This Love, page 4
part #45 of Forever and Ever Series
Then someone knocked on the door.
Scarlet froze on my lap, and her head immediately turned to the entryway.
I checked my watch. It was nearly eleven in the evening so I had no idea who would stop by. My dick was still hard and I wanted to keep going. I wanted to ignore whoever the hell that was and continue making love to my wife. But I knew the only people who would come to my door at this time of night was my family.
Why couldn’t I just get twenty minutes with Scarlet?
Scarlet immediately got off me and adjusted her clothes. She pulled her dress down and fixed her hair.
My dick fell against my stomach, still throbbing. I sighed before I stood up and pulled my pants on.
Scarlet eyed me when I was finished. “Ready?”
“This better be damn important.” I walked passed her then checked the peephole. Skye was on the other side. It was the only time I ever looked at her and wished she weren’t there.
I opened the door and tried to pretend everything was normal. “Hey, pumpkin. What’s up?”
She was holding Cedric in her arms. “Is Mom here?”
“Sure.” I stepped aside and let out an irritated sigh.
Skye came in and immediately headed to Scarlet. “He won’t stop crying and I don’t know why. I fed him, changed him, rocked him…I did everything.” The panic was in her voice.
Cedric’s cries filled the house.
“Don’t panic,” Scarlet said calmly. “I’m sure he’s fine.” She took our grandson in her arms then sat down.
I was never going to get laid tonight.
Scarlet felt his forehead then rocked him gently. After examining him for a few minutes, she came to a conclusion. “I think he has an upset stomach.”
“Yeah?” Skye asked fearfully.
“I have some ginger. I used to give it to you when you were a baby.”
“It won’t hurt him?” Skye asked.
“No.” Scarlet retrieved it from the kitchen then crushed it into his milk. Then she fed Cedric.
He took a few drinks before he started crying again.
I sat on the other couch and felt my resentment grow. I knew I should be objective here but that was difficult. Maybe living next door to my daughter was a bad idea.
After fifteen minutes came and went, Cedric stopped crying.
Skye breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Mom. You always know what to do.”
“It’s what your father and I are here for.” Scarlet rubbed her back.
Skye stood up with Cedric in her arms. “Okay. We’re going to go to sleep now.”
Scarlet walked her out. “Love you, honey.”
“Love you too, Mom.” Skye glanced at me. “Bye, Dad.”
I waved. “See you later, pumpkin.”
Scarlet shut the door and locked it before she came back to me. She stared at me with a defeated look on her face.
Seeing my daughter ruined my libido. “I’m going to shower.” I walked passed her with heavy shoulders and headed upstairs. When I was under the warm water I stood there and absorbed the heat. It’d been a long day so I was tired.
After I shaved and dried off I headed into the bedroom.
The lights were off and just candles glowed in the room.
Scarlet lay on the bed, wearing black lingerie I got her a few months ago. It was see-through and revealed her voluptuous tits and endless curves.
Instantly, I was hard.
She sat up, her brown hair falling over one shoulder. “Take a seat.”
Like a soldier taking an order from his commander, I did as she asked.
She stood up then turned on the iPod radio. A slow song came on. “Would you like me to dance for you?”
My heart accelerated as I stared at her perfect body. My mind filled with sex, and she was all I was thinking about. A slow grin stretched my face. In response, all I did was nod.
Finally.
Chapter Three
Conrad
We sat side-by-side on the plane. We weren’t affectionate with each other because it was too soon for me. I wanted to give this relationship a chance but I wasn’t ready to be what we used to be.
In fact, we may ever be what we used to be.
Lexie didn’t have many things to bring with her. The apartment she rented was already furnished. All she needed were the bags she brought with her. When she returned to the city she wouldn’t have a place to stay and she didn’t have a job either.
“You can stay with me,” I offered. After I said the words I realized I needed to be clearer. “Until you get back on your feet…” Moving in and playing house wasn’t right for either one of us.
She nodded. “Thanks for the offer but I’ll stay with my mom.”
What a relief. “Do you think you can get your job back?”
“I really doubt it,” she said with a sigh. “I packed up my stuff and left without giving any notice. They probably haven’t replaced me yet, but I doubt they want me back.”
“It doesn’t hurt to ask, right?”
She pressed her lips tightly together like that idea didn’t please her.
