Page 26 of Never Really Over

“Yeah. Well, I don’t know. Maybe he has? I’ve never met him.”

“His loss.”

I press my lips together and bite to keep from crying. Never knowing my father has been something that’s messed with me my entire life, put me in therapy after I broke up with Colt, and has made it incredibly hard to trust anyone in general, let alone the men I date. Which isn’t an excuse, it’s just a fact.

“Thank you.” Clearing my throat from emotion, I continue on. “Anyway, for a long time it was just her and me against the world, you know? Then I moved to Chicago and we stayed close but it wasn’t the same. We still talked all the time and we’d see each other often, but I kept sensing that I was missing something with her. When she was in the accident, I felt like I was coming out of my skin. I couldn’t reach her, had no idea what happened or what to expect when I got here. I was so worried and couldn’t relax. And now that I’m back, I feel… I don’t know, at peace. At home. Yes, I want to be home for her to help her but it’s more than that. I want to bewithher. All the things I used to hate about Hollow Grove, I now love.

“I was living a life only fulfilled because of my career but everything else was empty. I missed so many things about the Grove and didn’t even know it. Over the past month, I didn’t miss the city one single time. Not even when I couldn’t get sushi delivered or even picked up anywhere,” I add the last one because he, of all people, understands and appreciates my love of sushi.

As I’m speaking, his expression brightens and turns, almost, knowing. As if my gibberish is making total sense.

“You’re finally content.”

“What?” I ask, confused.

His eyes soften and he leans over, his face shockingly close to the screen. I want to tell him to scoot back because I can practically see his nose hairs, but I’m curious what he’s about to say and don’t want to hurt his feelings.

“Layla, you haven’t been truly happy in Chicago for a while. When I ask you what you did over the weekend, you have nothing to say but yoga in the park and cleaning your apartment. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m a homebody, too, and love nothing more than kicking back on the weekends but I’m an old fart and I’ve had my fun. Also don’t hear what I’m not saying. I’m not saying that to live a life you have to go out and party. But, you have to have alifeand I haven’t seen your eyes bright and shiny like they are now in quite some time.”

“Well, I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing.”

“Good.”

“I suppose I have to turn down your offer then.”

“Did you not hear me earlier? I love working from home. You can still work for me and do it from there. I’ve been meaning to come to see your mom anyway.”

“You have?”

“Yes. You’re more than just a co-worker to me, Layla. You said I’ve been like an uncle to you and I would agree with that. Family isn’t always blood relation, and you’re family.”

A tear slips down my cheek and I quickly swipe it away.

“Ahh, hell. I made you leak.”

I cry through a laugh. “Shut up.”

“Is that a yes, then?”

“Yes.”

“Great!” he says, huge smile on his face.

For the next twenty minutes we go over the details, including him letting me know that our current employer will likely kick us to the curb when we quit, which is understandable.

“Before we hang up, I have one more question.”

“Something more? I’m not sure I can handle anything else right now,” I joke.

“You might be right. Have you talked to him yet?”

“Who?” I ask, eyebrows furrowed.

“You know who.”

“I seriously don’t.”

“The man who brought you to Chicago.”

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