Chapter 30: Chapter Thirty

RILEY

“I’ll bring her to the park tomorrow. It’s not a good idea for you to come to my house right now,” I told Tristan over the phone, snuggling into my bed and pulling the covers over me.

I was exhausted from the jet lag and all I wanted was to drift off to sleep.

“Why not?” Tristan asked.

I rolled my eyes, even though he couldn’t see me. “Well, if you’re eager to meet my dad’s wrath, be my guest, Tristan,” I replied.

His deep chuckle echoed through the phone, warming me from the inside.

~Oh, how I’ve missed that sound.~

“I think I can handle him, babycakes. But let’s meet at the park tomorrow, just to be safe,” he said, his voice softening.

I stayed quiet, trying to hide the smile that was creeping onto my face.

Part of me wanted to let go of my pride and forget everything.

I understood why he had pushed me away, but it was foolish of him to think that I would choose a child over him.

A tiny part of me was relieved that he believed me when I told him Abby was his. Honestly, I couldn’t wait for him to meet her.

“Are you thinking about me?” His voice interrupted my thoughts.

“You wish. I’m going to bed. Good night, Tristan.”

“Damn, I wish you were here with me, Adams. They stuck me in the honeymoon suite at this godforsaken hotel,” he complained.

I bit my lip, trying not to picture us together in that bed.

“Go to sleep, pervert.” I ended the call quickly, afraid that I might give in to his charm, and let out a long sigh.

I shook my head, clearing away the inappropriate thoughts, and fell asleep almost instantly.

***

The next morning, I woke up around eight and hopped into the shower to get ready for work.

I had to submit my documents today, the main reason I’d returned to New York. The trip had been surprisingly worth it.

I chose a red blouse with a deep V-neck and paired it with a black pencil skirt.

After combing my hair and applying a bit of makeup, I headed downstairs to find my grandma feeding Abby. The sight instantly brought a smile to my face.

My dad had already left for work.

“Good morning, everyone,” I greeted cheerfully, grabbing a slice of toast from the dining table.

“Mommy, you’re back!” Abby wriggled out of my grandma’s arms and hugged my legs.

I laughed, picking her up and kissing her chubby cheeks.

“God, I missed you so much, baby,” I said, hugging her tightly. I noticed my grandma giving me a knowing look.

“What?”

“You look different,” she said, raising her eyebrows.

I felt my cheeks heat up. “Different how?” I asked, setting Abby back in her chair and taking a seat at the table.

“Good different. You look lovely in that dress, and you seem... relaxed and happy.”

“I’m about to head to work, so yeah, of course I’m happy.” I shrugged, taking a bite of my toast, but she gave me a look that said she wasn’t buying it.

“Okay, fine. I might have run into Tristan in New York,” I admitted.

Her eyes widened in surprise. “That’s wonderful, sweetheart. I knew something was bound to happen on this trip. How did he react when you told him about Abby?” she asked, her excitement barely contained.

“Ummm…good. It went well. And there’s something else…” I said.

She gestured for me to continue, “He kind of followed me back to Phoenix. He’s here, staying at a hotel, and he wants to meet Abby today.”

I closed my eyes, bracing myself for her reaction.

“Oh my God! Riley, are you serious?” she gasped.

I slowly opened my eyes and nodded.

“Wow! This is all happening so fast. Are you sure you’re okay with it, sweetheart?”

Her face was filled with concern. I couldn’t hide it from her anymore.

I licked my lips and told her everything that had happened in New York—from the breakup to last night.

She looked stunned when I finished. “Jesus Christ! Is this the same guy you spent all these years crying over? I mean, no offense dear, but he sounds like he really loves you.”

I was taken aback by her response.

“I didn’t know about it until two days ago, and no matter what reasons he had, he hurt me, Grandma. He gave me no choice and pushed me away. I had to go through the pregnancy and raising Abby all alone.”

She just shook her head and smiled at me.

“He pushed you away because he loved you. I think he was just being a guy. You guys were kids back then. He wasn’t thinking straight, obviously.”

I listened to her patiently.

“You had us, baby. You were never alone. It was your choice to be a single mother.”

“Grandma, you haven’t even met him and you’re defending him?” I asked, feeling like she wasn’t on my side.

“No, dear. I’m just stating the facts. He’s hurt, just like you, and he’s here to make up for all those lost years. Even if you don’t give him a chance, don’t be hard on him.”

I let out a soft sigh. “Fine, I’ll try. I’m late for work. Can you bring Abby to the park around five?” I asked, standing up and gathering my things to leave.

“Sure. Have a nice day at work, dear.” She kissed my forehead, and I said a quick goodbye before heading to the door.

I paused just before leaving and turned to face her.

“Don’t tell Dad just yet. He would probably kill Tristan.”

“Of course, duly noted,” she laughed.

Then I was out the door, a small smile on my face. I decided to send a text to Tristan.

I pressed send and climbed into my car. My Grandma's words echoed in my mind during the entire drive to my office. I found myself wondering if I should give him another shot.

He'd promised to win us both back.

~Could it be like it used to be?~

~Can we really move past all our problems?~

I shook my head, releasing a deep breath. I decided to mull it over later, once I'd seen how the day unfolded.

As soon as I arrived at my office, I stepped out of my car and headed straight to the HR department to hand in my paperwork.

Once I'd finished all the necessary formalities, I found my desk and settled in, placing my bag on the table. I pulled out my phone and saw a new message from him.

Asshole

Damn! I was hoping to spend the day with you.

Asshole

Can I pick you up after work?

I chewed on my lip, debating whether or not to accept his invitation. I was going to see him today anyway. What could it hurt?

Riley

Sure.

Riley

I’ll ping you the address when I’m about to leave for the day.

Asshole

That’s my girl <3

A wide smile spread across my face, and I struggled to keep the blush from creeping up my cheeks.

~Damn! Who am I fooling?~

~It's going to be just like old times.~

~Nothing's really different, except he's even more attractive now.~