One month later…
Ashlyn’s trial had been going on for about three weeks, and Connor was under a lot of stress. Julia had started to sleep through the night, so that made things a little easier for us. Connor and I worked out at the gym every morning before he went to the office, and Mason watched Julia. He was so good with her, and it was easy to see how much he loved her. Landon confided in me that he was happy that we hired Mason as Julia’s nanny because all Mason had been talking about in California was adopting a baby, and Landon wasn’t ready for that kind of responsibility yet. So, taking care of Julia had kept Mason busy enough to get his baby fill.
It was a typical morning. Mason was downstairs with Julia. I was putting on my workout clothes and Connor was getting his things together for work. He seemed really on edge this morning, and it was bothering me.
“Don’t forget we have Camden’s birthday party this weekend at your parents’ house,” I said casually to him.
“I don’t know if I can make it. With this trial and everything, I’m behind at the office, so I may have to work all weekend.”
I walked over to him and wrapped my arms around his waist. “Camden will be crushed if you’re not there, and you’ve never missed anything.”
He took a hold of my arms and removed them from his waist. “Don’t start with me, Ellery. I’ve got a lot going on right now.”
“Excuse me, Connor!” I snapped.
I sighed and walked out of the room. I didn’t want to start my day off with an argument, and I needed to get to the gym because I was meeting Peyton for fittings and lunch. I went downstairs and into the kitchen. I grabbed my bag and kissed Julia goodbye.
“Mason, tell Connor that I already left.”
“Umm, all right, Elle. Have a good day,” he said.
I took the elevator down and when the doors opened, Denny was standing there.
“Are you ready to go, Ellery? Where’s Connor?” he asked.
“Who cares, and I’m taking a cab. Bye, Denny,” I said as I stepped onto the sidewalk and hailed a cab.
***
I was on the treadmill in the gym, listening to my iPod, when Connor stepped on the treadmill next to me.
“You never cease to amaze me. I hope you know that,” he said.
“Sorry, can’t hear you. Music’s playing,” I said loudly.
“Ellery, take out the damn ear phones.”
I rolled my eyes and took them out. “There. Happy?”
He shook his head as he ran on the treadmill. “Why the hell would you not wait for me?”
“Because you were being an ass and giving me an attitude.”
“All I said was that I didn’t think I was going to be able to make it to Camden’s party.”
“You told me not to start with you in an irritated tone. So, I left because I didn’t want to bother you.”
“Baby, you weren’t bothering me.”
“And you’re not talking to me. I know you’re not telling me things, and it’s eating you up inside.”
“I don’t want to discuss this any further right now, especially here,” he said.
I shook my head, and I got off the treadmill. “Fine. I’m going over to the spin bike.”
I walked across to the other side of the gym where a row of spin bikes sat. I knew Connor wouldn’t come over there because he hated the spin bikes. He was irritating me with his attitude and not wanting to talk about the trial. I could understand him being upset and trying to protect me, but he needed to understand that I didn’t need protecting. I was a big girl and I could handle it. What I couldn’t handle was him neglecting his family.
I stayed on the bike for about forty-five minutes, and then I looked around for Connor. I went to his usual machines but he wasn’t around. I saw Toby, one of the personal trainers, and asked him if he’d seen Connor. He said he that he’d left already. My blood started to boil as anger shot through my body. I couldn’t believe that he left without saying goodbye. I stomped off to the locker room, grabbed my phone from my locker, and quickly sent him a text message.
“You’re an asshole.”
“If you say so,” he replied.
I rolled my eyes. I didn’t have time for this. I needed to shower quickly and meet Peyton down the street in less than an hour. After I finished getting dressed, I packed up my bag and left the gym. When I walked out the door, I saw Denny leaning up against the limo. I couldn’t help but smile at this all-too-familiar sight.
“Denny, what are you doing here?”
“Just seeing if you need a ride home.”
“Thank you, but I’m meeting Peyton down the street.” I smiled as I started to walk away.
“Ellery!” Denny called out.
I stopped, turned around, and looked at him.
“You know that you and Julia are the things that matters most to Connor.”
“I know that, Denny,” I said as I looked down.