Page 49 of Sin Wagon
But then again, maybe this is all just a ploy from Wells. Is he trying to get me closer to him by offering Derek a job in Chicago?
He squeezes my hand. “Maybe it’s not what you think. Maybe it’s just a coincidence.”
I want to believe him—believe that everything will work out. But the nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach won’t go away.
Derek gets up and leaves the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
“Call me if you need me. I’m gonna go make us some brunch.”
After thinking it over, I’m going to try to reach out to Wells. Grabbing my phone off the charger on the nightstand, I pull up his contact and hit call.
But there is no answer.
I take a deep breath and try again.
Still nothing.
Feeling frustrated and anxious, I move on to my last resort: texting Rhonda.
Me: Hi Rhonda, it’s Delilah. I’ve been trying to contact Wells but am having no luck. I’d like to speak to him about Roy offering Derek a job in Chicago. If this is his way of trying to get me closer to him, it’s not going to work. I used to live alone and can certainly do so again.
My phone rings immediately,Rhonda’s name popping up on the screen.
Chapter 23
DELILAH
With a trembling hand, I reluctantly bring the phone to my ear, my heart pounding.
“Hello.”
“Hi Delilah, it’s Rhonda, your grand—sorry, Rhonda.”
The correction stings, a reminder of the tangled web we’ve spun. I take a deep breath, my hand instinctively moving to my belly, feeling the faint fluttering within. It’s a small comfort, knowing that amidst all the chaos, there’s a tiny life growing inside me. This baby is the anchor that keeps me grounded, the beacon of hope that guides me through the storm.
“Hi, Rhonda. How are you?” I try to sound casual, but my voice betrays me, wavering slightly. The reality of our relationship is anything but simple, and it’s hard to ignore. Even though she’s already my grandmother, I’m about to make her one again. The layers of irony are almost too much to bear.
“I’m doing okay. Just wanted to check in on you. How are you holding up? Are you feeling alright?”
Her genuine concern tugs at my heartstrings. There’s a part of me that longs for her comfort, for the warmth of a family I’ve never truly known.
“I’m... managing,” I reply, not entirely sure if it’s the truth. Balancing my emotions and getting everything ready for the baby feels like a daily high-wire act. I feel a little kick from Little Boba and I smile, knowing that my baby is safe inside me.
“Well, I received your message, and I thought it would be better to give you a call. I hope that’s okay.”
“It is. I’m sorry I was kinda bitchy,” I tell her and mean it.
Although I am disappointed by her lack of communication, I understand that this situation is unfamiliar for her.
“Honey, you have nothing to apologize for. I know all about those hormones that come with pregnancy, so I understand if you’re feeling a bit more sensitive right now.” She slightly chuckles before she gets quiet.
Her laugh is comforting, a small reminder that despite everything, she’s human too.
“Anyway, to answer your question. No, Wells doesn’t know that Roy offered your friend the job. He’s in Florida with Jonas.”
My mind races.
They’re still in Florida, or they went back to Florida? Is Wells opening a club there? Why would they stay? It makes no sense.
