R.I.L.Y Forever (4 page)

Julia remembered the first time she laid eyes on Ethan Sullivan. It was the first day of her sophomore year and she just celebrated her sixteenth birthday the day before. Aimee was assigned to a different section of biology and Julia sat in the back of the room nervously anticipating the start of the class. All summer she dreaded this day. The thought of having to dissect any creature was nauseating. She tried everything to get out of taking the course, but her protestations fell on deaf ears. To make things worse, all of her friends were assigned to another section. She was alone, miserable, and feeling sorry for herself as only a teenaged girl can do.

Ethan was new to the school, although everyone knew of his wealthy political family. He confidently strode into the class, scanned the room for an open seat, and locked in on her. Their eyes met and a connection was made unlike anything she’d ever experienced. He smiled at her and she melted in her chair. There wasn’t any time to make introductions. The bell rang and he took a seat, right across the aisle from her. For the next hour Julia didn’t hear a single word the teacher said. She’d suddenly become deaf. All she heard was the sound of her heart beating and she saw no one but him. Later, when their friendship bloomed into much more, he told her he experienced the same thing.

That day, in biology class, he passed her a note asking her out. She declined, but he was persistent, thank God. She insisted she didn’t know him well enough to go out with him and he wrote, “That’s easy to fix. I’m Ethan Sullivan.” He spent the next forty-five minutes passing her message after message, telling her all the important things he thought she needed to know about him.

“I moved here from Chicago.”

“I play football, but I’m addicted to board games. Want to play Twister with me?”

“I love pizza, but hate cherries. They’re the pits.”

“I don’t have a favorite color, but I love the color of your eyes.”

“I’m an only child and I’m used to getting what I want.”

Time flew and right before the bell rang, he finally wrote, “Say yes.”

By that time, she’d completely forgotten he’d asked her out and she wrote, “To what?”

“To me. Say yes to me.”

She read those words over and over again, turned her head and looked right into his hopeful eyes. With a huge grin that left no doubt to what she was feeling, she whispered, “Yes.”

He didn’t know it, and maybe one day she’d show it to him, but she kept that piece of paper knowing, at the end of the day, she’d always say yes to Ethan Sullivan. She’d said yes then knowing she had absolutely no other choice, and she said yes today, feeling the very same way.

Chapter Four

Last night was ladies’ night. As always, bonding with her girls energized and exhausted Julia and she wouldn’t have it any other way. On Wednesday she texted the girls, Lexi, Christine, and Aimee, and declared an emergency ladies’ night for the next evening. That was the beauty of having great girlfriends who came to your rescue at the drop of a hat. Even before Aimee moved to New Jersey three years ago, they had their ladies’ night via Internet. They decompressed over wine and poured their hearts out to each other. It didn’t matter if they were in the same room or even the same state. They were always there for one another.

Aimee had been in Julia’s life for as long as she could remember. They first met in grade school and Julia was fascinated by Aimee’s fiery red hair. In recess one day she asked Aimee if she could touch it. It was the beginning of a special friendship that spanned decades. The only thing that separated them was college, but that was physical distance. While Julia attended Holy Cross University on a full scholarship, Aimee stayed in Indiana to help her father take care of her younger sisters and her mother who had an aggressive form of multiple sclerosis.

Lexi joined ladies’ night and the circle of trust a little over a year ago, bringing Christine with her. Julia was given Lexi’s name from some nurses at the hospital who hired her to handle their divorce. They said she was easy to talk to, but a force to be reckoned with. This, she had in common with her brother, Adam, a well-known cardiac surgeon at Lakes Julia worked with on occasion. At first, it was all business with Lexi, but that didn’t last long as the women found they had much in common.

While Christine was the same age as Aimee and Julia, Lexi was five years younger, but she was surprisingly mature. Together the women formed a tight circle of friendship and support. There was nothing they wouldn’t do for one another. They rounded each other out well, each bringing their unique life experiences and gifts to share. Julia thanked God for their friendship daily. They kept her sane and stopped her from killing Matt on a number of occasions.

Ladies’ night was traditionally held once a month. However, anyone in the group could call an emergency meeting and this was a frequent occurrence. Some ladies’ nights were a free-for-all with the women unloading their troubles at random. But last night was all about Julia and the men in her life. The women usually met at a nearby restaurant or bar, but this time everyone came to Julia’s house because, once again, Matt decided not to show up to watch Lilly.

Lilly was too young to be disappointed by her father’s absence, but Julia was beside herself. It was almost a month since Matt last saw his daughter. When he made an appearance, it would be disruptive and traumatic for Lilly. Matt was fading out of Lilly’s life. Julia tried to explain to him a month away from Lilly was a year in Lilly time. Each time he stayed away for long periods, he lost any bond he built with her and had to start over again. Now when Matt reappeared into Lilly’s life and tried to take her for the day, she refused to go to him. When she relented, she came back a changed little girl. Something had to be done.