***
We returned to New York and headed to her mom’s townhouse. Lexie had one bag over her shoulder, and I carried her other suitcases. The cab drove us from the airport, and once we got out we stood on the sidewalk.
“My mom is going to be in for a surprise…” Lexie set her bag on the stoop.
“I stopped by before I left.”
“You did?”
“Yeah. I needed your address.”
“Oh…” Realization came over her face like she hadn’t thought of that before.
“I’m sure she expected you to come back.”
“Well, I’m sure she’ll love to have me. It’ll be a dream come true for her, actually.”
I smiled because I knew that was true.
Lexie rang the doorbell and stood back. She usually just walked in but this time she didn’t.
Her mom opened the door with a smile on her face. There was no surprise in her eyes, like she already anticipated this exact moment. She immediately pulled Lexie into an embrace and squeezed her. “So glad you’re back.”
“Mom, I was only gone for a few days.”
“A few days too long. You’re so lucky you have an incredible man who can’t live without you.”
My eyes moved to the ground.
“I know.” Lexie said it with such emotion her voice caught in her throat. “Can I stay with you? Until I find a new place?”
Her mom squeezed her tighter. “You can stay with me forever.”
I tried not to let the emotional reunion get to me but I was struggling. I was never an emotional guy, but Lexie did strange things to me.
Carol released Lexie and stepped toward me. The look she gave me was one I’d never seen before, by any human being. She gave a look of affection that would put my parents to shame. She stared at me like I was her hero, her knight in shining armor. She grabbed my shoulders and gave them a gentle squeeze. “You’re the most amazing man I’ve ever known, Conrad Preston. And I’ve met a lot of them.”
I held her gaze and tried to keep a straight face. Macy’s earlier behavior aside, I really loved Lexie’s family. Her mom always treated me like I was a son she never had. I didn’t know what to say so I held my silence.
She wrapped her arms around me and hugged me tightly. Her face reached my chest, and that’s where her cheek rested. She was the same height as Lexie. They were both petite.
I returned the embrace and looked at Lexie.
She watched us with watery eyes. When she couldn’t stand it any longer she stepped inside the house.
Carol pulled away and stared at me fondly again. “Thank you for loving my daughter as much as you do. I know forgiving her wasn’t easy. And frankly, I wouldn’t have judged you if you never did.”
Again, I didn’t know what to say. I just nodded.
“She’s been miserable these past few months. She was even worse than when Jared left. I can promise you she won’t mess this up again.”
I hoped she didn’t. My heart was still a wreck. “Thank you for…” I didn’t know how to finish the sentence. How did I express the way I felt? She loved her daughter so much, but she still sided with me. She understood how broken I was and she didn’t expect me to get over it in a day.
Carol hugged me again, catching me off guard. “Please come inside and have some tea with us.”
I didn’t know what to expect when we came back to the city. I assumed Lexie would want to get some sleep after the long flight. But I couldn’t say no to her mom. “Sure. Thanks.”
“And I’ll make dinner. You must be a hungry.”
Plane food was disgusting. “I am.” I gathered the rest of Lexie’s bags then carried them into the entryway.
Macy’s loud voice came from the other side of the house. “Conrad is here?”
Lexie responded quietly and I couldn’t make it out.
“Seriously?” Macy’s voice reverberated off the walls. Then the sound of her heavy feet hit the floorboards as she ran from the back of the house to the front. She rounded the corner and saw me, her eyes wide with shock.
I gave an awkward wave. “Hey…”
Macy sprinted at full speed then practically jumped on me. She hugged me tightly and made me take a few steps back from her momentum. “I’m so glad you’re back.”
I returned her hug as I looked down at her.
“I know my sister is stupid as hell but she’s a good person. And I know she loves you. Like, really loves you.” She stepped back and eyed me with affection that was different than it used to be. Now she looked at me like I was family, like I was her brother. “You guys should be together. I really believe that.”
Lexie’s family had always been nice to me, but Macy and I didn’t get along in the beginning. In my eyes, she was a whore trying to sabotage her sister’s life. But now I saw her in a different way. She was like a little sister. “Thanks.”
Lexie came around the corner. “Please stop bombarding him.”
“I’m just excited to see him,” Macy snapped.
“Well, give him some space,” Lexie said. “Shit, he can’t even breathe.”
Macy rolled her eyes. “Nevermind. Maybe you should steer clear of her.” She headed back into the kitchen.
Carol took my coat. “How about something to drink?”
