She’s quiet for a long time, and while I’m sure the situation with her car is stressful, it’s existed this whole time and she didn’t seem overly worried about it until just now.
Is she embarrassed about last night?
I can’t figure out why she would be since we fooled around the night before too.
Last night was different, though. A lot more intimate. She blew my mind before Joey interrupted.
Maybe we need to talk about it.
The last thing I want is for her to feel used. Or worse, that I somehow took advantage of her since we were essentially stuck together. I’d like to think I’ve been respectful but maybe it’s been wishful thinking on my part?
Fuck.
“You sure you’re okay, Serena?”
She hesitates. “Do you know what conference blues are?”
I frown. “I think I can guess but why don’t you tell me.”
“Well, you go to an event, whether it’s a conference or an expo, something that lasts several days. And for those days you’re completely immersed in whatever it is. The people, the subject matter, etc. Then it’s over and when you leave, you miss it. The fun you had. The people you met. It’s sometimes called post-conference blues.”
Now it’s starting to make sense.
She doesn’t want to say it but she’s sad that our time together is over for the most part.
And the truth is, no matter how much I tell myself nothing serious can come of this, I’m a little bummed too.
“I know,” I say gently. “I’m torn between how relaxing this has been for me and the itch to get back to hockey.”
“That’s the difference—I’m not torn at all. Despite not being able to shower or cook real food, I’m not itching to get back to my regular life. I don’t mind working, but the car thing is stressful. And it’s not just about the cost of repairs. My bigger worry is that it might be better to just buy a new car. I was hoping to hold out until Joey goes to kindergarten, because once I don’t have to pay for daycare, there will be money in the budget for a car payment.”
I hesitate.
Offering to help makes her uncomfortable so I need to frame this in a way that doesn’t feel like charity. I respect her desire not to take advantage of me, but it’s hard not to want to help considering how wealthy I am. Not only did I sign a thirty-million-dollar contract to come to Atlanta, I’ve been smart with my investments so I have a hefty portfolio of stocks, bonds, and other assets.
It doesn’t seem prudent to mention how much money I have, so I keep it simple. “Look, everyone needs help sometimes. My mom and I struggled until she met my dad, so I know exactly what you’re going through and I’m lucky enough to be in a position to help. That’s all.”
“I know. I just?—”
“How about we finish this conversation later?” I interrupt. “After we’ve showered, eaten, and gotten Joey settled? Then we can focus.”
“Deal.”
It also gives me time to think about what to do next.
Joey is beyond excited when we pull up to my house. I have a relatively big yard and he immediately starts to dance around, slipping on the ice but laughing happily.
“I forgot how much energy little kids have,” I murmur. “He’s been so good the last two days.”
“I explained we were having a bad storm, and that we have company. I don’t know how much he truly understands, but he understood that he couldn’t complain too much.”
“He’s a good kid.” I turn to Joey. “Come on, sport—are you hungry?”
“I like it out here!” he yells, running through the slushy yard. Some of it is ice, some of it snow, and some of it just wet, but he doesn’t seem to care.
“Joey!” Serena calls, but he’s having too much fun.
“Let him play,” I tell her. “He’s got a coat on. He’ll be fine for a few minutes.”