It was about time Matt made a decision regarding the role he was willing to play in Lilly’s life. He had to either man-up and be a real father, or get out of her life. Lexi didn’t think it was going to be easy. Although she didn’t specialize in custody cases, she was well versed on their legalities. She warned Julia if she went for full custody, it would be difficult, messy and costly, especially if Matt contested it.

Things could go Julia’s way if she let Lexi use all the dirt she compiled on Matt. Julia, however, refused to go down that path unless she was out of options. While he wouldn’t win Father-of-the-Year any time soon, he wasn’t a terrible father. What Julia wanted was for Lilly to have everything she never had—a real family and father who loved her to pieces. Julia grew up craving the love and security of a family.

Then there was Ethan. Julia put the women off all week telling them she needed time to process her feelings about Ethan before talking about it. God love her, Aimee let her be, knowing when Julia was ready to talk, she would. Lexi and Christine were harder to convince. Neither knew Julia and Ethan’s story, but they were smart and sensitive enough to know there
was
a story.

By the end of the night, after several bottles of wine were consumed, Lexi and Christine knew most of the story. There were some things Julia would never share with anyone other than Aimee who’d witnessed the whole sordid mess. While the other women understood her reluctance to start things back up with Ethan, they wanted her to be happy. And he was her chance at happiness. It was obvious to them she still cared a great deal for him and they told her as much. Despite her protestations and fears, they convinced her putting the past to rest would be healthy for both of them and there was no harm in having dinner with him.

Dinner with Ethan.

Crap! Where had the time gone?

Julia glanced at the kitchen clock and panicked. Ethan would arrive in thirty minutes. It was late when the girls left last night and she hadn’t tidied up. She raced around the house clearing the evidence of their drinking and munching. Her house was a small multi-level structure deep in the woods. It had three small bedrooms, a bathroom, family room, and kitchen. It was easy to mess up and easy to clean. She loved her home and it showed. Every inch of it was decorated for comfort, with oversized leather furniture, colorful throw pillows, knickknacks, and photos of people and places she loved.

She and Matt lived in this house since they married. At first they were renters until shortly after Ella died. The elderly couple that owned the house said they would be happy to sell it to them when they were ready, but Matt never wanted to buy it. He complained it was old and they could do better. When Ella suddenly died, Julia was the sole beneficiary of her substantial life insurance policy. She bought the house, and with it, some security for herself and Lilly.

With Lilly’s help, Julia finished the last of the dishes. She started the dishwasher and was about to sit Lilly down for her dinner when her cell rang. She grabbed it from her back pocket, glanced at the display, and sighed.

Matt. Now he calls? She wondered if he would apologize this time for missing a date with his daughter. As she wrestled Lilly into her high chair, placing her dinner in front of her, she answered.

“Hello, Matt.”

“Julia, I’ll be over in the morning around ten to take Lilly. Dress her up a bit. We’re having a family photo taken. Nothing too crazy, please. Go for elegant and subtle. Better give me a couple of outfits in case Carla doesn’t like what you’ve chosen.”

“Hello to you too, Matt, and no, you cannot take Lilly tomorrow. You were supposed to watch her last night, remember? Anyway, we have plans tomorrow.”

So much for an apology! Hearing Matt’s voice used to make Julia smile, but that was in the past. Now, she wanted to hit something every time she talked to him. It didn’t help he was informing her he was taking Lilly tomorrow instead of asking if they had plans first. It also didn’t help he was being a condescending ass, dictating how she should dress her child.

Julia felt her blood begin to bubble. She remembered the conversation she had with Lexi last night. She had to hold it together and not lose her mind. She had to keep communication open, be reasonable, and foster a civil relationship with Matt, etc. …whatever!

“Look, don’t give me a hard time. I didn’t have time for Lilly yesterday. Tomorrow is a must. Carla has the day all planned. We’re going to Carla’s parents’ in Long Island afterward. Pack her some play clothes as well. She’ll be fine. I’ll bring her back around seven.” After a pause, he huffed. “You said I needed to spend more time with her and now I am.”

Julia turned her back to Lilly and paced the kitchen trying to control her quickly rising temper. Carla was Matt’s new wife and the woman he’d been having a long-term affair with during their marriage. Her name alone made Julia see red. Carla was in her late twenties and came from a wealthy Long Island family. She was an only child and the heiress to a large fortune—she was used to having whatever she wanted. Since marrying her, Matt changed. He now lived the privileged life he always wanted and would do anything to keep his wife and her wealthy family happy.

Carla barely tolerated Lilly. She was under the impression Julia got pregnant on purpose and Lilly was Julia’s way of holding on to Matt when he wanted a divorce to be with her. That was ludicrous since Julia had no idea Matt was cheating on her or he wanted a divorce. Lilly was a total surprise baby. Putting all that aside, Carla wasn’t the nurturing type. She told Julia on multiple occasions, “Children aren’t my thing.”

