Page 103 of Riding the High

I just close my eyes and sit there in the knowledge that I wouldn’t think twice about moving into Cole’s house the way he and Mabel have moved right into my heart.

CHAPTER FORTY-NINE

Ginger

Ipace around the house at five minutes to one, making sure everything is ready. I’ve baked her favorite cookies, straightened up her room and bought her a new stuffy to be Cowey’s friend. The little golden retriever sits patiently in the center of her bed.

I’m doing anything to keep moving. Anything to shut my mind off.

Cole brandedmyinitial into his skin. I think back to the end of that summer. CeCe left for Seattle the day after Cole came home from Grosvenor. I brought Brock to the ranch for her going-away party. I think back to the way Cole was with me then, curt and fleeting. I thought it was because he was upset with me for kissing him. I’d been so mortified after that night. We’d had no contact. Then he went back to school and, by Christmas, Gemma was pregnant with Mabel. I think about how long he’s held all of this in as I straighten up Mabel’s bed for the third time.

I hear the car door shut and I’m in the foyer before the front door is even open, holding the stuffed dog. Then Mabel is in my arms and a sense of peace washes over me. I squeeze her tight, her new toy wedged between us. I’m so excited to see her I don’teven realize it’s Gemma delivering her back until I hear her clear her throat.

I stand up.

“Mommy came to have lunch at the cottage and rode back with us,” Mabel tells me.

Convenient. Doesn’t visit her for more than a few hours all through the week but comes to bring her home. If I had to guess why, I’d say it’s so that Gemma can see what’s going on here.

My suspicions are confirmed when Mabel finishes chatting animatedly about the week, Sara Ann, and how much she loves her new dog.

“It’s until Daddy breaks down and gets you a real one,” I tell her as I rustle her hair.

She grins up at me and my heart swells. It’s amazing how much I missed this child over the last eight days. A pang of fear hits my heart when I remind myself I have no idea what the future holds. Cole’s words this morning were strong, but once I don’thaveto be here, will everything change between us?

“Making yourself right at home, Ginger?” Gemma asks as Mabel heads to her room to start putting away her things.

I turn to face her, and it’s taking everything I have to not verbally pummel her, but Mabel is in the next room and I won’t do that with her here.

“For the summer, yes,” I say.

Gemma nods. “That’s good. Don’t get too attached now. You’ll be back to your own side of the tracks soon enough, and Cole will do what Cole seems to do best lately.”

I narrow my eyes. I may not be ready to get into it with her but I certainly won’t tolerate her insulting Mabel’s father while she’s in the house. I move closer. Close enough to smell her flowery perfume and the faint hint of weed.

“And that would be?” I ask, low enough that there’s no way Mabel can hear from the next room.

She smirks at me.

“You know,” she says. “I heard he hasn’t made any trips to Lexington in a while. I wonder why?”

She winks and I flex my palms, digging my nails into them to control my anger. I shrug.

“If you knew him, you might know why. But you don’t.” I lean in a little closer and whisper, “Lucky for him.”

“Oh, sweet naive Ginger,” she says with a laugh, tightening her half-up bob in its hairclip. “This one’s gonna sting, babe,” she continues before calling, “Bye Mabey-babey! See you one night next week.”

“Bye Mommy,” Mabel singsongs from her room.

It says everything to me, but nothing to Gemma, that Mabel doesn’t even bother to come out and give her mother a hug goodbye. She’s become indifferent to not seeing her.

Gemma turns and heads for the door.

“Oh, and Gingey. I’ll see you tonight. Brent is such a strong supporter of your dad,” she says, and then she’s gone, leaving me stunned. I push her from my mind and focus on Mabel.I will not let Gemma get to me.

“Mabel!” I call.

Mabel tiptoes out of the living room.

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