: I promise I’ll never let Joe know I saw it. Love you girlie!

Violet: Love you too. Kiss everyone there for me.

I would never tell Violet that I watched his part multiple times later that night and made sure to save it under a fake title.

Work has been great. Hailey’s been on vacation, so I haven’t had to deal with her. I’ve designed one engagement ring and have another that I’ll be starting next week. I reach the counter and order my skinny vanilla latte. My phone dings while I wait for my drink.

It’s a text from Joe.

Joe: I just wanted to tell you good morning, I miss you and I can’t stop thinking about you.

A fluttering feeling begins in my belly, and I can’t help but smile, but that’s no different than any other time he calls, messages, or whatever. I’m falling in love with him, and I’m terrified. The odds are not in our favor, but I can’t stop even if we should. I keep waiting for him to break things off for someone his age, but he seems to be into this whole hog.

Chloe: Good morning, I miss you too and I’m ALWAYS thinking about you.

Joe: Next weekend do you think you could come down here? My mom wants to have you over for dinner and a buddy of mine is having a party and I want you to meet some of my friends.

Chloe: I think I could swing that. This is a good time of year for me to do stuff on the weekends. Carter has a lot going on with his marching band so his weekends tend to be too busy to book any gigs.

Joe: Perfect. I can’t wait to fucking see you. I have to get to work but I’ll talk to you later.

Chloe: Be safe <3 <3

My name is called, and I thank them as I grab my drink. As I head toward the door, I hear my name being called. It’s Elizabeth…fucking great. I don’t really want to deal with this right now, especially before I head to work.

“Hey, Elizabeth, how are you?” I can be polite even if I want to kick something or someone.

“I’m good, but I’ve been worried about you. I want to explain something. I never told my sister what you said—she overheard me tell Reggie what progress I thought you were making, and she twisted it around. I would never betray your trust like that. I’m sad that you think I would, but I can understand why you’d think that.

“Chloe, Hailey’s in rehab. She’s not on vacation. We’ve been desperate for her to get help for a while. I hope you’ll consider coming back to the group.”

Wow, I wasn’t expecting that, and it makes me sad that Hailey was battling demons and I had no clue. “Thank you for telling me that. I really hope she’s getting the help she needs, and I’ll think about coming back.”

“Thank you, and I hope I see you soon.” I watch her walk out of the coffee shop and can only shake my head and then head to work.

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