The Arrangement

Chapter 44

I disappeared into my office and made the call I was dreading.  

"Hey Mom."

"Mikaela!" the relief in her voice twisted the guilt in my gut.  "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine, Mom.  Hey, I'm sorry."

"Sorry?  For what?"

"Making you worry.  I let my phone die for a few days and went off the map.  It wasn't fair to you.  I just wanted to tell you I'm alright, I'm sorry, and I love you."

"I love you too, baby.  You'll always be my baby, no matter how big you get."

I smiled at that.  "Thanks Mom."

"Do you want to come for Sunday dinner?"

I found myself nodding.  "Yeah, I'll make sure I'm there."

"You're really doing okay?"

"Yeah, I'm okay."

"Okay."

"I got to get going, but, I love you."

"Alright baby, bye."

I hung up and sighed in relief.  She'd tell Dad and we'd get to talk on Sunday.  I worked myself like a dog then headed over to check up on the construction.  It was 8:45 and I was impressed.  They were ahead of schedule.  I'd chosen a good team.  Katrina showed up and handed me a file.

"This is everything you need." Katrina promised.  "Are you sure you want to do this yourself?"

I nodded.  "Yeah, it has to be me."

"Once you do this, you know there's no going back, right?"

I nodded again.  "I'm aware of what I'm doing."

"Well, just let me know how it goes.  If I can do anything, let me know."

I gave her a hug.  "Thank you, but you should get going.  You don't want to be late for you date."

She gave me a smile.  "Have fun," she waved as she left the site.  

I quickly put the paperwork in my bag.  I didn't want anyone seeing it, and Trent had a tendency to show up early.  He was the last person I wanted to see this.

Sure enough as I was closing my bag I felt arms encircle my waist.  I took a sharp intake of breath.  "You scared me, Trent," I breathed as he let me go.

"Sorry, I couldn't resist." Trent admitted, looking sheepish.

"You're early."

"I am."

"What did you bring?"

Trent started pulling out Chili's take away and set it up for us.  I led him over to my makeshift desk and we both sat on hard folding chairs.

"How was your day?" Trent asked after a long awkward silence.

"Pretty good.  Yours?"

"Better now." Trent admitted.  

We started eating and part of me was comfortable, and the other part was irritated.  "Why doesn't this feel different?" I blurted out.

Trent nearly choked as I caught him off guard.  "What do you mean?"

"I still want to be furious with you.  I'm not.  I never was very good at holding a grudge, but seriously?  You've lied to me since day one.  I know this.  I should hate you, but, somehow I don't." I sighed.  "I don't know what to do with you.  I don't know how to deal with this." I finally admitted.