You Again

                                    

                                          
It's been three months since Stark was born. Thanks to Greg, my recovery was done at home, and Sandy is the best nanny. She has helped tremendously.
                          
Nobody has mentioned the change in Greg. I won't allow anyone to bring it up, and I can't deny that I'm still suffering from not having him close. He comes everyday after work, then stays with Dad. 
                          
I couldn't ask for a better father for my daughter. I just know we would never work as a couple. The disappearing act is more than I can deal with, so I keep my distance.
                          
So far he has respected my wishes, although I can't say the same for others. I'm constantly told to at least hear him out, but going through an entire pregnancy without him, makes me bitter, and I can't bare to listen to the excuses. 
                          
I know some details. He was busy busting his father and Powell's sex ring, he was injured, and his father used him to gain more clout with Powell. Also, Grace could monitor what he was able to see. 
                          
What those two old men did made me sick, and I am proud of Greg for everything he did, but he should have called me, never left me in the first place, and never avoided me. 
                          
I also know he gave up the position as CEO to be close to Stark. I love that she has her daddy close, I just wish the pain he gave me would go away. 
                          
Nathan has been a constant fixture, much to Greg's dismay. He is worried Stark will think Nathan is her daddy. It's a legitimate concern, but I won't change a thing as far as Nathan is concerned. Plus, he and Krista are very serious now, and Stark will only see him as just another gigantic uncle.
                          
"I will be right downstairs if you need me. I'll keep my cellphone on, and don't worry about interrupting me." I tell Sandy from our hotel suite.
                          
Tonight is yet another fundraiser for Dad's campaign, but we are in Northern Kentucky. We are so close to Cincinnati, I can see the small bustling city from my hotel room.
                          
I met Ryan Steele at an event two weeks ago, and, no, I've not shown him my slutty side, which is something Jr. constantly reminds me of since my last two "hookups" were obviously way too lustful.
                          
Ryan is also a vet from the Lexington area. His father is a politician of course, since I did meet him at one of these events. 
                          
We danced at that event, and it was nice because Greg wasn't able to attend, but tonight Greg will be here, and I have a date. 
                          
Ryan is a lot different than Greg. He's not a big man, but not small either. His blonde hair and green eyes make him very attractive, but when he smiles, he's drop dead gorgeous. 
                          
I checked myself in the mirror one last time, before there was a knock on the door. I wasn't expecting Ryan for a few more minutes, but when I opened the door, I got that same weak in the knees, hair standing up straight on the back of my neck feeling, I always get when the father of my child is near. 
                          
He stood before me in a tuxedo with his hands in his pockets. Damn him to hell. 
                          
"I was hoping to hold my daughter before going down, is that okay?" He was being polite, almost too polite as always.
                          
"She's sleeping, but you can take a peak." I pointed to the spare bedroom.
                          
He walked past me and disappeared. Dammit, whenever he calls her his daughter, I grow weak in the knees, especially when he cradles her in those big strong arms.
                          
I snuck toward her temporary room and watched as he bent over the portable crib and stared at her with adoration and love.
                          
I whispered. "You're such a good father, Greg."