“Water is fine.”
“Are you sure?” she asked. “I can make you a scotch. Or better yet, I can make you my famous hot cocoa.” Her eyes twinkled like Christmas lights.
“The hot cocoa sounds pretty good.”
“Perfect,” she said. “I’ll slip some Baileys in there to give it a kick.”
I smiled. “Sounds like a good idea.” I walked with her into the kitchen and dining area.
Lexie came up to me and lowered her voice. “You don’t have to stay if you don’t want to…I’m sure you’re tired.”
“I don’t mind.” I liked her family.
“Are you sure?” she whispered.
“Yeah.” I gave her a look that showed my sincerity.
“Okay…I know they can be a little over-the-top.”
They reminded me of my family, just in a different way. “I think they’re great, Lexie.”
“Even Macy?” she asked in surprise.
“It’s obvious she loves you…even when she’s being a brat.”
***
We sat together at the kitchen table and ate quietly. Even though so much time had passed since I’d been in the house, it felt just the way it used to. Lexie sat beside me and picked at her food. Macy hardly ate anything because she was determined to be as thin as possible. Carol ate everything on her plate like a normal person.
“How’s work, Conrad?” Carol asked.
“Good. My dad and uncle are still there.” I sipped my hot cocoa and noticed the rum.
“That’s nice,” she said. “You get to spend time with your family every day.”
I set my glass down. “Some call it nice…I call it annoying.”
Macy laughed. “I bet. If I had to work with Mom every day…” Her voice trailed off when she realized Carol was glaring at her.
“Maybe you should get a job first,” her mother said.
Macy immediately fired back. “But I—”
“A modeling gig once in a blue moon does not qualify as a job,” her mother said coolly. “You should take after your sister. Lexie has been on her own since she was eighteen. She went to college and got a master’s degree, and she had a great job. She’s been independent since she left my womb.”
“But then she threw away a great guy,” Macy jabbed.
Lexie didn’t argue with her like she normally would. She kept her eyes glued to her food and avoided eye contact with everyone.
“Don’t talk like that,” her mother said. She held up her fork like she might stab Macy with it.
“What?” Macy said innocently. “It’s true.”
Lexie didn’t argue with her.
I knew Lexie would take heat for this for the rest of our lives. No one was on her side about it. Maybe people understood it, but they didn’t approve it.
Carol changed the subject. “So, I heard you got a new apartment.”
“Yeah, it’s close to the park,” I answered. “My sister lives in the same building.”
“That’s nice,” Carol said.
“Whenever she cooks dinner she usually brings me something,” I said. “So, I can’t complain about that.”
“And you’re going to be an uncle soon, right?” Carol asked.
“In a few months.” That was something that genuinely made me smile. “I’m excited for that.”
“That is exciting,” Carol said. “Babies are so much fun.”
“I have a nephew now,” I said. “Well, he’s like a third cousin. He just came home from the hospital recently.”
“Lexie mentioned that,” Carol said.
“He’s really cute.” I took a few more bites. “I like spending time with him.”
“I can’t wait until I have grandchildren,” Carol said. “But I suspect only one daughter will be giving them to me.” She eyed Macy with disapproval.
Macy rolled her eyes and picked at her food again.
The contrasting thing about Lexie’s family was the female presence. In my family, it seemed to be more patriarchal. My dad and uncle were in charge of everything, and they called the shots. But in Lexie’s family, the women did everything on their own. It didn’t surprise me that Lexie turned out so independent. And it also made me realize why it was difficult for her to give herself to me completely. Every time she’d done that in the past she was crushed.
Carol eyed my empty plate. “Would you like more, honey?”
“No, I’m full.” I rested my hand against my stomach. “I couldn’t eat another bite.”
“Would you like to take some home?” she pressed.
“No, thank you.” If I kept eating this way I wouldn’t retain my physique.
“Let me know if you change your mind.” Carol cleared the table, and Macy helped her wash and load the dishes in the dishwasher.
Lexie sat beside me, still rigid. “Sorry about what Macy said…”
“It’s okay.”
She still didn’t look at me.
“So, where are you sleeping?”
“Probably in my old room. I’ll have to share a bathroom with my sister. Not looking forward to that…”
“At least it’ll feel like old times.”
“That’s exactly what I’m dreading.” She took a long drink of her wine before she returned it to the table. “So, did you tell anyone about me?”
