24. Billie

CHAPTER 24

BILLIE

Q uinn sits on the exam table, fidgeting with the thin paper covering. "Can we go now?"

"Not yet," I tell her. "We need to hear your results."

She sighs and kicks her feet. "But I haven't had any asthma. I'm fine."

"I know you are, sweetie." I stroke her hair. "They're checking other things today. It's called a wellness visit, and it's just for your general health. I have them done too."

Quinn groans. "But I'm not sick."

"I know, but it's important to make sure you stay healthy." I give her a small smile, trying to ease her nerves. "Maybe we can get ice cream after, hmm?"

Her eyes light up at the mention of ice cream. "Really?"

I nod. "We'll make it a treat."

Quinn grins and goes back to fidgeting with the paper.

There's a knock on the door, and my heart leaps. Dr. Reynolds returns and smiles at us.

"Everything's looking good," she tells us. "Quinn is in tip-top shape."

"Yay!" Quinn looks at me. "Now we can go?"

But I still don't feel satisfied. "What about her asthma?"

"Her lungs are clear. You have the inhaler if you need it?"

I nod. "Yes, and she has one at school."

"Good." Dr. Reynolds nods. "She very well could grow out of it. Even if she doesn't, there's no reason she can't live an active life."

I nod, some of the tension in my chest uncoiling.

"Thank you, doctor."

As we leave the office and head to the car, I can't help but feel grateful for Quinn's good health. It's a small comfort in the midst of the chaos that has become my life.

But as we drive to get ice cream, my thoughts inevitably turn to James.

Has he thought of me at all since Hawaii? Has he thought about Quinn?

It's been over a week, and I've been busy with my life. In between this new work contract and Quinn and caring for the house, there isn't much time to think about anything else.

When those free moments emerge, though, James is there. Always invading my inner peace.

No one has ever shaken up my world like he has. It feels like there's been an earthquake and now I keep waiting for the plates to shift back together.

My life is good, but there's something missing. Try as hard as I do, I can't shake that feeling.

At the ice cream shop down the street from our apartment, I park out front and Quinn runs to the door.

I follow her inside, mind still whirring. The shop is cool and dim, the air heavy with the scent of sugar and vanilla. Quinn is already at the counter, her nose pressed against the glass case as she studies the different flavors.

"What do you want, sweetie?" I ask her.

She turns to me with a grin. "Mint chocolate chip!"

I nod and turn to the man behind the counter wearing a bright green apron with the shop's logo on it.

"Two scoops of mint chocolate chip, please," I tell him.

He nods and starts scooping the ice cream into a waffle cone. Quinn hops from one foot to the other, eyes sparkling with excitement. I can't help but smile.

As the man hands me the cone, I notice someone walking into the shop out of the corner of my eye. I turn and my heart skips a beat. James.

But then I blink and realize it's not him, just a man who's about the same height and build.

Shaking my head, I pay for the ice cream.

"Mom?" Quinn tugs on my arm. "I want to go outside."

"Sure thing, sweetie," I reply, following her out of the shop and into the warm sunshine of the backyard. We settle on a bench, Quinn licking her ice cream cone with reckless abandon.

As I watch her, my mind wanders back to James. It's like he's haunting me. I wonder what he's doing, where he is. Is he thinking about me, too?

"There's Aurora!" Quinn waves at her friend, who is by the sandbox, then takes off to join her.

I stay on the bench, soaking up the sun. It's a good day. A great day. Quinn is in wonderful health, and we have all our needs taken care of.

I just wish this hole in my heart would heal.

A movement catches my eye and I turn to see a man walking past us on the sidewalk. Just like before, he reminds me of James.

I close my eyes, hating how I'm seeing him everywhere.

"Billie," a familiar voice says.

Hold on.

I open my eyes a little, wondering if I'm going crazy. But I'm not.

James is standing on the sidewalk, staring at me.