Page 64 of Tell Me I'm Not Dreaming

“Watch your mouth!” Patrick roars. He takes a breath and calms himself down. “I broke that woman’s heart when we were eighteen, and by the grace of God, we’ve been reunited. I’m not letting anyone fuck that up; do you hear me? No one is coming between us ever again. It’s always been her, and it will always be her.”

“I wish you said something sooner. Why am I just know learning about her?”

“Losing her was the worst thing that ever happened to me, aside from losing my mom. I didn’t like talking about it. Besides, my saying that I don’t do relationships should have been enough.”

Patrick types into his phone. It buzzes seconds later.

“Your car will be here in an hour.” He turns to leave.

“Patrick.”

He turns back. “Yes?”

“Why her?”

“Because she’s the love of my life.”

Patrick turns and walks away.

6

AIMEE

Aimee sits in the back of the car Patrick sent for her and waits for him and Courtney. It’s mid-May, and that means it’s time for San Fran Rom Fan Con. And it’s time for Aimee to finally meet Courtney. She stays with her mom in their new house and spends almost every weekend with Patrick. While things have been going well for the two of them, Patrick wanted to be cautious about Courtney and Aimee’s introduction. Especially considering how Courtney found out about Aimee.

I know I shouldn’t judge, but what kind of a mother talks shit about her ex’s new girlfriend within earshot of her kid?Knowing the kid hasn’t met the person, yet.

Aimee can only imagine what Courtney heard her mother say about her.

The kid probably hates me already. Yeah, she and her mom aren’t close but that’s still her mom. Courtney may not dislike me, but she surely has some misinformed notions about me.

Patrick walks out with two carry-on bags and a foldable rolling tote bag, no doubt for all the books and swag Courtney plans to get. Aimee gets out of the car and greets him with a juicy kiss.

“Mmm, that was nice. Give me another before the kid comes.”

“I’m already here, daddy,” Courtney says behind him.

She and Aimee make eye contact. Aimee smiles, and Courtney smiles back shyly. She comes from behind her father and holds out her hand. “Hi, I’m Courtney.”

“Hi, Courtney. I’m Aimee.”

“This is nice,” Patrick says.

He has the jitters again.

Aimee titters at Patrick.

“Are you laughing at me, baby?” Patrick asks.

“Yes, I am,” Aimee teases. “Your tells for when you’re nervous haven’t changed since we were kids.”

“I could never get anything passed you.” Patrick kisses Aimee on the cheek.

“I still can’t believe you too have known each other since you were younger than me. That’s really cool,” Courtney says.

“It is.” Aimee smiles at Patrick.

“What was daddy like as a kid?”