“No. But I’m sure Roland figured it out.”
She nodded, her eyes half-lidded.
“Don’t worry about them.”
“How can I not? Everyone hates me.”
“That’s not true.”
“Your sister almost slammed that dish on my head.”
I remembered that fight in the hallway. “Don’t worry about them. I’ll handle it.”
Lexie sighed in anguish. “Why did I have to ruin it? They were all so sweet to me. Skye put me in her wedding for crying out loud.”
“None of them are perfect either. Just give them some time to forgive you. They will, eventually.”
Lexie rubbed her temple like she had a migraine. “Your mother hates me most of all.”
“My mother is extremely protective of me. She’s just doing her job.”
Lexie bowed her head.
“Let’s just take this one day at a time, okay?” My hand rested over hers on the table.
She watched the contact between our fingers, and she noticeably relaxed when I touched her.
“Want to watch a movie?”
She finally lifted her eyes to my face. “You don’t have to stay, Con.”
“I know.” Being here was easy because her family was around. If we were alone at my apartment it would be more awkward. “So, you want to watch a movie?”
Lexie held my gaze and nodded. “I’d love to.”
***
Carol and Macy went to sleep so it was just Lexie and I. The movie was over and the credits were rolling. Lexie sat beside me on the couch with her knees pulled to her chest. She didn’t show me any affection, and I didn’t either.
“That was a good movie.”
“Yeah,” I answered.
She eyed the clock on the wall. “It’s getting late. I’m sure you have to wake up early tomorrow for work.”
I wasn’t looking forward to it. Dad would interrogate me like a CIA operative. “You’re right.”
We headed to the entryway and stopped at the door.
She stared at me with her arms across her chest. Fear was still in her eyes, like she thought I might change my mind and leave.
“Maybe we should talk about this…”
“Okay.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, telling me she was nervous.
“I want to take things slow.”
She nodded in agreement.
“I’m not ready to be your boyfriend again.” I wasn’t ready for a commitment like that. “But I won’t see anyone else and neither will you. We’ll take this one day at a time.”
“That’s fine. Whatever you want, Con.”
I stared into her fiery green eyes and wished we could just go back to the way we were. We were so perfect together. Every day was like Christmas. “I just wanted to make sure that was clear.”
Scarlet froze on my lap, and her head immediately turned to the entryway.
I checked my watch. It was nearly eleven in the evening so I had no idea who would stop by. My dick was still hard and I wanted to keep going. I wanted to ignore whoever the hell that was and continue making love to my wife. But I knew the only people who would come to my door at this time of night was my family.
Why couldn’t I just get twenty minutes with Scarlet?
Scarlet immediately got off me and adjusted her clothes. She pulled her dress down and fixed her hair.
My dick fell against my stomach, still throbbing. I sighed before I stood up and pulled my pants on.
Scarlet eyed me when I was finished. “Ready?”
“This better be damn important.” I walked passed her then checked the peephole. Skye was on the other side. It was the only time I ever looked at her and wished she weren’t there.
I opened the door and tried to pretend everything was normal. “Hey, pumpkin. What’s up?”
She was holding Cedric in her arms. “Is Mom here?”
“Sure.” I stepped aside and let out an irritated sigh.
Skye came in and immediately headed to Scarlet. “He won’t stop crying and I don’t know why. I fed him, changed him, rocked him…I did everything.” The panic was in her voice.
Cedric’s cries filled the house.
“Don’t panic,” Scarlet said calmly. “I’m sure he’s fine.” She took our grandson in her arms then sat down.
I was never going to get laid tonight.
Scarlet felt his forehead then rocked him gently. After examining him for a few minutes, she came to a conclusion. “I think he has an upset stomach.”
“Yeah?” Skye asked fearfully.
“I have some ginger. I used to give it to you when you were a baby.”
“It won’t hurt him?” Skye asked.
“No.” Scarlet retrieved it from the kitchen then crushed it into his milk. Then she fed Cedric.
He took a few drinks before he started crying again.
I sat on the other couch and felt my resentment grow. I knew I should be objective here but that was difficult. Maybe living next door to my daughter was a bad idea.
After fifteen minutes came and went, Cedric stopped crying.
Skye breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Mom. You always know what to do.”
“It’s what your father and I are here for.” Scarlet rubbed her back.
Skye stood up with Cedric in her arms. “Okay. We’re going to go to sleep now.”
