Page 76 of The Vow Thief

“Hey Matt.”

“Hiya, hotstuff. You okay, you sound like you’re in a sprint.”

She laughed.“Well, I am. Em forgot Uranus for her planet project, so I am back at the house to get it. Then I have to take it back to the school.”

“How does one forget Uranus?” I said, laughing.

“Tommy walked around with it all night, asking,‘Do you know all there is to know about your anus? It’s made up of mostly gas.”

We both laughed so hard we were cackling.“That’s my boy,” I said like a proud papa.

“Yep, that is definitely you peeking out of his personality. Hey, are you still coming in next weekend?”

“Yes, that is actually what I wanted to talk to you about. Are you busy on that Saturday? I have a thing in Chicago and won’t be able to keep the kids.”

“Yes, I actually am busy on Saturday, but Mom wants the kids to come over and watch all of the Toy Story movies, so you are in luck. We can plan it for that Saturday.”

“Excellent! I am flying in Thursday night to hang with Tyler. Then I will be by the house on Friday to hang with the family, oh, and to fix the window. I don’t have to leave to head back to Charleston until Sunday at six. We should hang out when we can.”

She was silent for what felt like a full minute, then,“Okay. See you then.”

I had given up on getting her back, but co-parenting with her was a treasure.

Chapter 32 - Romance In the City

Elliott’s POV

Chicago looked clean. Like it didn’t have an underbelly or need men like me. I didn’t mind being part of its dark side until nights like this.

Sarah stepped out of the car and into the glow of the Kyoten’s awning. Every time I saw her, she looked like she belonged to a higher order of elegance. Tonight, her dress was soft ivory, simple in design but ruinous in effect. I imagined her on my arm at events, on the cover of news articles. She was perfect for me.

“Good evening, Sarah.”

“Eli.” Her voice carried that mix of grace and curiosity I had started craving.“You chose well. I’ve always wanted to try this place. I love sushi.”

“I had a feeling,” I said, offering my arm.

Inside, the restaurant hummed with quiet luxury. Every detail mattered. The kind of place where the Chef was as popular as the guests who dined here. Perfect for my Sarah.

Dinner unfolded easily. Conversation drifted between sharp and playful, never forced. She had a mind that challenged mine and a laugh that disarmed it.

“You always look like you’re thinking three thoughts at once,” I said.

She smiled.“Only two tonight. You’re distracting me from the third.”

“That tells me I am in either first or second.”

“Or forth,” she countered playfully.

We shared a bottle of Saki that tasted smooth and fruity, and the hours moved without friction.

After two rounds of sushi, I paid the check before she could protest.“Come with me,” I said, rising.

She lifted an eyebrow.“I’m a little tipsy, that’s a dangerous invitation.”

“I plan to make it worth the risk.”

The car ride to the Second City comedy club was short but full of quiet electricity. The air between us had changed, charged with something that didn’t need to be named. Yet.