Chapter Sixty Two
Celeste’s POV
I choked on my juice, sputtering at Bonnie’s question.
Ryan patted my back and handed me a napkin. My eyes narrowed murderously at the amused smile he couldn’t hide.
Bonnie’s brows scrunched together, and she asko
“Mommy, are you two dating?”
I cleared my throat as I cleaned myself, mind frazzled.
What was I supposed to tell her? We’d sla
more than good friends?
I
together, and trusted him more than anyone, but we were nothing
God, I’d made everything a complicated disaster with my falling self control.
The silence stretched uncomfortably. Just as I opened my mouth to speak, my phone blared from my handbag and I scrambled for it.
I’d never been more grateful.
“Yes, hello?” I answered, walking a few steps away for privacy.
“Celeste, are you out of your mind?” Damien’s panicked voice came through. “How could you kidnap Bonnie from school?!”
I cursed myself for not checking the caller ID.
“When are you going to learn not to take Vanessa at her word?” I hissed. “She drove off in the middle of a conversation, leaving Bonnie behind. What else was I supposed to do?”
He simmered down. “I’m pleased you’re taking your responsibility as a mother more seriously. But do you have any idea how much it’ll cost to fix the damages you’ve done to my car?”
Of course, the psycho bitch lied about that too.
“Damien, that unstable woman purposely scratched the paint off my car! I don’t know why you ever entrusted her with Bonnie’s care–she’s entirely unfit for the job.” I said, seething.
He paused for a moment. His voice was hopeful when he spoke.
“Celeste, does this mean you’ll change your mind about coming back home?”
I couldn’t believe the crap that spewed from his mouth.
“It means I have a problem with watching Vanessa mistreat my daughter.” I said between clenched teeth.
“What are you talking about?” He asked, puzzlement coloring his voice.
This man had the discernment skills of a pebble.
“I’m protecting Bonnie because you’re too blind and unbothered to do it yourself.” I spat viciously. “She’s staying with me tonight and I’ll send you the bill for my car.”
He pleaded. “Please, Celeste, lets-”
But I’d already cut the call, fuming.
1/3
Chapter Sixty Two
20 BONUS
I squeezed my eyes shut. I should’ve known Damien was incapable of being a halfway decent father–this was all my fault.
“Everything alright?” Ryan asked.
I chuckled bitterly. “Everything’s a shitshow.”
He squeezed my shoulder. “You’re the strongest person I
He squeezed my shoulder. “You’re the strongest person I know, Celeste–you’ll get through this. I’m always here for you if you need anything.”
The warm fuzzy way his concerned green eyes made me feel was dangerous. I couldn’t afford to be pulled in by this magnetic force of a man–my daughter needed my full focus right now.
“Thanks.” I said, checking my watch. “It’s getting late. Let’s close up the studio–the girls must be getting tired.”
They were chatting on the sofa and, to my surprise, Bonnie was happily eating the lollipop Molly had offered her earlier.
“It’s time to go home, girls.” I said, and their faces fell.
Molly got up and gave me a hug goodbye before holding Ryan’s hand. Bonnie ran over to her and fiddled with the hem of her skirt before speaking.
“Do you wanna be my partner in the three–legged race at school tomorrow?” She asked shyly.
Molly nodded enthusiastically, and a smile made its way to my daughter’s face. She hummed happily as we left the studio and headed for my apartment.
We were hit with a heavenly smell as soon as I opened the front door. My nose led me to the kitchen, where Grace was cooking up a storm.
I cleared my throat, and she turned around, eyes popping out of her skull.
My daughter shyly stepped forward. “Hello, Auntie Gracie.
Grace smiled at me in wide–eyed wonderment as she hugged the little girl.
“I must’ve known you’d join us today.” She said, crouching down.
Bonnie tilted her head. “Why?”
“Because I’m making spaghetti bolognese.” She said, bopping her nose. “It’ll be ready in ten minutes.”
I smiled at the memory of a two–year–old Bonnie stuffing fistfuls of saucy pasta into her mouth–it was one of the few times I’d seen Grace while married.
“Let’s settle you into your room before dinner.” I said, guiding her down the short hallway.
My pulse raced anxiously as I pushed the door open and flicked on the lights.
Bonnie took in the pale pink curtains that fluttered from a gentle breeze, the peony shaped lamps, the zoo of stuffed animals I’d bought in our time apart–carefully arranged on her bed.
“This is my room?” She asked, eyes wide.
“Yes, honey.” I smiled and squatted to her level. “This room is all yours, so you can stay with Mommy whenever you want.”
“It’s way tinier than my room at Daddy.” She said, gazing around. “But it’s still nice.”
2/3
Chapter Sixty Two
I held her hands so she’d look at me.
+25 BONUS
Does Auntie Vanessa always treat you the way she did today?” I asked tentatively. “You can tell me the truth, honey–you won’t get into trouble.”
Bonnie pulled her hands away and picked up a stuffed zebra to hug to her chest.
The silence stretched. I pulled out the necklace I’d pocketed from the display before we’d left the studio. Taking a deep breath, I held it out to her.
Her hand trembled as she took the pendant.
“Sorry.” Bonnie whispered, eyes locked on a cloud shaped rug.
My heart swelled, and I nodded, fighting back tears. This little gesture of reconciliation meant the world to me. I ruffled my daughter’s honey brown hair, not trusting myself to speak.
“Dinner’s ready! Bring your appetites!” Grace called from the kitchen.
Taking a steadying breath, I offered Bonnie my hand.
“Come on, honey.” I said with a smile.
We walked down the hallway hand in hand as determination to repair our relationship coursed through my veins.
Today’s Bonus Offer
