The Heart Left Behind

hapter 46 Is everything okay in there ? Did the hot water run out ? Lorraines concerned voice came through the door .

No , its fine ! Its still hot , I replied quickly .

Im actually done .

I couldnt help but ask a question as I had already turned off the shower .

I just need help with something … What can I do for you ? The question hung in the air , and I could hear the slight embarrassment in her voice .

I was momentarily lost , not knowing how to respond to her .

I couldnt possibly tell her that I needed her help to get me my underwear , right ? I cleared my throat and convinced myself that Lorraine was just being polite , nothing more .

After all , I was in the shower , a After all , I was in the shower , and there was nothing she could help me with .

Its nothing , really .

I just … Did you forget your she guessed .

Her matter of fact tone threw me off .

I froze , unable to think of a response .

Maybe it wouldnt feel awkward if I had just told her myself .

But now that she had figured it out on her own , I felt like a complete idiot .

Whats going on? she pressed , her voice soft but insistent .

I … Well … I took a deep breath , summoning every ounce of courage I had .

I forgot my underwear .

Lorraine fell silent for a while .

The silence stretched so long that I started to wonder if she had walked away .

I didnt mean to forget ! I was in a rush , and , uh , I wasnt trying to … I mean , its not like … I rambled , tripping over my words in my effort to explain .

Chapter 47 I couldnt help but scratch my head .

My face was burning red even though Lorraine couldnt see me through the bathroom door .

Was this what being in love felt like ? It had been so long since I had experienced anything like this this shy , giddy feeling that made me feel like a teenager all over again .

Why am I even embarrassed ? Im a grown man ! 1 muttered to myself , shaking my head .

Actually , I … Lorraines laughter rang out from the other side of the door , soft and teasing .

Oh my gosh , youre so cute ! I just feel bad .

Its our first time staying together , and this happens … I trailed off , unsure how to explain myself .

Thankfully , Lorraine seemed to understand without me having to spell it out .

Its just underwear ! Who knows , maybe tomorrow , Ill forget something too .

Hang tight .

Ill grab it for you , she said cheerfully .

I exhaled in relief as her footsteps faded down the hallway .

Wait , did she mean wed be staying together tomorrow , too ? Was this arrangement going to last the entire trip ? Not that I minded , but this could look bad for a woman if word got out .

Knowing Yvonne , shed waste no time spinning it into gossip .

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts .

It was Lorraine , now knocking on Yvonnes room door .

Her polite knocking grew louder .

She was trying to be heard over the racket inside .

Hello ? I just need to grab something , she called out .

The door finally opened , revealing Yvonne , who stood there with an annoyed look on her face .

She scanned Lorraine from head to toe .

Wheres Cole ? Yvonne asked sharply .

I found her tone far too familiar considering she was someone who was supposed to be out of my life .

He forgot his clothes , Lorraine replied evenly .

Is it his underwear ? Yvonne smirked , her feigned nonchalance clearly meant to unsettle Lorraine .

Standing beside Yvonne, Jonas gently tugged on her sleeve to remind her to be more polite .

He didnt understand the details , but even he could sense that Yvonnes tone wasnt kind .

Lorraine , unfazed , held her ground .

Could you please hand it to me ? Hes busy right now .

Yvonne tried to close the door , but Lorraine pressed her hand against it .

He asked me to grab it because its inconvenient for him to come .

Her voice was polite but firm .

Yvonnes eyes narrowed .

Whats your relationship with him ? Her tone was less like an ex- wife and more like a jealous spouse interrogating the other woman .

Lorraine didnt flinch .

If Im not mistaken , you two are divorced , right ? The words hit like a slap .

What right did Yvonne have to question her? Yes , but if youre planning to be with Cole , that means youll have to step into the role of a stepmother to my kids .

Naturally , I have a right to judge your character , Yvonne said , her tone dripping with condescension .

Lorraine let out a dry laugh .

The way Yvonne framed it , she sounded so noble and responsible .

Yet Lorraine knew the truth Yvonne had barely lifted a finger for the kids until now .

Just as Lorraine was about to respond , a cold , cutting voice interrupted from down the hall .

Did I judge your character ? I strode toward them , now wearing a pair of pants I had managed to find somewhere .

My expression was ice cold , my glare fixed on Yvonne .

Daddy ! Jonas cried out , running over to wrap his arms around my legs .

Mommys being mean ! I gently ruffled Jonas hair , my gaze never leaving Yvonne .

I had expected some tension , but not this level of hostility between the two women .

Since the divorce , youve barely even asked about Jonas , I said , my tone sharp .

You cant just waltz here and act like you care now .

Yvonne pursed her lips , but she didnt reply .

She had been nothing but hands off .

If I hadnt suggested that she hold Xaviers custody , I was confident that the court wouldve granted me custody of both our kids .

Back then , I really wanted both the boys .

But Xavier was just too attached to Jared .

I shook my head , not wanting to dwell on unpleasant memories .

Chapter 45 .