Page 67 of Baby Maker

I see it in her eyes, too—the love living there. But, after Cape Cod, I don’t dare ask who that love is meant for. Some things are better left unsaid.

“Good.” I grasp her hand, leading her to the Jeep. “I made reservations at that Italian place we like. Does that work?”

“Perfect.”

I’m a bundle of nerves on the drive over, and although I try to hide it, Calliope senses something immediately.

By the time the wine arrives, my stomach is knotted with anxiety.

“Keegan, what’s wrong? Are you still mad at me?”

“I was never mad at you. I have some big news, and I’m nervous to tell you.”

“You can tell me anything.”

We’re about to test that theory.

Here goes nothing.

I reach across the table, clasping her hands in mine. “I spoke with a colleague when I was at the medical conference. He has an opening in his practice. It’s an unbelievable opportunity. Once in a lifetime shot, really.”

She smiles, but the strain is evident on her face. “That’s amazing, Keegan. Where will this new venture take you?”

“Long Island. It makes sense since my Mom and family are there. Plus, the opportunity—” Hell, now I’m repeating myself.

“Yes, you said.” Calli rolls her shoulders, slipping her hand from mine and holding up her wineglass. “Congratulations. I know you’ll be an incredible addition to his practice.”

“I haven’t decided yet,” I lie, desperate to read her body language. Searching for some sign to forge forward. After Cape Cod, I realized how deep Calli’s wounds were. How deep they still are where Nigel is concerned. “I’m mulling it over.”

The server stops by, taking our orders, but we wave her off, buying a few more minutes.

Calli’s eyes scan the restaurant, but I notice their glassy appearance.

“Can you say something, please?”

She blots her eyes, offering a sad chuckle. “I just found you, and now, I’m losing you. I can’t help but think my breakdown on Cape Cod spurred your decision.”

“Not at all, although that was when I first learned of the job. But, it was pie in the sky at that point. At the medical conference, Dr. Miner assured me the position was mine if I wanted it.”

Calli shifts in her seat, her eyes focused on the table. “Leaves us a bit of nowhere, doesn’t it?”

Okay, heart, open up one last time. “Actually, it could be a new start for us.”

Her gray eyes meet mine, wide with confusion. “You want me to go?”

In that instant, I realize how desperately I want it. “Yes, I do.” Before she freaks out, I lay down some ground rules. Hopefully, they’ll ease her mind. “We won’t rush into anything. We can live near each other, see each other a few times a week.”

“Near each other?” Her brow furrows as she seeks clarification.

“Yes. Same town. Hell, same complex.”

A muscle twitches in her jaw. “We’ll be neighbors. How quaint.”

“More than neighbors. Obviously.”

“My mistake. Neighbors who fuck.”

Okay, this is not going well. “I don’t look at you as someone I fuck, Calli. You were my girlfriend.”

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