Page 70 of Pucking Fate

“That’s not…” she starts then she sits up, kneeling between my legs. “Promise me you’ll be honest with me if anything happens with another woman.”

“I promise. Now, will you promise me that you won’t assume I’m keeping shit from you if I don’t confess to any hookups?”

“I’ll try,” Maya replies, which is all I can hope for at the moment until time helps build up her trust in me. “You should go. Text me when you get home, even if it’s late.”

“Sure, thing,” I easily agree. Before I leave her, I tell her, “Just to warn you, Preston gave me your checking account numbers.”

“Why would he do that?”

“Because I wanted to make a transfer. Just a little spending money for you and Finley…”

“Christian, no!”

“It’s too late, it’s done. Buy a house, save it for his college fund if you want, but it’s there if you need anything.”

With a heavy sigh, she says, “Thank you. Even though it’s completely unnecessary.”

It is necessary, though. I want to support my family and she’s being stubborn about it.

Then, with a sigh of my own, I get up and get dressed because it really is getting late.

Giving Maya one last soft kiss on her lips, I leave her.

30

Maya

Christian kept his promise, calling Finley every night to talk on video so they can see each other. Then we flirt a little once he’s tucked into bed.

I knew I was going to miss him, but I had no idea it would hurt so much.

Finley’s handling the separation better than I am, likely thanks to the daily calls and my intentionally scheduled playdates with his friends.

But one week apart is too long for me. That’s why we made the five-hour drive down today, the first Friday after training week.

Finley skips ahead of me, his tiny sneakers scraping against the pavement, obviously happy our long car ride is over as we approach Elle’s salon, our first stop since getting into town other than lunch and a bathroom break. His excitement at seeing Preston and Christian tonight is palpable.

For the millionth time, I second-guess surprising everyone this weekend, hoping Elle and Preston won’t mind our visit. If they have plans, Finley and I can always get a hotel room for two nights.

And Christian, well, part of me wanted to surprise him for a different reason, to see if he’s keeping his promise. I still can’t believe he dumped two million dollars into my checking account as if it was “a little spending money” for me and Finley. I refuse to touch a cent of it, though, leaving it for Finley to use for college one day.

Elle’s shop is so cute and girly, all pretty in pink, exactly what I imagined as I push open the door, making a bell jingle in greeting.

Elle’s standing behind an older gray-haired lady, a brush in one hand, hair dryer in the other. When she glances up and sees us, she raises both straight up in the air.

“Finley! Maya! You’re here!” Her smile is warm and genuine, which is a relief, as she powers off the dryer.

“We’re here,” I agree, unable to help my own grin.

“Aunt Ellie!” Finley exclaims, using his nickname for Elle as he runs over and throws his arms around her waist. He also bestows the title on her for the first time as she puts down the brush and hair dryer to hug him back.

“Oh, I’ve missed you, cutie. Preston has too,” she tells him.

The rest of the salon is buzzing with activity, the usual sounds of hair dryers and chatter filling the space from the other side where a brunette is clipping a client’s damp hair.

“I just had to come see your shop,” I tell her. “It’s so cute! I’m sorry to drop in unannounced, though. We’ll let you get back to work and catch up with you tonight, if that’s okay?”

“No, stay! I’m almost finished up and then I’m free for the next hour. There are restrooms in the back and a sitting area with some snacks if you can wait?”

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