Page 97 of Play With Me

“Don’t ask. You don’t want to know. I miss you. Please don’t be upset with me, Lola. I’m truly sorry, and I’m not sure I can take another blow today.”

“Brook, we’re okay.”

After a longer pause, he cleared his throat, asking, “How are you feeling?”

“Well, I have some good news and some bad news. Which one do you want first?”

“Let’s start with the good for a change.”

“I have a stomach flu.”

“Crap, Lola. I’m almost afraid to ask for the bad news.”

“As soon as I’m well, I have to go up to Alaska with Eddie. His parents passed away, and I have to help him with selling the land and the house then settling the estate. I’m afraid this may take a while, Brook.” The lie burned in my throat, but in the long run, if I remained at home and listened to the doctor, it would be worth it.

“I’ll come out to see you there.” His voice was desperate, and I worried if we stayed on the phone for too long, I’d break apart. I’d tell him the truth and he’d rush here, leaving his sick brother and his family behind. Then he’d hover over me for the rest of my life. As good as that actually sounded, I needed time now. Time and rest.

“What about Sophie and school? She needs you. And I’ll be back before you know it.”

I hated steering him away, but I didn’t have a choice. If he knew I was home, he’d come by, and I couldn’t risk the questions. I couldn’t risk looking him in the eye and telling him the truth.

“I’ll send help for Eddie. Does he need a moving company or a realtor? You can’t do this on your own.”

“Brook, I’ll be fine. Solar panel, remember? We’ll both be fine, and I’ll see you soon. I promise.”

After a longer pause and a sigh, he finally agreed. “All right. Stay in touch, please?”

“The area is remote. I’m not sure we’ll have signal. I just don’t want you to worry if I don’t call, but I’ll be fine. I’ll try to make it back after the new year, though. By mid-January, for sure. I promised Sophie I’d be there for her birthday.”

I was asking for a lot, but I also knew that Brook had a lot of shit to deal with and he’d be busy. After a longer moment, he agreed for the second time.

“All right. I’m going to hold you to that, Lola. If I don’t see you or hear from you by mid-January, I’m sending an army to Alaska.”

I’ll take that!

“And I’ll hold you to that. Can you do me a favor? Can you hug Sophie for me?”

“Of course. I love you, Lola. I’ll see you soon.”

“I’ll see you soon.”

We hung up, and I lowered my hand to my stomach.

“It’s okay, sweetheart. Your daddy will know about you soon, but Mommy’s going to keep you all to herself for a little while longer. Just until I know that you’re safe.”

I wasas hormonal as a woman in her first trimester could get. Most days, I slept on the downstairs couch with a book in my hand, then took long walks along the shoreline. For the first time in ages, I took the time to enjoy the house and even clean out some of Sebastian’s things from the attic. I was feeling great, and our baby was safe since my IUD, which had obviously failed me, was removed. When the doctor gave me the green light to take a trip, I hopped in my car and drove straight to the Madden family cabin, where Brook and his family were celebrating Christmas.

I gently knocked on the front door, glancing behind me to where Eddie was waiting in his car. I’d told him I’d get him a bottle of fresh moonshine if he came out on a ride with me. Okay, I’d pretty much used him as a scapegoat, but I had to see Brook and Sophie. Mary opened the door and urged me inside.

“Come in, come in. The quiet room you asked for is to my left, and I didn’t tell anyone you’re coming. I’ll call in Sophie.”

“Thank you, Mary.”

I paced back and forth, biting my nails. It seemed that everyone was gathered in the family room. The cottage felt warm and homey, and I wished I could stay for longer than a few minutes.

Expecting Sophie to come soon, I placed my finger on my lips and lowered myself to the ground. As soon as the door opened, she ran to me and threw her arms around my neck, locking me in. “I missed you so much.”

It would take all the strength I had to leave this little one tonight, but if all went well, I’d see her again in just over two weeks, for her birthday.

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