Page 101 of Dr. Stone
“Jonathan was here in Santa Barbara, and he showed up unannounced at your daddy’s office this morning, sniffing around, I presume,” she said.
Speaking of the goddamn devil.
“Why the hell was that man anywhere near here?” I said, my voice matching her darkened expression.
“He told your father he wanted to check on us after seeing you last week at his dealership. I guess some gentleman was there to purchase you a car?”
“Yeah, a guy I recently started seeing,” I said with a small laugh. “It’s kind of a long story why I suddenly have a hundred-thousand-dollar car and why you and Dad hadn’t heard about him until now. But I was hoping to plan a fun dinner next weekend to introduce you two since, well, it’s starting to feel like this might really go somewhere.”
This wasn’t how I planned to break the news of my new relationship to my parents. But then again, I never imagined I’d be forced to—especially not because my ex, who had practically vanished from existence, decided to rise from the dead and start lurking around my life again.
“Don’t you worry about that, sweetheart. I just want you to be on alert,” she said, trying not to sound menacing and scare Brandon. “I don’t like how he’s suddenly interested in your Dad and me, and if he didn’t already know about Brandon, he does now.”
“What?” I nearly shouted, feeling like I’d been kicked in the stomach. “How? Why would you guys tell him?”
“He saw the pictures in your dad’s office when he walked in,” she said. “So, you just be on guard. I don’t want to be dramatic, but I don’t want you getting blindsided by that man, either. He was horrible to you and extremely controlling during your relationship. And now, with even a hint of jealousy over this new guy in your life, there’s no telling what he’s capable of.”
“Just when my life is going in a direction better than I thought possible, a damn nightmare has to show up,” I said. “Sorry about the curse word,” I apologized, knowing how much she despised swearing.
“Don’t apologize. I almost said the A-word about him when your father called me about the surprise visit.”
“Oh, dear,” I smiled and hugged her. “If that man dares to force you to sayass,I’m going to have to kick his,” I chuckled. “Let’s get Brandon settled. I have to get back down to Marina DelRey to meet the man I’ve been meaning to tell you guys about. This guy is one dad will approve of. He sails.”
“Is that so?” Mom said, her expression becoming lighter.
“Yeah, I’ll give you a quick rundown while we get Brandon’s bed and things set up. Where is Dad, anyway? I never see him when I’m here these days.”
“Your father is down gettingourboatready. We’re going to watch the fireworks in the boat parade for Brandon this year. It’s too bad you and this new friendof yours couldn’t join the parade in his boat?”
“He’s got to work, or he said he’d love to sail his boat up to meet you and Dad this weekend.”
“Well, from the expression on your face and those pretty little eyes lighting up like that, I’d say this young man must be quite something. You look absolutely smitten.”
“He’s fantastic,” I said. “And he’s perfect with Brandon in ways I never expected. Honestly, it feels like we were meant to be together because everything just fits. And the best part is that none of it feels forced. It’s all been so natural.”
“The Lord works in mysterious ways,” Mom said, her face glowing with adoration as she took in my happiness. “When your father and I first met, it was the same way. Everything just clicked, even before we really knew each other. The relationship blossomed overnight, and the best part was how easy it all felt.”
“Because it was meant to be,” I said, smiling. Then, more to myself than to her, I added, “And don’t worry about Jonathan. I’ll handle that idiot. I’ve gotten a lot stronger lately by moving forward and living my life again.”
“Just be on guard,” she warned.
I used the rest of the short time we had to catch her up on as much of my whirlwind romance with Jace as I could, and by the time I had to go, my mom and I were both excited about making plans for them to meet my new man.
Two hours later—aboutthirty minutes before I was supposed to meet Jace at his place—I swung by my place to grab my overnight bag and a few extra snacks for our sail to Catalina. My excitement was off the charts just thinking about how incredible this night was going to be, sailing beneath that stunning full moon. Something was intoxicating about a full moon over the sea—something that everyone deserved to experience—and sailing under one? After tonight, I’d probably be telling everyone theyhadto do it at least once in their life.
As I made my way around the path to my condo, fumbling for my keys to unlock my door, I froze when I saw a man standing on my front porch.
“What thefuck? Jonathan?” I practically growled his name when I saw him leaning on the wall next to my front door.
“Hello, Andrea,” he said. “We meet again.”
“Andrea? The only people to ever call me Andrea are my dead grandparents, so save the drama,” I snarled. “Why are you on my porch?”
“Why didn’t you tell me you went through with the pregnancy?”
I stared into his dark, demanding eyes, part of me itching to knee him in the balls and let all my anger loose, while the other, stronger part reminded me I’d be out with Jace tonight, leaving this bastard behind until morning.
“Well, let me think about that,” I narrowed my eyes at him. “Oh, yeah. Perhaps it’s because you walked out on me that night about two seconds after I told you I was pregnant?”
