Page 40 of Meant to Be
Mitch pushed the door open and motioned for her to enter. She walked into a tidy, somewhat sparse living area.
“I bought it from them.” Mitch closed the door. “I got a good deal and seller financing. The guest room is back here.”
She followed him to a small hallway, chastising herself for the twinge of disappointment she felt when he didn’t offer to let her stay in his room, with him. Not that she wanted sex, although, that would be nice. But in his arms, she was safe and secure, and she needed that more than anything.
“The bathroom is to the left, and your room is here.” He switched on a light and carried her bag in, setting it on the bed. “It’s a double, which is better than the two twins that were here when Lexie and I spent one weekend a month here. We loved it. We stayed up late telling each other ghost stories.”
“One weekend a month?” Sydney stepped into the room. Like the living area, it held the basics — a bed, nightstand, and dresser. Sheer white curtains hung over the window. She set her bottle of moonshine and cookies on the dresser.
“My parents never left the honeymoon stage.”
“Ah. They left you here so they could engage in adult activities.”
He nodded. “Lexie and I wonder why we don’t have more siblings. Even today, we’re certain my dad’s lunchtime at home doesn’t involve eating lunch.”
“That’s sweet.” How could he be so anti-commitment with parents who clearly loved each other, even after more than thirty years of marriage?
His phone chirped, ending their conversation just as it was beginning to veer into uncomfortable territory.
“I should check this. It might–It’s Kevin.”
“Yes, of course.” Sydney closed her eyes, sending a silent prayer for good news.
“Kev.” Mitch listened and after a few seconds looked at Sydney.
She searched his eyes, hoping for a sign that it was good news.
“Thank God. I told you she was strong.”
Sydney pressed her hands to her chest as relief flooded her.
“I’ve got some leads. I’ll stop by to see you and Jen tomorrow and let you know what I’ve got. Give Jen a hug from me.” Mitch hung up. “She’s going to be fine.”
“Thank goodness.” Sydney flung herself into Mitch’s arms, relief and happiness filling her. It wasn’t until he stiffened that she realized her error. But before she could pull away, his arms wrapped around her.
She’d wanted to share her joy at the news, but having him hold her while he was still angry with her was a new kind of torture. She wanted to weep. Being in his arms felt warm and safe, like she was where she was supposed to be. But it would never be again.
She extricated herself, with the thought of apologizing for her impulsivity, but decided it would make the moment even more uncomfortable.
As if he understood her awkwardness, he stepped around her to the door. “You can get settled. I’ll put a towel in the bathroom if you want to freshen up.”
She nodded.
“I’ll put these away for you.” He took the cookies and moonshine from the dresser. “When you’re ready, I’ll have them for you.”
She smiled. “Thank you.”
He walked out, leaving the door ajar. She sat on the edge of the bed, willing her scattered thoughts and emotions to settle. Joy, relief, despair, and grief whirled.
Jenny was going to be fine. That was the most important thing.
But the sadness of her situation with Mitch couldn’t be brushed aside. If things had gone differently, this might have been her home with him. She glanced around the room, running her hand over the soft cover of the bed, imagining their child, with bronze hair and green eyes, playing and sleeping there. Maybe they’d be sending their kids to his parents’ house one weekend a month so they could indulge in adult activities.
For years, she’d held onto a kernel of hope that the dream they’d planned would still come true. But now she knew: Mitch would protect her — he might even be friendly to her — but the life they’d dreamed of together would never come to pass.
Pushing thoughts of love, marriage, and family away, she changed into her yoga pants and a T-shirt. It wasn’t sexy, but it was comfortable. She made her way to the bathroom to freshen up, grimacing at the dark circles under her eyes, made more prominent by her pale skin. She splashed cold water on her face, pinching her cheeks to get color in them, and redid her ponytail to recapture stray hairs that had escaped. Deciding she looked as good as she could manage, she left the bathroom and headed to the main living area.
Mitch made noise in the kitchen. “Why don’t you sit and I’ll bring you something to eat.”
