Page 7 of The Love Comeback
But that’s not something I care to discuss with a ten-year-old.
“Oh, okay, cool.” Colton pushes open the door, and I follow suit, slinging my bag over my shoulder. “My friend Aaron said relationships with exes can get messy.”
“Oh?” I can’t hide my surprise. “And how old is this Aaron kid, exactly?”
“He’s my age,” Colton answers as we head toward his elementary school. “His parents just got divorced. Aaron’s dad chose to stay in his life, though.”
My heart breaks at the mention. I breathe in the crisp January air. Colton had areallytough time understanding why Landon didn’t want to see him after our divorce. Sometimes, I think I was more heartbroken for him than for myself.
But before I can say anything in response, Colton adds, “Makes sense, though. Aaron issocool!”
I can’t help but chuckle at Colton’s innocence, grateful that he’s still shielded from some of the complexities of adult relationships. For now, at least.
“Well, you’re pretty cool, too.” I squeeze his shoulder and smile down at him. “I’m glad you’re making friends at your new school.”
“It helps when you know a famous hockey goalie.” Colton grins and wiggles his eyebrows at me as we hop up onto the curb. “I’m pretty sure everyone at the school thinks that I’m cool.”
“Well, just make sure you’re not boasting,” I say, giving him my mom look. I might not be his biological mom, but no matter what, I’m still his mother in one way or another. And I owe it to my sister to make sure he turns out alright.
“I know, I know.” Colton gives me a hug as we reach the front blue doors of the school. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” I give him a solid squeeze, planting a kiss on his head. “Have the best day, and I’ll see you as soon as you get out.”
“Roger that.” He scampers off.
I watch him until he disappears inside. It’s hard to see him growing up so fast, and while I’m only twenty-seven, it feels like I’m aging quickly, too—and so are my dreams of adding to our family of two. But that would require me to put myself out there and actually date someone.
Someone whocould leave us…
My heels click on the pavement as I make my way back to Meadowlark Middle School. I wrap my black peacoat around my body tighter, fighting off the loneliness that has hovered over my shoulders for years. It’s a little self-inflicted, I know that. But after the devastation of my divorce, I vowed to myself that I wouldn’t date anyone again until Colton was an adult.
He’s been through enough loss in his life, I’m not going to risk putting him through another messy breakup or divorce.
My phone buzzes in my pocket, jarring me from my thoughts, and I fish it out. My mom’s name is on the screen, and I answer the call.
“Hey,” I say. “Isn’t it a little early?”
“Ella.” The voice that greets me isn’t my mother. It’s her caretaker, Chandra.
My heart immediately jumps to my throat. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes, of course,” she quickly adds. “I didn’t mean to scare you. Your mom is insisting there’s a box of pictures—the ones that have your sister’s cheerleading days—and Icannotfind it. I was really hoping you could help me.”
“Oh.” I let out a sigh and press my palm to my forehead. “It’s okay. That box should be in her bedroom closet, toward the back.”
“Your mom said it was under the bed,” Chandra hums. “She swore by it.”
I swallow the knot in my throat. “Do you think it’s getting worse?”
“No, I don’t,” Chandra comforts. “Even I forget where things like this are.”
“True.” I blow out a breath. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I just…”
“You’re getting settled in this big city. You need to focus on that. Don’t worry about what’s going on here. It’s all okay, I promise.” I can hear the smile in her voice, and it brings me relief.
“Okay, well, I hope you find the pictures. If not, let me know, and I can stop by after school to help look for them.”
“Will do. Have a good day,” Chandra says before hanging up.