Scarlet walked her out. “Love you, honey.”
“Love you too, Mom.” Skye glanced at me. “Bye, Dad.”
I waved. “See you later, pumpkin.”
Scarlet shut the door and locked it before she came back to me. She stared at me with a defeated look on her face.
Seeing my daughter ruined my libido. “I’m going to shower.” I walked passed her with heavy shoulders and headed upstairs. When I was under the warm water I stood there and absorbed the heat. It’d been a long day so I was tired.
After I shaved and dried off I headed into the bedroom.
The lights were off and just candles glowed in the room.
Scarlet lay on the bed, wearing black lingerie I got her a few months ago. It was see-through and revealed her voluptuous tits and endless curves.
Instantly, I was hard.
She sat up, her brown hair falling over one shoulder. “Take a seat.”
Like a soldier taking an order from his commander, I did as she asked.
She stood up then turned on the iPod radio. A slow song came on. “Would you like me to dance for you?”
My heart accelerated as I stared at her perfect body. My mind filled with sex, and she was all I was thinking about. A slow grin stretched my face. In response, all I did was nod.
Finally.
Chapter Three
Conrad
We sat side-by-side on the plane. We weren’t affectionate with each other because it was too soon for me. I wanted to give this relationship a chance but I wasn’t ready to be what we used to be.
In fact, we may ever be what we used to be.
Lexie didn’t have many things to bring with her. The apartment she rented was already furnished. All she needed were the bags she brought with her. When she returned to the city she wouldn’t have a place to stay and she didn’t have a job either.
“You can stay with me,” I offered. After I said the words I realized I needed to be clearer. “Until you get back on your feet…” Moving in and playing house wasn’t right for either one of us.
She nodded. “Thanks for the offer but I’ll stay with my mom.”
What a relief. “Do you think you can get your job back?”
“I really doubt it,” she said with a sigh. “I packed up my stuff and left without giving any notice. They probably haven’t replaced me yet, but I doubt they want me back.”
“It doesn’t hurt to ask, right?”
She pressed her lips tightly together like that idea didn’t please her.
***
We returned to New York and headed to her mom’s townhouse. Lexie had one bag over her shoulder, and I carried her other suitcases. The cab drove us from the airport, and once we got out we stood on the sidewalk.
“My mom is going to be in for a surprise…” Lexie set her bag on the stoop.
“I stopped by before I left.”
“You did?”
“Yeah. I needed your address.”
“Oh…” Realization came over her face like she hadn’t thought of that before.
“I’m sure she expected you to come back.”
“Well, I’m sure she’ll love to have me. It’ll be a dream come true for her, actually.”
I smiled because I knew that was true.
Lexie rang the doorbell and stood back. She usually just walked in but this time she didn’t.
Her mom opened the door with a smile on her face. There was no surprise in her eyes, like she already anticipated this exact moment. She immediately pulled Lexie into an embrace and squeezed her. “So glad you’re back.”
“Mom, I was only gone for a few days.”
“A few days too long. You’re so lucky you have an incredible man who can’t live without you.”
My eyes moved to the ground.
“I know.” Lexie said it with such emotion her voice caught in her throat. “Can I stay with you? Until I find a new place?”
Her mom squeezed her tighter. “You can stay with me forever.”
I tried not to let the emotional reunion get to me but I was struggling. I was never an emotional guy, but Lexie did strange things to me.
Carol released Lexie and stepped toward me. The look she gave me was one I’d never seen before, by any human being. She gave a look of affection that would put my parents to shame. She stared at me like I was her hero, her knight in shining armor. She grabbed my shoulders and gave them a gentle squeeze. “You’re the most amazing man I’ve ever known, Conrad Preston. And I’ve met a lot of them.”
I held her gaze and tried to keep a straight face. Macy’s earlier behavior aside, I really loved Lexie’s family. Her mom always treated me like I was a son she never had. I didn’t know what to say so I held my silence.
She wrapped her arms around me and hugged me tightly. Her face reached my chest, and that’s where her cheek rested. She was the same height as Lexie. They were both petite.
I returned the embrace and looked at Lexie.
She watched us with watery eyes. When she couldn’t stand it any longer she stepped inside the house.
Carol pulled away and stared at me fondly again. “Thank you for loving my daughter as much as you do. I know forgiving her wasn’t easy. And frankly, I wouldn’t have judged you if you never did.”
