When I opened the door to the bedroom, Jess was sitting up in bed.
“Morning,” I said and sneaked a kiss on her lips.
“Morning,” she said, raking her fingers through her hair. “Did Mom cook again?”
“No,” I said. “I did.”
“You did?”
“Yes, now hurry up before it gets cold.”
Jess pulled the sheets aside. She’d slept in the same oversized t-shirt from the previous night. After our beach escapade, we were exhausted when we got home, and she pulled on the first thing she saw.
I went back out into the kitchen and Jess was close behind.
“Mornin’, sleepyhead,” Chloe said.
“Mornin’,” Jess returned.
Jess ruffled Gina’s hair before sitting down. “This looks great, Noah.”
“It does, but it’s the last time you commandeer my kitchen, love,” Chloe said.
I placed my napkin on my lap. “Duly noted.”
Gina dug into her meal first, and the rest of us followed.
“Did you two have fun last night?” Jess asked.
“The s’mores were so good!” Gina said.
“I had to limit the little one to two. Though I was sure she’d have the entire lot,” Chloe said. “How was dinner?”
Jess and I looked at each other. Her eyes sparkled.
“It was exquisite,” I said. “Thanks for the recommendation.”
“Did you do anything afterward?” Chloe asked.
Gina looked at Jess expectantly. “We walked on the beach. It was a beautiful night.”
“I bet that was romantic,” Chloe said.
Jess’s eyes narrowed at her mother.
“I can’t believe we’re leaving tomorrow,” Jess said in an effort to shift the conversation.
I nodded in agreement. “I had such a good time, though.”
“Me too,” Gina said, chomping on a piece of toast.
“I’m glad you did,” Chloe said. “Maybe it will help you return sooner rather than later.” Chloe darted a look to Jess.
Jess didn’t say anything. She either ignored the look or hadn’t seen it. I knew their relationship was changing so I had a sense that she hadn’t seen it. Withdrawing into herself was Jess’s way of dealing with things.
“I was thinking of taking Gina to the beach this morning for one last time,” I said. “How about you two spend some time together today?” Even though it pained me to be away from Jess, I wanted her and Chloe to part with some good memories. And have the opportunity to finish hashing out their issues.
“I wanted to go to the Farmer’s Market if you wanted to come?” Chloe asked Jess. “It’s nothing fancy, but everything is fresh, and the people are friendly. I wanted to introduce you to some of my friends. Other than pictures, they don’t believe me that I have a daughter.”