“Matt, back up a minute, would you? Yes, of course I want you to spend time with Lilly, but I need some notice and need to be consulted when you’ve made plans for our daughter. I don’t understand the urgency.”

“This is exactly why I don’t come around more often. Why do you have to complicate things? Carla wants Lilly in our family photo and the photographer is free tomorrow. Have her ready, for God’s sake. How hard is that?”

Julia took a deep breath and attempted a new strategy. She wanted Lilly to see her father and their plans could be changed—they were going to the Bronx Zoo. But she didn’t think Lilly would do well spending the day in Long Island. Lilly hadn’t seen Matt in a month so their reunion was going to be rough. Add to that wearing uncomfortable clothes, posing for cameras, and spending the day with people she didn’t know, and the stress of the day would be too much for Lilly. She would most definitely have a meltdown. Matt would know this if he spent any time with her.

Julia collected herself and spoke in a low, cajoling voice.

“Okay, Matt, listen. Why don’t I pick Lilly up from wherever you are when you’re done with the pictures, or I could bring her to the studio and wait until you’re finished? Lilly doesn’t do well with strangers and she can be a handful. This way you and Carla can have your pictures and have a good day with her family.”

“Julia, I’m not going to argue with you any further. Lilly is my daughter and I want her for the day. I don’t have to justify my every move to you or ask your permission to spend time with her. As for her behavior, that’s your fault. She’s spoiled and willful, but she’ll have to learn how to behave in public sooner rather than later. If you can’t teach her appropriate behavior, and it appears you cannot, Carla and I have no problem doing so. Have her ready by ten sharp. Goodbye.”

Julia stared at the phone. What the hell just happened? Matt was difficult, but he never acted like this before. He never went out of his way to spend time with Lilly, never demanded to see her, and never commented on her behavior. Although Julia should be happy, he wanted to spend time with his daughter, her gut told her something wasn’t right.

As for Lilly’s behavior, Lilly was two. Yes, she was spirited, but she wasn’t spoiled. There was no way Julia was going to let him
teach
her child how to behave. She didn’t like his tone or the implied threat. Julia knew all too well that kind of teaching and she’d be damned if she let him, or anyone else, lay a finger on Lilly.

The sound of the doorbell brought Julia out of her daze. Ethan had arrived and she hadn’t changed out of her scrubs yet. She sighed in frustration and exhaustion. She made sure Lilly was still sitting snuggly in her chair then went to open the door for Ethan. As she walked toward the door, she ran her fingers through her hair. It was a lost cause. She was a mess. Julia took a deep breath and opened the door. Poor Ethan had no idea what he was walking into. It had been a challenging day and the phone call with Matt fried her nerves.

“Hey, Ethan. Glad you found us. Come on in.”

Ethan came into the house surprising Julia with a light kiss on the cheek. His delicious scent filled her nose—cinnamon and musk.

“Hi, beautiful. Oh, oh, what’s going on? What’s that look on your face about?”

“Uh, nothing’s going on. It’s been a long day. Come on, Lilly’s in the kitchen. We can eat there.”

Julia turned before Ethan saw the blush that crept up her neck and face, warming her whole body. Even in her distracted state, she would’ve had to be blind not to notice how incredible he looked in dark jeans and a Harvard t-shirt. He was better looking than any Calvin Klein model she’d ever seen and his t-shirt was stretched to its limit, barely covering his muscular biceps and pecs. His hair was still wet from a shower and he had a sexy, mouth-watering five o’clock shadow going. The man was gorgeous and she was a hot mess. Life was so unfair.

It wasn’t lost on Julia Ethan called her beautiful. The word rolled off his lips as easily as it did years ago. He needed glasses. She wasn’t as thin or as toned as she used to be. Matt reminded her of that fact a million times. Her hair was a mess and needed a cut. It was a wild beast that grew thick and long. Another thing Matt hated. He said she needed to look less like Mother Earth and more like Anne Hathaway. But she was who she was.

Julia walked through the family room to the kitchen with Ethan trailing behind her carrying a couple of bags. The yummy scent of Chinese food filled the house making her mouth water and her stomach rumble. She hadn’t stopped to eat all day and she was starving.

“Hi, angel baby. What are you eating?” Ethan greeted Lilly as Julia took one of the bags from him and began to empty it on the small kitchen table that served as their dining room. She glanced over her shoulder and saw Ethan doing his baby whisperer routine. Lilly was relishing in his attention and filled the room with her adorable squeals of delight. Her girl acted like all women did around Dr. Ethan Sullivan. She was drooling all over him and trying to feed him peas off her plate. One day Julia would have to get him to tell her what he whispered in Lilly’s ear that gave her such joy.