Read His Call for Free Online Page A

for a quick shower, trying not to think about the last time I did this alone. Usually there’s another person in here for me to run my hands over, to kiss, to wash. And usually, that person is doing the same thing back to me…
    I exhale deeply, washing the soap from my body. God, I miss her. If I thought Dayton’s leaving me seven years ago was painful, I wasn’t prepared for this. I wasn’t prepared for the hollow feeling inside my chest or every lackluster beat of my heart.
    Her laugh, her smile, the twinkle she gets in her eye s every time I look at her… I miss it all, and it’s only been a matter of days. I didn’t realize just how much I love her until I watched that car pull away from the hotel, taking her with it.
    I didn’t realize just how much brighter she makes life.
    I dress quickly, tugging a jacket over my sweater, and push my cell into my pocket. It rings again, and I'm relieved to see Dad’s name on the screen.
    “Dad.”
    “Your mom would like to know if you’re on your way yet.”
    My eyes drift to the clock on the wall. “Yes, I’m about to leave. Forty-five minutes earlier than necessary.”
    He relays this message to her, and a heavy breath crackles down the phone as he brings it back to his ear. “She says not to be smart, and she hopes you arrive with a little more respect than you’re currently showing her.”
    Twenty-seven years old and the woman can still make me feel like a kid.
    “I’ll try my best,” I reply.
    “He said he’ s sorry. He’s simply tired after his long flight, and he’ll make sure to bring a better attitude,” Dad calls. A door shuts, and he exhales. “Good grief. Son, she’s not happy.”
    “Really, Dad? I wasn’t aware from our earlier conversation.” I get into the waiting car with a nod to the building doorman.
    “I hope you have plenty of medication in your apartment, because I suspect you’ll need it when you leave. Although, I have to say, at this point, rather you than me.”
    I wince. I can just imagine what he’s had to put up with for the last few days. To the public eye, my mother is the walking embodiment of composure and elegance, even when angry. In private, she’s the exact opposite.
    Quite frankly, it makes me want to turn this car around and have Mr. Carlisle email a copy of the agreement instead.
    “I’ll be there in a few minutes.” I end the call and lean back on the seat.
    An endless tirade over my shortcomings with my first marriage and choice of wife isn’t what I planned for this morning.
    The drive through New York is more painful than I remember, likely because I’ve been spoiled by quieter cities over the past month. When I finally arrive at my parents’ house, I linger in the car for a few minutes.
    Unfortunately, my mother appears at the front door, meaning my attempts at prolonging the beginning of our conversation are thwarted.
    “Inside,” she barks, her eyes hard and disappointed.
    I bite my tongue. I know better than to respond to her in this mood…most of the time. Occasionally, the words slip out.
    She points at the front room , and I walk in, dutifully taking a seat on the sofa. My father lowers his paper at a sharp look from Mom and glances at me with sympathy in his eyes.
    Oh yes. This is going to be bad.
    Mom looks at me for a long moment, her eyes shining with anger, before sighing resignedly. She reaches behind her head and secures her hair up with a large clip then brings her attention back to me.
    “Why, Aaron? Why didn’t you tell her?”
    I open my mouth, but she carries on, and I realize that all of her questions will be rhetorical until she decides otherwise. Perils of having a mother who is used to dealing with men like my father…and me.
    “I don’t understand why it was so difficult. What were you trying to protect her from? The truth? Impossible. You can’t protect people from the truth with lies, openly said or otherwise. If it were any other girl…fine. But Dayton isn’t just