Page 42 of Freefall

“I guess when you’re rich, you need two of everything.”

TJ quirks a brow. “Didn’t you go to Baybridge Prep?”

“I did. It’s a long story, but basically we got grandfathered into living in Baybridge. Plus, my dad works there, so I got discounted tuition.”

“See, I knew there was a reason you were different.”

“Different?”

“In a good way. Come on, you know what the girls there were like.”

I narrow my eyes. “Judgy much?”

“Only because they judged me first,” he says with a wink.

TJ grew up in Rocky Falls—not exactly a rough neighborhood, but also a far cry from the opulence of the surrounding towns. Apparently, he was so good at football that he was transferred to Emberfield his junior year, but like me, he had a reputation of being “the boy from the wrong side of the tracks.” All because he didn’t wear designer clothes and drive an Aston Martin. I guess it’s one more thing we have in common.

“Anyway, if you’re done insulting me, would you mind finishing up the cocktail hour?” I ask. “I’m going to take five.”

TJ flashes a dimpled smile. “Only if you let me make it up to you with a drink after this. I have a feeling I’m going to need one after the speeches.”

His light brown eyes sparkle as he lifts the camera from his bag. They’re soft, like the cinnamon sprinkled on top of a latte. Nothing like the tempered steel of some other eyes I know. I’ve only known TJ for a couple of months, but in that time, he has always seemed interested in being friends. He's never once tried to cross the line. There’s no denying he’s a catch—smart, funny, well-traveled. He’s obviously a great father, and he’s not bad on the eyes. He sort of has a Brandon Sklenar thing going on. And maybe his invite to grab a drink is friendly, but I have too much going on right now to find out.

“I would, but I was actually hoping you might cover the end of the reception. I told my mom I’d be home by nine. Daisy has been having some trouble sleeping lately, and I want to be there in case she wakes up.”

It’s not a lie. Daisy still comes into my bed every night, and I did tell my mom I’d be home early. It's also the perfect excuse not to get a potentially non-friendly drink with TJ.

He opens his mouth to respond when my phone buzzes in my back pocket. I take it out and hold up a finger. “One sec. This might be my mom.”

It’s not my mom.

Nate

When can I see her?

Ignoring the message, I shove my phone in my pocket and turn back to TJ. “Sorry. Rain check?”

“Of course,” he says, studying me for a second before he smiles.

“Thanks for covering. I owe you one!” I turn to leave, but he catches my hand. The touch is so unexpected that I glance down at our hands. I expect him to do the same and let go, but he doesn’t.

“Ella went through a similar phase a few years ago when her little brother was born. I think sometimes the change can set them off. She wanted to be close to her mom all the time, even at night, but eventually, she started sleeping in her own room again.”

His thumb brushes against the side of my hand before he finally lets go. “Anyway, I thought you should know it doesn’t last forever.”

I swallow the lump in my throat. “Thanks, TJ. I appreciate it.”

He’s right. These past few months have brought nothing but change for my daughter. I know I said I wouldn’t keep her from Nate, but the absolute last thing I want is to hurl another curveball in her direction. I have to protect my daughter even if it means going back on my word. So I do what I need to. I pick up my phone and type out a text.

Now really isn’t a good time. Maybe in a couple of weeks.

13

HARPER

The scent of fresh laundry permeates the enclosed space as I empty the contents of the dryer into a woven basket on the floor. I love the smell of clothes fresh out of the dryer. It’s easy to forget the little things that bring you joy when so many aspects of life try to steal it away, but every once in a while, I remember to be grateful for them.

Grace would say practicing mindfulness helps.