The Naked Truth(20)
Abigail took the phone. “Hold on a moment while I tuck her in.” She set the phone on the bed and leaned forward, kissing Hailey’s forehead. “Sweet dreams, my princess. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Love you, Mommy.”
“Love you too.” Abigail picked the receiver back up and dimmed the light before returning to her call. “Hi, Josh.”
“How are you?”
“Tired, but good. It’s not easy being home all day and night. I’m starting to go a bit stir-crazy without a job.”
“Return to school.”
She shook her head. “I can’t afford it at this moment.” Before she gave him the chance to offer the money, she added, “But I have contacted a college and discussed getting student loans.”
Josh cleared his throat. “I’m glad to hear that.”
“I figured you would be.”
There was a long silence before Josh broke it. “I miss you. I’m trying to be patient and take things slow. And I understand the timeframe of us being in one another’s life again is short, but I can’t be without you. It kills me that you and Hailey are so far away. I promise I won’t push and will take things at your pace.”
Abigail grinned, not being able to help it. “It’s getting harder on me as well.”
“Why are we doing this then?”
“I need you to know I’m independent and not going to rely on you for everything. Just like with schooling. You’re not paying for it. If I go back to school, I’m doing it on my own, even though it’s going to be difficult with no job.”
“If you come to New York, you can work and go to school and I’ll be around to help with our daughter. And don’t forget about Janet, the nanny. I’m sure we could hire her full-time.”
“I know.”
“Just think about it, that’s all I ask.”
Abigail yawned. “I’m going to turn in for the night. We’ll talk tomorrow?”
“You bet. Goodnight.”
“Night.” She pressed the end button and then held the phone close to her heart. As silly as it seemed, having the phone this close made her feel like he was there with her.
As she headed toward her room, she prepared herself for yet another sleepless night.
* * * *
Another week had passed and Abigail couldn’t take it anymore. She had to see Josh and she was almost surprised that he hadn’t yet shown up. She could hear the desperation in his voice when they spoke. It wouldn’t be long before one of them burst.
She was the one about to blow, in fact. She’d been in contact with her old law school in New York, and it looked like things might be lining up the way she wanted. But she couldn’t be certain yet.
She finished stuffing Hailey’s clothes in the suitcase. Now all she had to do was get her daughter and make it to the airport in time. While the flight might not be as nice as it had been on Josh’s jet, at least it would get her from point A to B. The best part was Hailey and Josh had no idea.
* * * *
Josh loosened his tie as he stepped into the kitchen. “What’s for dinner?” he asked the cook.
The older woman smiled. “Chicken fingers and French fries.”
He stared at her and wondered if he’d heard her right. Chicken fingers and French fries? Sure, he wasn’t picky, but he hadn’t had anything like that since Hailey had been here. He walked closer and noticed she was making a lot.
“I know I have a hefty appetite, but I don’t think I can eat that much.”
The woman giggled. “Don’t worry about what you can eat.”
Josh grinned, went to the fridge, and removed a coke. He noticed a few juice boxes had been added. He was about to mention it, but then decided against it. One of the house staff members probably had a child visiting or something.
“How long until dinner?” he asked from the doorway.
“About thirty minutes, I hope.”
“I’ll be back.” He left the kitchen and began the path toward his office. Just as he was about to enter it, he noticed a set of headlights out front. Who is here? He wasn’t expecting anyone.
Only one way to find out. Josh opened the door and as soon as he stepped out, a small child clung to his leg. “Daddy!”
“Hailey? What are you doing here?” His arms wrapped around her and he looked up and saw Abigail approaching, a grin across her face. “What are you two doing here?”
“We decided to come home,” Abigail said as she stopped in front of him, “if you’ll have us.”
With his free hand, he reached out and took Abigail’s. “You better believe I’ll have you. And how lucky you are tonight, Hailey. The cook is making your favorite.”