Taryn and “I can’t tell you how many times some little thing would happen, either to me or with one of the girls, when I would just jump to pick up the phone and call you,” Taryn said, drawing one knee up to her chest and wrapping her arms around it. “Then I’d all of a sudden remember that we hadn’t spoken in a long time.” Isaac propped his chin in his hand and looked out into the velvety black sky. Millions of stars were out, and he thought to himself how it looked like a big black lampshade with little pinholes pricked in it.
“I was really hard to live with after you left,” he said. “I don’t know how my family put up with me. I was mopey and cranky, and I just didn’t want to talk to anyone or do anything. It took me a while to find my footing.” Taryn took a swallow from her beer. “I was so scared,” she said. “Scared of what would happen if I stayed, scared of what would happen if I left. But all I could remember was that I was terrified of being a parent at your age. And you had so much to lose.” “I’m still terrified of being a parent,” Isaac confessed. “But it’s not about what I might have to sacrifice or any of that. I’m more scared that I may not be able to protect her from things or that I might make the wrong decisions for her.” Taryn smiled and laid her chin on her knee. “You always say the most amazingly mature things,” she said. “I love her, Taryn,” he said. “I really do. And I love Iris, too, just like she was mine. I never want to be away from them again. I know you don’t have to let me see Iris, but I hope that you will.” “She loves you,” Taryn said. “I’d never deny her that.” “You did, though,” Isaac pointed out. “For a year.” “Iris and I talked about this,” Taryn said. “She understood. I don’t necessarily think she agreed with it, but she knew what my motivation was.” “She’s really good with Clara,” Isaac said. “She waited a long time for a little brother or sister,” Taryn said. “She’s thankful to have her. She’s never been jealous and she just helps without being asked. She’s an amazing kid.” “Yes she is,” Isaac agreed. “You got lucky twice.” Taryn chuckled. “Apparently.” Isaac blushed. “Always putting a naughty spin on things, aren’t you?” “I’m a Gemini,” Taryn said. “Double entendres are my thing.” Isaac caught Taryn’s gaze unintentionally. Damn! he thought to himself. I didn’t want to do that. Taryn cleared her throat and looked down at the table. “What hotel are you staying at?” she asked. “The Canton,” Isaac said. “Oh, that’s a nice one.” Isaac shook his head gently. “Look at us,” he said. “Reduced to small talk.” Taryn smiled. “Come on in and help me with the dishes,” she said, rising and picking up her plate. Isaac picked up his plate and followed Taryn into her big, bright kitchen. Taryn filled the sink with water and handed Isaac a dishtowel. They worked in silence for a while, the thoughts in both of their heads going in a million directions. Taryn dropped a fork, and they both crouched to the floor to pick it up at the same time. All of a sudden and quite unintentionally, they were face to face. Their eyes met, and on impulse, they moved together and kissed quickly. Their brown eyes locked for a moment, and they kissed again. Isaac dropped his towel and took Taryn’s face in his hands, kissing her with the pent up love and passion he’d been holding in for a year. The kisses grew frenzied, and Isaac caught himself and pulled away quickly. “We can’t do this,” he said, sitting on the floor and leaning against the counter. Taryn sat beside him. She looked toward the ceiling and let out a deep breath. “God, Isaac, this thing between us …” “I know,” he said. “But I’m not ready. I’m not ready to be back together. I don’t know if I ever will be. And I’m not going to get all ahead of myself. I have to think. I have to use my head.” Taryn handed Isaac the dishtowel. “Let’s get the dishes done,” she said. “It’s getting late and you probably want to get back to the hotel.” Isaac nodded, and they both stood up and got back to the dishes. No, Taryn, Isaac thought.I don’t want to go back to the hotel. But I have to.
Isaac were finishing up dinner, sitting at a metal bistro table on the stone patio.
