Page 34 of Lost Times

She cut in again. “Nope, no buts. If you’re happy and he’s genuinely interested in being in both of your lives, then I say go for it.”

Just like I’d hoped, her words wiped away the doubts, and I relaxed fully onto the sheets again. “Thanks, I was already mostly in agreement with that but you know that sometimes I just need someone else to confirm what I already know.”

She hummed. “Of course, now tell me how it was! I want the details!”

I snorted, eyeing the door he’d left out of not that long ago. “I sincerely doubt a private person like him is going to appreciate me telling you those details, so you’ll just have to live with the basics.”

She grumbled but didn’t argue, so I continued. “I’m still pleasantly buzzing, and he’s getting pajamas and work clothes for tomorrow, so he can stay the night.”

And I couldn’t wait to finally go to sleep with someone wrapped around me. I hadn’t realized how much I wanted that until it was within reach.

A low noise brought me back to the present and she cooed. “You two sound so cute. He’s already staying the night, and I’m ecstatic for you! I know you’ve wanted what Robby and I have for years.”

I winced, clearing my throat. “Was I that obvious?” I asked and she sighed.

“A bit, yeah, but that’s okay. We knew you’d find someone eventually; you’re too amazing not to.”

The words squeezed my heart and I smiled. “Thanks, I’m glad you have him too. You two fit perfectly and always have.” I was happy for them, I always had been, but until now there’s also been that shard of envy.

For the first time in years, that shard disappeared, and Naomi beamed.

“Thanks! Maybe we can plan our fair day with him too?”

Oh, to be honest, with everything else going on, I’d completely forgotten about that. A bite of guilt hit, and I hesitated, remembering how busy he always was.

“I’m not sure if he’ll have time to join us. He works an insane amount of hours.” All because of those parents of his.

My happy mood soured at the memory, and I scowled. What kind of parents encouraged their son to work himselfthatmuch? He deserved to have time to relax and unwind like anyone else!

I couldn’t step in, though. I could only be here to help when the exhaustion I’d seen became too much. It didn’t feel like nearly enough, but it would have to be.

Maybe Jasmine and I could coerce him into coming here for dinner; then it’d be easier to show him that his life didn’t have to be all work and no play.

“Ah, that’s understandable. Poor Robby has been run ragged lately from his work too. Well, if he can make it, then all the better. I’m going to head out and leave you to your eye candy. Havefun.” She sang the last word before hanging up, and I shook my head.

Typical Naomi.

Sneaking a glance at the clock, I settled further into the bed and sighed blissfully. I could only hope things stayed this nice, at least for a while.

Chapter 14

Ludwig

I’d heard the term ‘walking on air’ thrown around before, but never had I come close to feeling it. Until now.

My skin still tingled everywhere Thalia had brushed, blood rushing just a bit faster through my veins as the lonely ache I’d dealt with over the years finally eased.

Just like back in that bar all those years ago, I felt alive, and now I’d get to feel it regularly.

Giddy excitement flashed through me and I bit back a smile, gathering my clothes absentmindedly. The cold and sterile house didn’t bother me as much as usual, my attention was too focused on the women now in my life.

I’d have to make time in my schedule for Thalia and Jasmine, not an easy task at all, but they were worth it.

They deserved better than never seeing me, so I’d have to find a way to be there. I still wouldn’t make it to the majority of Jasmine’s school events–why they always had them on weekdays was beyond me–but at least I could plan ahead and spend time with them in other ways.

“You’re not fit to be a parent, but if you insist on playing the part, then only time will tell. Don’t let your new parenthood status affect the company”.

Father’s words rang back, my stomach souring as doubts rose. It was ironic, him of all people criticizing someone else’s ability to parent when he and Motherhadn’tparented me. They’d hired nannies, leaving my raising and care to others while never acknowledging me past how my grades were doing.

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