Chapter 44
“What are you staring at?” I pulled Lorraine behind me protectively. The moment my hand brushed against hers, I felt her tremble slightly.
“Are you two staying together?” Yvonne asked, her tone sharp.
“Yeah, so? What about it?” I shot back, tired of her endless questions.
“If you’ve got an issue, keep it to yourself.” I had no obligation to explain anything to her. Grabbing Lorraine’s hand, I glanced back at Xavier. He clearly didn’t like me anyway, so he was better off sticking with Yvonne.
As we walked toward the rooms, my steps grew heavier. My room was right next to Lorraine’s, and the closer we got to her door, the harder my heart pounded. I felt an uneasy anticipation building inside me.
Should I stop by her door on my own or wait for her to invite me? What if she didn’t? Should I bring it up, or would that make me seem too eager?
My palms were clammy, and I could barely hold onto Jonas‘ hand without it shaking.
“Daddy, are you-”
“Jonas, are you hungry?” I cut him off, having guessed where this conversation was headed.
“No, Daddy. I-”
“Then let’s grab dinner later.” I gave him a quick wink. He didn’t seem to understand but nodded anyway, always the cooperative one. We were almost there… Just a few steps away.
My nerves were so frayed that I was practically grinding my teeth. When I was right outside Lorraine’s door, my heart felt ready to leap out of my chest.
“Cole.”
“Yeah?” I froze, stiffly turning to face her.
Lorraine was smiling at me, clearly amused. “Aren’t you coming in?”
“Yes, of course. Definitely.” I nodded like a fool, my brain running on autopilot.
“I’ll just go grab my clothes first,” I blurted out, trying to sound casual. I had two key cards, and one of them was for the room I had just passed to Yvonne.
“Okay, hurry up. I’ll be waiting,” she said, smiling as she stepped into her room.
As the door closed behind her, I exhaled, my heart finally slowing down. It felt like falling from a great height, only to land on a soft cushion.
“Daddy, are you okay?” Jonas asked, his sharp little eyes noticing my flustered state.
Chapter 44
“I’m fine. I’m just… alittle overwhelmed.”
“What should we do, then?” he asked, tilting his head with innocent curiosity.
“Don’t worry. I’ll be fine in a bit,” I reassured him.
Back in my room, I grabbed a pair of pajamas and some essentials. I wasn’t planning on staying in Lorraine’s room for long. I would check if any other rooms were available tomorrow. Preferably one far away from Yvonne.
As I packed, Jonas sat on the bed, cradling his face in his small hands like he wanted to say something but couldn’t find the words.
“What is it?” I asked.
Jonas‘ eyes lit up, filled with admiration. “Daddy, how did you know I was going to say something?”
“Because I’m your dad,” I replied with a smile, pulling him close. “Do you miss Xavier?” He didn’t need to answer as his eyes gave him away. He was too kind and pure–hearted to hide his feelings.
But Xavier treated him like a toy, pushing him around for fun. I didn’t want the two of them to spend too much time together. I couldn’t stand the thought of Jonas getting hurt.
“When will they be back?” he asked, clearly thinking about Xavier. He just didn’t want to be left without a playmate. And Xavier, as tricky as he was, knew exactly how to keep Jonas attached to him.
“They’ll be back soon,” I said, though part of me hoped otherwise. I didn’t have the heart to tell him the truth.
Chapter 45
Chapter 45
