Page 51 of The Hang Up

I made a grab for him when he stood, which he easily avoided. Then he laughed. A deep throaty chuckle that I’d always felt in every part of me. At first, it had only been my body. Which had been quite embarrassing as a teen. But now his laugh filled the rest of me. All those parts that were empty.

How was I ever going to let this man go?

CHAPTER13

Joshua

The planning stagewas almost complete with the mentoring program. The proposals were well received by the hospitals. I had contributors to meet with, and Mitch had already connected with Blake’s agent and his contacts in town to work out the details of the gala.

My redemption tour—what a stupid name—was going well. I’d talked to my daughter, Cassie, but she’d never felt like anything was wrong. I’d urged her to slow down. Everything wasn’t about working, but she’d said she was fine. “I’m not you, Dad. Don’t worry. Besides, you need all your energy for Sean.” Then she’d rolled her eyes.

I’d had dinner with Victoria and her new husband—although five years was hardly new anymore—and she seemed good. I’d encouraged her to connect with the kids. But she was busy, and I hadn’t pushed.

Sean’s turnaround was a shock, and it seemed to have everything to do with Ben…well, and Brock. But he was happy in his life, and that translated into forgiveness for me. And wanting a connection again. It seemed amazing and fragile. It reminded me of the scales of justice. They were even now. Sean on one side and Brock on the other. The right thing to do would be to tell Sean about us. But that would tip the scales forever. But letting Brock go would throw the balance off completely. I couldn’t keep them both, but I couldn’t do without either of them. Since when had lying and hiding been the best option? The only option?

“Stop moping,” Mitch said, sitting at his makeshift desk in our new building. I’d been renting here and there and working out of my home office, but for this venture, we’d needed something more permanent.

“I’m not moping.” And I wasn’t. But Brock had been pulling away lately, and I didn’t like it. Was he just stressed about school? Or was this about us? I pulled out my phone. No messages. I sighed and gave in.

Joshua

Hey, sweetheart. How’s your day?

Nothing. Maybe he was busy.

Three dots appeared and disappeared on my screen.

Brock

Good so far. Yours?

I typed in several things and deleted them before finally finishing a message and hitting send.

Joshua

I miss you.

Nothing. Great. I closed my eyes and shook my head. I was so out of practice. And dating a twenty-five-year-old wasn’t helping me feel confident.

“We need to have a party,” Mitch said, breaking me out of my self-deprecating thoughts. He shuffled things around on his desk, getting it exactly like he wanted it. Stapler here. Glitter pens there.

“Like a grand opening?” I asked, putting a pen in the pen holder and calling it good. “I planned on it, but we’re not there yet.” My desk, in comparison to his, was a mess.

“Everything isn’t about business, Joshua.”

I sighed. “We should go back to you calling me Mr. Miller.” My phone buzzed again, and I tried to ignore the fluttering of my heart. I was forty-eight, not a teenager with his first crush.

Brock

ur son asked who I’m txting

I tried to keep my face impassive as I returned Brock’s text. He never used text speak. Was he trying to annoy me? Or get my attention?

Joshua

What did you tell him?

Mitch snapped his fingers to get my attention. “Keep up, Joshua. I’m talking about a party at your house. Invite your kids and their partners. And their roommates.”

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