Page 6 of Handsome
We hadn’t been close in any way for years.
The quiet in the hallway made me feel empty. Tonight I’d sleep at my sister’s, and tomorrow would be the last time I took the bus and train to get here, ever.
This life was over. My phone rang. I glanced at the number and a shiver raced through me. I’d not seen or heard from that man in years.
I denied it and decided I’d change my number soon.
The past needed to stay there.
The cold night air suited my life right now as I walked out of the hospital. I stood on the street and realized I needed my phone map to figure out how far I was from Leah’s. As I opened it, a limo stopped in front of me.
Then I heard Joshua’s screams as the window rolled down. The door opened and Cyrus got out, holding the baby as he asked, “Sarah?”
Joshua might be cold. I turned to them, arms ready to hold Joshua, but then I stilled and asked, “How do you know my name?”
He beckoned me into the limo and said, “The social worker. Can we talk?”
Inside his domain, where the rich and powerful dwelled, was not my normal. However, I climbed in and cupped Joshua’s head as I asked, “Do you not want your son?”
Cyrus closed the door and said, “I do want him. He’ll have everything he needs or wants.”
“That’s great.” I said and shivered. Joshua would be fine. Cyrus didn’t strike me as anything like Elijah’s dad, who ignored his older kids once he married and had other children.
Then again, this man wasn’t married. My sister had told me all about the Norouzi heir.
Then he held out his arms and offered Joshua to me as he said, “And he wants you.”
I clutched Joshua like he’d been given to me forever and held him tight. He calmed in my arms. While I rocked him, I said, “I’ve been his babysitter and aunt since the day he was born.”
Cyrus stared at me.
I had no idea what he saw. It’s not like broken was embedded in the skin. And yes, my sister had better skin, but we’d always looked alike.
I let out a sigh and offered Joshua one of the bottles from the bag I packed.
Cyrus folded his arms in front of him and said, “Look, I hope you can come home with us.”
The officers left the hospital and went to their car.
I didn’t move until I lost sight of them.
Then I focused back on Cyrus, his careful, interested attention giving me goose bumps. Logically I knew he wasn’t interested in me, but I asked, “Are you serious?”
He scooted closer, and a growing awareness rushed through me as he said, “Tomorrow, or whenever you’re up to it, we’ll discuss letting me help you with whatever you need.”
For the first time in my life, pangs poked at my tender, vulnerable places. I’d never felt jealous before, but I braced myself, since what I longed for was impossible, and said, “I don’t need your help. I’ll be here to help Joshua.”
He nodded. “That’s what I want to hire you to do, full time.”
My eyes misted. Maybe I wouldn't lose my Joshua too. I knew better than to dream, but still I asked, “Full time?”
He placed his hand on my arm. My eyes widened, but he patted it like we were friends. “You’re his aunt, and I can pay better than waitress wages, even with tips.”
“I’m sure you can,” I said.
It wasn’t his fault that my skin was electrified by his touch. I’d temper that with time. Then he asked, “Will you stay?”
Hope never materialized into anything, but he was promising me time with Joshua. I swallowed. It would have to be enough. So I said, “Okay.”
