chapter 34

Isabella

The view from Rex's suite is incredible. The expanse of New York City rolls out before us. So much open sky and space.

I wrap my sweater around me. Spring in New York is much cooler than spring in Ocotillo Valley. It quickly becomes colder than I'd like.

I head inside from the balcony and look at the thin edge of light spilling across the carpet from the bedroom. With a smile, I walk closer to the bedroom door and rest my head against the doorframe.

“You’ll be here when I wake up?” Leo’s small voice pipes up from inside.

“Of course,” I hear Rex reply, his voice warm like honey, dripping with exhaustion.

“And what about the next day?”

“If I’m not there, you can call me right away.”

There is a pause. “I want you to be there,” Leo says.

Another pause. “I want to be there, too, buddy.”

“Tell Mama.”

Rex chuckles. “You know what, I will.”

“Because Mama will want you there too.”

“You think so?” Rex asks.

I smile to myself. It’s not as simple as all of that. But I’m learning to be ok