Page 100 of Sexting My Ex's Dad
“Even if I am,” I snap. “What does it matter? We’re through. You made sure of that.”
“Maybe I was wrong,” he suggests with a simple shrug of his shoulders. “Maybe I made the wrong call because I wanted her to be with me.” I watch Owen’s stride as he crosses the room.
“Owen? What are you talking about? What changed?” I ask, confused by his sudden shift in perspective. My son has never been one to admit his mistakes easily, and this change of heart seems unexpected.
“I’ve met someone, Dad,” he admits in a quiet voice. “And she’s made me see things differently. She helped me understand what love is really about – I don’t have with Stella what you did.”
My eyebrows shoot up in surprise as I process this information. I never imagined Owen would be the one to give me relationship advice, especially considering his tumultuous history with Stella. But as I study his face, I can tell that he’s sincere, and I can’t help but feel touched by his willingness to open up to me.
“Who is she, Owen?” I ask, genuinely curious about the woman who has managed to break through my son’s tough exterior.
“Her name’s Emily, and she’s... well, she’s amazing, Dad,” Owen says with a smile that reaches his eyes. “She challenges me and supports me in ways I didn’t think were possible. And honestly, I’ve never been happier.”
I nod slowly, taking in his words. It’s clear that this new relationship has had a profound effect on him, and I find myself feeling both happy for him and envious of the love he’s found.A part of me longs for the same connection, the same sense of belonging, with Stella.
But it’s too late for that.
“Owen, I’m glad you’ve found someone who makes you happy,” I tell him sincerely. “But what does this have to do with me and Stella?”
“Because, Dad,” he says, meeting my gaze again, “I think you’re making the same mistake I made with her – letting fear dictate your choices instead of fighting for what you want. And trust me, I know how much that can cost you.”
His words hit me like a ton of bricks, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions within me. I feel guilt, frustration, and sadness.
“Owen, I... I don’t know what to say,” I manage to stammer out, overwhelmed by his candor.
“Listen, Dad,” Owen says, urgency lacing his voice. “You need to act fast. Stella’s moving on, and if you don’t do something soon, you’ll lose her forever. Don’t worry about me anymore. Just go after her.”
A sudden, suffocating wave of panic washes over me at his words. The thought of Stella slipping further away while I stand idly by is unbearable.
“Owen, I...” I begin, but my words are cut short.
“Look at me, Dad,” Owen commands. “You can’t spend your life running from your feelings. Stella is strong and she’s been through so much already. What would you do if she ended up with someone else? Would you be able to bear that?”
My fists clench at the idea, and Owen seems to notice.
“Go after her, Dad,” Owen says, his voice warm yet firm. “You deserve happiness, and so does Stella.”
With his encouragement echoing in my ears, I rise from my chair, the weight of my decision settling firmly on my shoulders. As I take a deep breath, I feel a renewed sense of strength coursing through me, fueled by the love I hold for Stella and the desire to make things right.
“Alright,” I say, clenching my fists with resolve. “I’m not going to waste another second. I’m going to find Stella and tell her everything – how I feel, how much she means to me, and how lost I’ve been this last year without her.”
“Good luck, Dad,” Owen calls after me, his smile never faltering. “I know you can do it.”
63
STELLA
Istand outside the care facility, as I adjust my nurse’s uniform. I hadn’t had a chance to change after my first day as an actual nurse. I wasn’t sure that the day would actually come, but I enjoyed every second.
And who else should I talk about it to than Leo?
As I approach Leo’s room, my anticipation builds, eager to see my brother’s smiling face. Our visits are always the highlight of my day. Having moved closer to the facility, I’ve been able to see him a lot more which has been a giant perk.
I gently push open the door to Leo’s room, expecting to find him absorbed in one of his favorite activities. Instead, I’m greeted by the unexpected sight of Elio Lombardi sitting at the small table, helping Leo with a puzzle. My breath catches in my throat as a rush of emotions floods through me – shock, confusion, and an undeniable pull towards the man who once meant everything to me.
I rub my eyes…thinking I have to be imagining him but no, there he is.Why?
“Stella,” Elio says softly, his voice cutting through the haze of emotions swirling inside me. He notices my shock and stands up.
