“Why?” I ask carefully.
“Because technically I helped give him life. He didn’t ask to be here, and I wasn’t a good enough guy to show up for him. This way, when I’m gone, he’ll at least know I made provisions for him. In the end, you can do whatever you want with the money. I mean, I don’t plan to die for a long time.” He meets my gaze. “Is that okay?”
This isn’t exactly what I wanted but it’s close.
And without West in my life, a trust fund for a true emergency, like a car accident or some awful medical scenario, isn’t a bad thing.
“Yes. It’s fine.” I keep my voice even. “But if you have a change of heart in five years, know I’ll fight you. Tooth and nail.”
He actually smiles. “I do know. I think that’s why I didn’t really worry about whether or not you kept him—I figured you had more balls than me in that regard.” He gets to his feet. “So, I’m out.” He looks over at Joey, his expression inscrutable. “Take care, Serena.”
And with that, he strides out of the building without looking back.
I swallow, suddenly a little emotional.
Did I make a mistake in pushing Joey’s father away, especially now that West isn’t in the picture anymore?
No, Tony isn’t a great guy. He’d make both of our lives hell.
This is the best solution.
So, I let Joey play for an hour, joining him for a game of skeeball, which he loves.
Then we head for home.
It’s late, I’m tired, and the last week has been draining.
I would kill to be able to soak in West’s gorgeous bathtub, but that’s not going to happen so I’ll have to settle for a hot shower, a cup of tea, and maybe a good book. There’s a lot to look forward to at the moment, and all I can do is put one foot in front of the other.
Broken hearts don’t mend overnight, but mine will eventually.
I’m so lost in thought I’m almost to my apartment when I see the SUV parked there.
Oh, shit.
I put my new SUV in park and sit there for a few seconds, heart pounding.
What the hell is West doing here?
And why did Holly let him in?
Dammit.
“It’s West!” Before I can react, Joey unbuckles himself and jumps down, opening the door on his own. My SUV is a lot smaller than West’s Tahoe, and he can get in and out easily.
“West!” He’s yelling West’s name as he races into the house, leaving me behind with my oversized purse and his backpack.
“Traitor,” I mutter under my breath.
Well, there’s nothing to be done except get this over with.
I grab my things and stalk into the house.
And the first thing I see is a humongous bouquet of flowers.
Chapter
Forty-One