10. Chloe

CHAPTER 10

Chloe

I should know better than to let the words of a young child get to me, but… this is different. Zola said it herself. Her mommy and daddy might get back together.

And where does that leave me?

I can't shake this feeling of unease. Rendal's words should have reassured me, but Zola's innocent comment keeps replaying in my mind. "Mommy says she and Daddy might get back together." It's like a splinter I can't quite remove, digging deeper every time I think about it.

I try to focus on my work, immersing myself in lesson plans and student evaluations. But even as I grade finger paintings and organize the upcoming field trip, my thoughts drift back to Rendal and Valeria. What if they really do reconcile?

Speaking of Penelope, I watch her coloring at the kitchen table, her little tongue sticking out in concentration. My heart aches. She's already been through so much with her own father leaving. I can't bear the thought of her getting attached to Rendal, only to have him disappear from our lives.

Every time my phone buzzes with a text from Rendal, I hesitate before responding. His messages are sweet, filled with jokes and updates about his day. But now, I can't help wondering if he's sending similar messages to Valeria.

"Mommy, can we go to the park with Zola and Mr. Rendal today?" Penelope asks, looking up from her drawing with hopeful eyes.

I force a smile. "Not today, sweetie. Maybe another time."

The disappointment on her face makes me feel guilty. Am I letting my own insecurities affect my daughter's happiness? But isn't it better to be cautious than to let her get hurt?

When I do see Rendal, I find myself studying his face, searching for any sign of deceit or hesitation. He seems genuine in his affection, his blue eyes warm when he looks at me. But doubt still lingers. Is he just being kind? Does he still have feelings for Valeria?

I want to believe him. I want to trust that what we're building is real. But the fear of being left behind again, of opening my heart only to have it broken, is almost paralyzing.

Knowing that I need someone to talk to, I text Jenna and tell her to meet me over coffee at the local shop. Penelope's at a friend's house, which gives me the chance to blurt out my feelings to someone who might understand.

I take a deep breath, stirring my latte absently as I sit across from Jenna at our favorite coffee shop. The Cozy Bean is bustling with its usual afternoon crowd, but I barely notice the chatter around us. My mind is too preoccupied with thoughts of Rendal, Valeria, and the mess I've found myself in.

"I really like him, Jenna, but I'm scared," I confess, my voice barely above a whisper. "What if he still has feelings for Valeria? What if I'm just setting myself up for heartbreak again?"

Jenna leans forward, her eyes filled with concern. She's been my rock through so many ups and downs, and I'm grateful for her steady presence now.

"Oh, honey," she says, reaching out to squeeze my hand. "I can see how much this is eating you up inside. I don't think I've seen you act this way before."

I nod, feeling a lump form in my throat. "It's just... when Zola said that about her parents getting back together, it hit me like a ton of bricks. I mean, what if it's true? What if I'm just a placeholder until they work things out?"

Jenna offers a sympathetic smile. "Chloe, you deserve to be happy. If Rendal says he's committed to you, give him a chance to prove it. But don't ignore your instincts. Trust is built over time."

Her words sink in. Still, I let out a shaky sigh. "But how do I know if I can trust him? After what happened with Jason..."

"I know you've been hurt before," Jenna says gently. "But Rendal isn't Jason. From everything you've told me, he seems like a good guy who genuinely cares about you and Penelope."

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "He does. And when we're together, it feels... right. But then I remember Valeria, and all these doubts come flooding back."

Jenna takes a sip of her coffee, considering her next words carefully. "Have you talked to Rendal about how you're feeling? Really opened up to him about your fears?"

I shake my head, feeling a twinge of guilt. "Not really. I've been so scared of pushing him away that I've been keeping it all bottled up inside."

"Maybe that's where you need to start," Jenna suggests. "Be honest with him. Let him know what you're worried about. If he's as committed as he says he is, he'll understand and want to work through it with you."

Even though it scares the shit out of me, I start following her advice. Actions are louder than words, after all.

Interestingly enough, Rendal starts to understand that, too. And he shows me that he can walk the walk and talk the talk.

I start paying closer attention to Rendal's actions, trying to see beyond my fears and doubts. It's the little things that catch my eye—the way he patiently listens to Penelope's rambling stories, never rushing her or losing interest. How he remembers her favorite color and brings her a small purple flower he found on his way to our house. The way he makes time for us despite his demanding job, sometimes showing up at the elementary school during his lunch break just to say hello.

One evening, after a particularly long day at school, I come home to find Rendal and Zola on our front porch. The girls' giggles waft through the air while Rendal stands with grocery bags in his hands. Penelope is tugging my hand, urging me closer.

"What's all this?" I ask, unable to keep the surprise from my voice while I fumble for my keys.

Rendal turns, a warm smile lighting up his face. "I thought you could use a break. Hope you don't mind an impromptu pasta night."

In the kitchen, he takes the lead. As I watch him interact with Penelope, showing her how to safely stir the pasta sauce and praising her efforts, I feel my heart soften slightly. He's so natural with her, so caring and attentive.

After dinner, Rendal unveils a homemade chocolate cake—Penelope's absolute favorite. Her eyes light up, and she claps her hands in delight. "You remembered!" she exclaims.

"Of course I did, princess," Rendal says, ruffling her hair affectionately.

I can't help but smile at the scene before me. It's everything I've ever wanted for Penelope—a stable, loving presence in her life. And yet, a part of me remains cautious. I've been hurt before, and the fear of it happening again lingers in the back of my mind.

As we sit around the table, enjoying the cake and each other's company, I find myself studying Rendal. His actions speak volumes. The effort he's put into this evening, the way he engages with Penelope, the gentle looks he sends my way. It's clear he cares deeply for both of us.

Rendal catches me staring and flashes that mischievous grin of his. "What's the matter, Chloe? Am I just that handsome to look at?"

I feel my cheeks flush, caught off guard by his playful remark. Before I can stammer out a response, Penelope and Zola dash past us, giggling as they head for the living room.

"Girls, be careful!" I call after them, grateful for the momentary distraction.

As their laughter fades into the background, Rendal leans in closer, his eyes softening. "Hey," he says gently. "Everything okay?"

I take a deep breath, feeling suddenly vulnerable. "Yeah, I just... I wanted to thank you for this. For coming over, cooking dinner. It means a lot."

Rendal's expression turns serious. "Chloe, I meant what I said before. I'm not giving up on us. What we have... it's special. I'm willing to fight for it."

His words send a flutter through my chest, but I can't help noticing the red splotches decorating his work shirt. A smile tugs at my lips. "It's hard to take you seriously when you're covered in pasta sauce, you know."

Rendal glances down at his shirt, then back at me with a mock-offended look. "Excuse me, but I'll have you know this is the latest fashion trend. Pasta chic, they call it."

I burst out laughing, the tension from earlier melting away. "Oh really? And who exactly is 'they'?"

"You know, the fashion gurus. The pasta-razzo," he says with a wink.

"That was terrible," I say, shaking my head, but I'm still grinning.

"You love it," he teases, taking a step closer. "Admit it, my dad jokes are top-tier."

I roll my eyes playfully. "Keep dreaming, sauce boy."

"I don't have to," he replies. "This is reality, honey."

Indeed, it is. A reality I don't want to lose. I'm not sure I can imagine a life without Rendal and Zola anymore.