Page 115 of Hold Me Instead
She forced a smile. “Have fun.”
He clenched his jaw, stepped forward to peck her cheek, then left.
It’s what they signed up for—his time home was temporary. Even if he bought the practice, it didn’t mean he’d stay. Didn’t mean they’d stay together.
Everything was…temporary.
Chapter 32
Zachary
“Shewantstobuyit with me.”
“Holy shit,” Sandra hissed.
The woman in front of them turned around, eyes narrowed, frown lines deep. Sandra smiled sweetly, and the woman huffed her attention back to the stage. The school gym was transformed into an auditorium with lined up folding chairs. Families packed the seats, abuzz with conversation as they watched one class leave and another assume their positions.
“So what did you tell her?” Sandra asked softly.
Music started, the kids on stage shifting from side to side in anticipation. Jay nudged Sandra and leaned over.
“Did you see your son up there?” Jay asked.
“Oh!” Sandra’s eyes flew to the stage, her grin wide as she noticed Alex waving madly. She waved back. When Alex blew her a kiss, Sandra melted into her chair. Chuckles andawws from the audience surrounded them as the children began the opening words to their song.
“Oh my God, that was the cutest thing. He’s never going to do that again in his life. Did you get that?” Sandra smacked Jay’s arm, which was holding his phone, trained on Alex.
“Yeah, knock it off, Sandra, I’m recording it,” Jay said.
“Oh, good.”
“Now he’ll be able to hear how obsessed his mother is with him,” Zachary said.
She smacked him on the arm, and he chuckled, watching Jay fight his own laugh.
They watched Alex and his class sing three songs, with one final wave from Alex as they were guided offstage.
“Hi, Uncle Zachy!” he cried out with all the might of his little lungs.
A laugh erupted from Zachary in surprise, drowned by more laughter from the crowd. He threw back a wave, swallowing hard.
Sandra gripped his arm, her other hand flat to her chest. “That kid. He’s the absolute sweetest.”
He heard the sentimental tone but didn’t dare look at his sister, knowing it would take away any grip he had on keeping it together. They were a couple of emotional adults, loving acknowledgment from the cutest little guy up there, in a sea of people chuckling at how adorable it all was. How was the whole room not in tears? This was precious!
Being part of this was more important to him than he’d expected. He’d missed these events before, but with the strain between him and his dad, he hadn’t allowed himself to dwell on it much. He’d viewed FaceTimes, videos, and pictures his sister and mom sent him as enough, never stopping to consider what else he was missing. In Illinois, it was just…him.
He couldn’t deny the overwhelming feeling that being back felt right. Like he was meant to be in this seat, meant to attend more of these cute and chaotic events for the kids. Watch them grow up and change each year—hell, day-to-day—to remind them of embarrassing momentsfrom previous years. Cheer them on if they played sports or got involved in theater or some other shit. Grab a drink with Sandra and Jay.
Sit with his parents at their kitchen table for a quiet meal.
Zachary zoned out on the performances while Sandra leaned across Jay toward their mom, no doubt rehashing what had just happened. If he bought the practice, he wouldn’t necessarily have to stay in town. He could still return to Chicago, hand over the reins to Charlie—if she’d even consider it at that point. Or he could buy it, stay here, and start fresh. In his hometown. Whether he and Charlie continued their…flingor not, it didn’t have to factor into his decision. They had an immense amount of respect for each other, professionally and personally, and that would only continue when they moved on.
Calling it a fling minimized it. Their connection, their trust, went well beyond that. He didn’t even want to picture them eventually moving on. The thought of Charlie finding someone else to share herself with so beautifully made him want to rush out of that gym and go to her.
He’d shied away from the idea of inviting her to the concert, afraid it would be too serious a step for a relationship that couldn’t go much further. But Chicago aside, why he’d ruled out a serious relationship was no longer clear.
“You’ll have to finish updating me later, Z. I’m too hopped up on emotion at the moment. I’ll just end up telling you to stay in town, buy the practice, and marry Charlie or something. Better to wait.” Sandra patted his knee. “I’m really glad you’re here,” she whispered. She smiled, then pressed against Jay, content to watch the rest of the performances before her children returned to her.