Again, I didn’t know what to say. I just nodded.
“She’s been miserable these past few months. She was even worse than when Jared left. I can promise you she won’t mess this up again.”
I hoped she didn’t. My heart was still a wreck. “Thank you for…” I didn’t know how to finish the sentence. How did I express the way I felt? She loved her daughter so much, but she still sided with me. She understood how broken I was and she didn’t expect me to get over it in a day.
Carol hugged me again, catching me off guard. “Please come inside and have some tea with us.”
I didn’t know what to expect when we came back to the city. I assumed Lexie would want to get some sleep after the long flight. But I couldn’t say no to her mom. “Sure. Thanks.”
“And I’ll make dinner. You must be a hungry.”
Plane food was disgusting. “I am.” I gathered the rest of Lexie’s bags then carried them into the entryway.
Macy’s loud voice came from the other side of the house. “Conrad is here?”
Lexie responded quietly and I couldn’t make it out.
“Seriously?” Macy’s voice reverberated off the walls. Then the sound of her heavy feet hit the floorboards as she ran from the back of the house to the front. She rounded the corner and saw me, her eyes wide with shock.
I gave an awkward wave. “Hey…”
Macy sprinted at full speed then practically jumped on me. She hugged me tightly and made me take a few steps back from her momentum. “I’m so glad you’re back.”
I returned her hug as I looked down at her.
“I know my sister is stupid as hell but she’s a good person. And I know she loves you. Like, really loves you.” She stepped back and eyed me with affection that was different than it used to be. Now she looked at me like I was family, like I was her brother. “You guys should be together. I really believe that.”
Lexie’s family had always been nice to me, but Macy and I didn’t get along in the beginning. In my eyes, she was a whore trying to sabotage her sister’s life. But now I saw her in a different way. She was like a little sister. “Thanks.”
Lexie came around the corner. “Please stop bombarding him.”
“I’m just excited to see him,” Macy snapped.
“Well, give him some space,” Lexie said. “Shit, he can’t even breathe.”
Macy rolled her eyes. “Nevermind. Maybe you should steer clear of her.” She headed back into the kitchen.
Carol took my coat. “How about something to drink?”
“Water is fine.”
“Are you sure?” she asked. “I can make you a scotch. Or better yet, I can make you my famous hot cocoa.” Her eyes twinkled like Christmas lights.
“The hot cocoa sounds pretty good.”
“Perfect,” she said. “I’ll slip some Baileys in there to give it a kick.”
I smiled. “Sounds like a good idea.” I walked with her into the kitchen and dining area.
Lexie came up to me and lowered her voice. “You don’t have to stay if you don’t want to…I’m sure you’re tired.”
“I don’t mind.” I liked her family.
“Are you sure?” she whispered.
“Yeah.” I gave her a look that showed my sincerity.
“Okay…I know they can be a little over-the-top.”
They reminded me of my family, just in a different way. “I think they’re great, Lexie.”
“Even Macy?” she asked in surprise.
“It’s obvious she loves you…even when she’s being a brat.”
***
We sat together at the kitchen table and ate quietly. Even though so much time had passed since I’d been in the house, it felt just the way it used to. Lexie sat beside me and picked at her food. Macy hardly ate anything because she was determined to be as thin as possible. Carol ate everything on her plate like a normal person.
“How’s work, Conrad?” Carol asked.
“Good. My dad and uncle are still there.” I sipped my hot cocoa and noticed the rum.
“That’s nice,” she said. “You get to spend time with your family every day.”
I set my glass down. “Some call it nice…I call it annoying.”
Macy laughed. “I bet. If I had to work with Mom every day…” Her voice trailed off when she realized Carol was glaring at her.
“Maybe you should get a job first,” her mother said.
Macy immediately fired back. “But I—”
“A modeling gig once in a blue moon does not qualify as a job,” her mother said coolly. “You should take after your sister. Lexie has been on her own since she was eighteen. She went to college and got a master’s degree, and she had a great job. She’s been independent since she left my womb.”
“But then she threw away a great guy,” Macy jabbed.
Lexie didn’t argue with her like she normally would. She kept her eyes glued to her food and avoided eye contact with everyone.
“Don’t talk like that,” her mother said. She held up her fork like she might stab Macy with it.
“What?” Macy said innocently. “It’s true.”
Lexie didn’t argue with her.
