I chuckled. “Oh, trust me, I was no help. Derek told me what to do.”
Pride moved into his eyes.
“We also colored.” Derek grabbed his book and opened it. “We did the ocean pages. She did one side, and I did the other. Isn’t that cool?”
Deacon looked at it, seeing our two different styles on either side of the invisible line. “That is cool, Derek. Very creative.” He handed it back. “Pack up your things so we can get going. Leave your model here. You can work on it tomorrow.”
“Alright.” Derek grabbed his coloring book and supplies before he carried them to his backpack near the desk.
Deacon stared at me. “You didn’t have to stay with him all day.”
“I didn’t mind.” Derek was impossible to deny because he was so adorable. And he had a piece of my heart that I could never get back. “We had a good time.”
Deacon stared at me like he didn’t believe me, his eyebrows slightly raised. “Well…thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Dad?” Derek came back to the table. “Can Cleo watch me tomorrow?”
My eyes widened at the question.
Deacon turned to him. “What?”
“Can you drop me off at Cleo’s tomorrow?” Derek asked again. “We have fun together.”
Deacon seemed slightly embarrassed at the question. “Son, Cleo has a job just like I do. She can’t watch you all day.”
I wanted to offer, but I really had too much on my plate already. Now I had to make up for today, make up for all the time I’d lost playing with this little boy.
Derek sighed in annoyance.
“I wish, Derek,” I said, touched by his disappointment. “But your father’s right. I have too much stuff to take care of.”
“Couldn’t you take me with you?” Derek asked.
Deacon started to get angry. “Derek.” His tone was deep, an unusual sound he hardly ever made.
Derek understood he was about to be disciplined and turned quiet.
Deacon rose to his feet. “You ready to go, Derek?”
He nodded.
Deacon turned to me. “Can I give you a ride?”
We were going to the same place, so I didn’t see the harm. “Sure.” I got to my feet, careful to keep my skirt down so I wouldn’t flash him or Derek. I picked up the bag of containers to drop off to the kitchen.
Deacon grabbed his laptop off the desk and slid it into his satchel before he grabbed his other belongings. His monitor was turned off and locked before he joined Derek and me by the double doors. “Alright. Let’s go.”
Eleven
Deacon
I took the day off so we could get an early start on the weekend.
Derek had his breakfast then got ready while I sat at the dining table and did some work on my laptop. The bags were packed and ready to go. I just needed to wait until Derek was dressed and had his shoes on.
Cleo texted me. Car is here. Are your bags ready?
Yes.
I’ll send Matt up. I also packed a lunch if Derek gets hungry on the drive.
I could barely get Derek to sit still and eat. He’d rather be running around or working on something. Thanks.
You guys have a good weekend. See you when you get back.
I stared at the screen blankly, confused by her message. It took me a few seconds to respond. I was under the impression you were joining us.
Did you ask me to join you?
I had a powerful memory, and no, I couldn’t recall the moment when I asked her. No.
Then why would I think I’m coming along?
Because I was used to her reading my mind, knowing exactly what I wanted without my having to say it. Derek and I had plenty of quality time at home after I got off work. We had dinner, watched movies, worked on different projects. Would you join us, then? She would have to go home and pack, which would slow us down, but that was okay. Losing one hour wouldn’t make a difference.
I’m sorry, Deacon. I have to work today. I also have to attend a dinner for one of my clients.
Sometimes I forgot I wasn’t her only client. She made me feel like I was the only one. Could you drive up in the morning?
There were no dots, like she was just staring at her screen.
I continued to look at my phone, waiting for something to happen.
Then the dots appeared, along with her answer. Sure.
I released the breath I was holding, like any answer other than yes would kill me. I’ll have my driver bring you so you can drive back with us on Sunday.
Alright. I’ll see you tomorrow.
Derek and I sat in the back seat of the SUV, leaving the cityscape and hitting the countryside. The second we left the tunnel, it didn’t feel like New York anymore. The more miles we covered, the cleaner the air became, the fewer cars appeared on the road.