Page 43 of Just a Distraction

I sit in the one across from her. “I bet that’s hard.”

“At least I work in the same building.”

Callum takes a teetering step towards me and climbs onto the sofa. He half stumbles, half sits into my lap, facing his mother.

“Okay, then,” she says. “We’re doing this.” Her smile is brilliant as she eases into a comfortable position on the couch, mirroring mine.

“He’s cute, Rose.”

“I know. He’s hands down the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.” The affection in her eyes does something to my insides.

“How was work?” I ask.

Something of a hesitation flashes across her face before she brightens in a smile. “Really good. My new hires are stepping up and doing well. And everyone on my schedule showed up. None of the guests complained about anything, so that’s a win.”

“That’s a big win.” I nod in agreement and tilt my head as Callum starts talking. It sounds like gibberish to me, but he’s pointing across the way. “Is that right, Callum?” I ask. “And what else?” He tilts his head up to look me in the eyes and then smiles, his chubby cheeks rising up nearer to his large dark eyes.

“Twuff,” he says, pointing again.

“Truck? Do you see a truck outside?” I ask.

“Truck!” Rose exclaims. “He’s been saying that over and over again since yesterday, but I didn’t see any trucks, so I had no idea.” She appraises me. “How do you know baby speak so fluently?”

“I do have a four-year-old niece, so . . .” I shrug, as if that explains it. The truth is, though, I wasn’t around Navie, Henry and Quinn’s daughter, much when she was first learning to speak. I was at Columbia University, and they lived in California. And then there was the divorce. None of us really saw her much for the year her parents were apart.

“I heard you have a lot of brothers. But whose child is it?”

“Navie. She’s Henry’s little girl. Henry’s the third son. Or . . . well . . . it’s complicated. We found out my dad had another son before he met and married our mom. So, technically, I guess that makes Henry the fourth son. Still getting used to that.”

“So, Sebastian’s not actually the oldest?” She traps her bottom lip in her teeth. “Sorry, I can’t help but be curious.”

“We Tates tend to generate some curiosity.” And it hasn’t always been welcome, with the amount of money my dad has from his finance company and now Sebastian’s huge success in the resort industry.

“No, I mean, it’s not because you’re the Tates.” She dips her head and reaches over to brush her hand along Callum’s cheek. “It’s because, you know, I’d like to know more about you.”

A warmth spreads along my chest. “Did you get my letter?”

“Yes.” Her eyes search mine. “Thank you. It was very . . . well, I loved it.”

I’d ended up finishing that fourth attempt far too late last night, the version I’d settled on hoping to strike a balance of being clear on how I feel—I’d still love to date her. Finding out she has a son doesn’t change that—and, I hope, a vibe of friendship, since I know that’s what she wants.

I shrug. “I wanted you to know that I like that you’re a mom. It’s cool. And it doesn’t really change how I see you. Not that it would.”

It also doesn’t change how I feel about you,although I don’t add that. I said as much in the letter. But now things are in her court. She can do nothing, which I have a feeling is going to be the case for a while. Maybe forever.

“I appreciate that. And you’re great. You really are. In another life, I’d be all over it.” She giggles, her face flushing. “Not it as in . . .” She waves me away and fans her face. “Sorry! Let’s talk about something else.” She clears her throat. “And now that you know about the most important man in my life—” She points to Callum. “—I feel much better. I never liked the thought of keeping him a secret.”

“No, I know. You were just protecting him.”

“You mentioned something in your letter about the elephant in the room.” She won’t meet my gaze.

“The kiss.”

She places both hands at her neck. “It sounds juvenile. But I liked what you said. About it haunting your dreams.” She laughs. “Glad it was in a good way.”

“You know it’s true.”

She pauses, searching my face. “Anyway, I guess if you put it that way, I’d have to say it’s haunted my dreams, too. I just never thought I’d see you again after that night.”

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