Page 34 of A Place Like You

Gael frowns. “The hot doctor has a child?” Gael asks.

I bob my head a couple of times, hoping he doesn’t ask for more. I didn’t want to disclose much about my motives.

“I’m with Cal. You have to be careful. As a child, having so many men coming in and out of your mother’s life fucks you up pretty bad.” Gael’s face contorts with bitterness as he speaks. The pain, anger, and frustration are etched across his features.

Cal and I stare at Gael for a few moments.I break the silence, trying to understand his warning. “What are you talking about?”

“My mother has trouble being alone,” he admits with a shrug. “She was . . . is a serial dater. While growing up, Gen and I would get used to one guy, and a few months later, he’d disappear. It was like my parents’ divorce all over again.”

As Gael shares his painful experience, I realize that our parents have left lasting scars on each of us in different ways. None of us had it better than the other. We were all broken in different ways by the adults who were supposed to care for us. It dawns on me that we haven’t taken the time to admit that we need help—and, well, get help.

And now, I’m faced with a difficult decision: should I cancel lunch with Wren and stay away to avoid any potential harm to her son, or should I continue with my plan and hope that my presence doesn’t have a negative impact on the young boy?

* * *

After Gael is done helping me with lunch, I make my way to Wren’s house, my heart racing with a mix of excitement and nerves.

When she opens the door, I can’t help but blurt out, “I had no idea what to cook him. My brother helped me, but this might be a disaster.”

Wren’s lips curve into a pouty smile as she teases, “You should run away.” The mischievous glint in her eyes ignites a desire within me to pull her close, to hold her and never let go.

I’m tempted to lean closer and kiss her, to show her how much I’ve missed her, but I know I need to tread carefully, especially with Milo around.

Milo suddenly appears, and I quickly refocus my attention on him. He’s a bundle of energy, running toward me with his T-rex toy and a palm tree in his tiny hands. His enthusiasm is infectious, and I can’t help but feel a rush of affection for the little boy.

“You made it! Meet Tyler,” he exclaims, introducing me to his toy.

“Of course I came, Milo,” I answer, trying to hide the excitement that’s bubbling inside me. I glance at the toy he holds, a T-rex named Tyler. “Nice to meet you, Tyler.”

Before I can respond further, Wren suggests, “Why don’t we let Drake come inside, so he can set the box with food on the counter? Then he can meet your toys.”

As she opens the door wider and I step inside, I take the opportunity to scan the surroundings. Last time I was here, my attention was solely on her, my focus on getting a job at the clinic. Now . . . my goal is to fight my desire and not kiss her in front of her son.

Don’t touch her, that’s a big fucking no, Thorndale.

So, I take a moment to survey the small living room, the cozy table, and the kitchen. I absorb every detail, not wanting to miss a thing. The place has a warm and inviting atmosphere. It reminds me of the doll house my grandparents had in the Hamptons. It was designed by some famous architect and decorated by a renowned designer. Though it was meant to be a present for my sisters, the house was off-limits—not even Gen and Elle could play with it.

“Would you like something to drink?” Wren asks. “We have water, lemonade, and apple juice.”

“I want juice,” Milo quickly chimes in.

Wren glances at me. “Same for me, please,” I pause, scan the kitchen as I set the box on the counter, and add, “How long have you been living here?”

“Five years,” she answers, and I’m not sure if she’s referring to the house or the town.

Something tells me that she’s spent more time in a big hospital working in an emergency room than in this small town. I saw how easily she just jumped into working with the victims of last night’s accident. Her ability to lead and care for others is evident, but I also sense that she keeps her past guarded, perhaps to protect herself from opening old wounds.

“What are we eating?” Milo asks with a grin plastered on his face.

I take out the smaller boxes, showing the variety of food Gael and I prepared—nuggets, fries, and veggie sticks, among other things. It’s a generous amount of food. Milo’s eyes light up with excitement when Wren points out that they’re going to have plenty of leftovers for the rest of the week.

Milo and I set up the table together while Wren plates the food. As we begin to eat, Milo proposes going to the park. However, Wren reminds him that he has to take a nap after he finishes his food.

His eyes widen, and a hint of moisture fills them as he negotiates, “What if we do it after my nap?”

Realizing I might have overstepped some boundaries, I quickly try to backtrack. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to—”

Wren nods a couple of times as if understanding that my intentions were genuinely innocent. “It’s fine. The thing is that I still have a lot to do. Like folding laundry, cleaning the bathroom, and tidying up the kitchen,” she states.

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