Her breath froze. She stared at Vic to make sure he wasn’t joking. His gaze was steady, and the man was dead serious.
“I want us under one roof,” he said. “No more back and forth. No more living half a life. I want you, Kian, and the baby in one home. Our home.”
“Oh, Vic,” she breathed. “Are you sure?”
“Yes,” he replied without hesitation. He squeezed her hand tight. “Unless you are not sure.”
Tachina’s head jerked in a nod before she could even think. There was no doubt in her mind that she wanted them to have only one home. It had been a bit much to go back and forth. She was sure Kian would benefit from only having one home and not getting juggled around with their hectic schedules.
“I am sure,” she whispered.
“Then you decide. Do we move you two into my home, me into your home, or do I purchase a brand-new home for us all to move into?” he asked.
A familiar blonde head caught Tachina’s attention. She glanced over to her right and froze.
Sydney.
Her heart dropped as she noticed the blonde in her tight little dress and painful smile was making her way to their table. She walked awkwardly toward them as if she washesitant to do so. Tachina would have been pleased if she’d ignored them the whole time she was here.
Out of all the restaurants in this city, they just had to run into her here, of all nights.
Behind Sydney stood an older man who appeared to be late fifties, distinguished and balding slightly. He seemed to be her date. He stayed back with the body language of a man who did not want to be a part of drama.
Vic tensed the moment he saw her.
When Sydney reached their table, she tried to smooth her expression into something polite. Instead, it appeared brittle and strained.
“Victor,” Sydney said quietly. “Tachina.”
Tachina gave her a slight nod, while Vic’s hardened glare was locked on the woman. Tachina stayed silent for the moment. There wasn’t anything she needed to say to the woman.
“I…um…I wanted to say something to you.” Sydney tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. She forced a small smile.
“Make it quick. We are trying to enjoy our meal,” Vic snapped.
“Since you are here, I figured I would come and tell you first that I accepted a job in Chicago. I’m relocating,” she said.
Tachina blinked in surprise. That wasn’t what she’d been expecting. Who was this woman standing in front ofthem? Whatever had been said in that office that night had certainly changed Sydney. Tachina eyed Vic and wouldn’t have been surprised if he had threatened her or something. He must have something over this woman that had made her change her tune.
“Good for you,” Vic said flatly. His face was expressionless, almost bored-looking.
“And I…” Sydney swallowed hard. Her gaze flicked to Tachina before turning back to Vic. “I hope you’re happy. Truly. I hope this is everything you want.”
Ah, there goes the woman Tachina had come to know all of these years.
“Believe me. It is,” Vic growled.
Sydney tilted her chin upward. Her eyes darted to her date who seemed embarrassed that she was over here speaking with them. He must have known the situation between Sydney and Vic.
“Well, I need to go. Enjoy your dinner.” Sydney spun around, but she must have done it too fast. Her heel caught slightly on the carpet.
Her date rushed forward to steady her.
She waved him off. “I’m okay.”
Together, they stormed away toward the lobby.
What the hell was that all about? There was no need for her to feel compelled to tell Vic that she was moving. Tachina shook her head and was glad that chapter of their lives was done and now officiallyin the past.