I knew Lexie would take heat for this for the rest of our lives. No one was on her side about it. Maybe people understood it, but they didn’t approve it.
Carol changed the subject. “So, I heard you got a new apartment.”
“Yeah, it’s close to the park,” I answered. “My sister lives in the same building.”
“That’s nice,” Carol said.
“Whenever she cooks dinner she usually brings me something,” I said. “So, I can’t complain about that.”
“And you’re going to be an uncle soon, right?” Carol asked.
“In a few months.” That was something that genuinely made me smile. “I’m excited for that.”
“That is exciting,” Carol said. “Babies are so much fun.”
“I have a nephew now,” I said. “Well, he’s like a third cousin. He just came home from the hospital recently.”
“Lexie mentioned that,” Carol said.
“He’s really cute.” I took a few more bites. “I like spending time with him.”
“I can’t wait until I have grandchildren,” Carol said. “But I suspect only one daughter will be giving them to me.” She eyed Macy with disapproval.
Macy rolled her eyes and picked at her food again.
The contrasting thing about Lexie’s family was the female presence. In my family, it seemed to be more patriarchal. My dad and uncle were in charge of everything, and they called the shots. But in Lexie’s family, the women did everything on their own. It didn’t surprise me that Lexie turned out so independent. And it also made me realize why it was difficult for her to give herself to me completely. Every time she’d done that in the past she was crushed.
Carol eyed my empty plate. “Would you like more, honey?”
“No, I’m full.” I rested my hand against my stomach. “I couldn’t eat another bite.”
“Would you like to take some home?” she pressed.
“No, thank you.” If I kept eating this way I wouldn’t retain my physique.
“Let me know if you change your mind.” Carol cleared the table, and Macy helped her wash and load the dishes in the dishwasher.
Lexie sat beside me, still rigid. “Sorry about what Macy said…”
“It’s okay.”
She still didn’t look at me.
“So, where are you sleeping?”
“Probably in my old room. I’ll have to share a bathroom with my sister. Not looking forward to that…”
“At least it’ll feel like old times.”
“That’s exactly what I’m dreading.” She took a long drink of her wine before she returned it to the table. “So, did you tell anyone about me?”
“No. But I’m sure Roland figured it out.”
She nodded, her eyes half-lidded.
“Don’t worry about them.”
“How can I not? Everyone hates me.”
“That’s not true.”
“Your sister almost slammed that dish on my head.”
I remembered that fight in the hallway. “Don’t worry about them. I’ll handle it.”
Lexie sighed in anguish. “Why did I have to ruin it? They were all so sweet to me. Skye put me in her wedding for crying out loud.”
“None of them are perfect either. Just give them some time to forgive you. They will, eventually.”
Lexie rubbed her temple like she had a migraine. “Your mother hates me most of all.”
“My mother is extremely protective of me. She’s just doing her job.”
Lexie bowed her head.
“Let’s just take this one day at a time, okay?” My hand rested over hers on the table.
She watched the contact between our fingers, and she noticeably relaxed when I touched her.
“Want to watch a movie?”
She finally lifted her eyes to my face. “You don’t have to stay, Con.”
“I know.” Being here was easy because her family was around. If we were alone at my apartment it would be more awkward. “So, you want to watch a movie?”
Lexie held my gaze and nodded. “I’d love to.”
***
Carol and Macy went to sleep so it was just Lexie and I. The movie was over and the credits were rolling. Lexie sat beside me on the couch with her knees pulled to her chest. She didn’t show me any affection, and I didn’t either.
“That was a good movie.”
“Yeah,” I answered.
She eyed the clock on the wall. “It’s getting late. I’m sure you have to wake up early tomorrow for work.”
I wasn’t looking forward to it. Dad would interrogate me like a CIA operative. “You’re right.”
We headed to the entryway and stopped at the door.
She stared at me with her arms across her chest. Fear was still in her eyes, like she thought I might change my mind and leave.
“Maybe we should talk about this…”
“Okay.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, telling me she was nervous.
“I want to take things slow.”
She nodded in agreement.
“I’m not ready to be your boyfriend again.” I wasn’t ready for a commitment like that. “But I won’t see anyone else and neither will you. We’ll take this one day at a time.”
“That’s fine. Whatever you want, Con.”
I stared into her fiery green eyes and wished we could just go back to the way we were. We were so perfect together. Every day was like Christmas. “I just wanted to make sure that was clear.”
