Page 113 of The Nanny Tenure (Single Dads Club)

“But Liam bought me this really nice case for Christmas. The outside’s quilted and soft.” I petted the air like the luxurious case was in front of me. “And it has pockets for all my brushes. He also got me a mirror with a light around the…” I trailed off as Taylor glared at me like the know-it-all she was. “What?”

“He loves you.”

“No, he…he couldn’t. Not after…”

“You finally found a good guy, and you run away. Explain that to me. You stay with all these assholes, yet willingly let go of the one who actually loves you.” When I shook my head, she went on. “I saw it. Jesus, after your show, you two might as well have worn signs around your necks. Helovesyou, and he’s agoodguy. I know you think you have to prove yourself to the people around you or some other asinine belief that has to do with your self-worth, but for once in your life, let go of the baggage.” She took hold of my hand. “I promise, everything gets so much better once you do.”

“It can’t be that easy.”

“It’s not easy, but it is better. Plus, I have a really great therapist. I don’t know why you never called her.” She pulled her cell phone from her back pocket, tapping on it. “I’m texting you the contact again.” Then she seized my cell phone and powered it on before tossing it in my lap. “First, call the therapist to make an appointment, then call Liam.”

One, two, three, that was what Taylor did. Broke life down into steps, crushing each and every one under the sole of her heels. One day, she might take over the world. Until then, I supposed she’d continue to rule this tiny pocket of the world that included Dean and me.

“Can I finish watchingMary Poppinsfirst?”

She tipped her head back to let out one single patronizing “Ha!” Then she snatched up the remote to stop the movie. “Call now.”

I took a deep breath and lifted my phone, dialing the therapist’s number. Since it was the weekend, I knew no one was going to answer but left a message anyway. I turned to Taylor. “Satisfied?”

“Not until you talk to Liam.”

That one was harder to accomplish, and I scratched the sweatpants I‘d borrowed from Dean. “What do I say?”

She shrugged. “Whatever you want. But you need to start the conversation.”

I tried to outline ideas in my head.

I’m sorry.

I know you tell me not to apologize all the time, but you and Finn are the two people in the world I would never ever want to hurt. I love you, and I’m sorry.

I’m not good at thinking I’m worthy, but I’m going to work on it. I want to be worthy of you.

You’re worth it. Finn is worth it. The family we built is worth it.

“Okay,” I said, more to myself than my sister. “I’m calling him.”

With trembling fingers, I hit his number and held the phone to my ear. It rang only once before he answered, his voice a mixture of shock and hurt. “Kennedy?”

“Hi.” My pulse kicked up. “How… How are you?”

He sniffed dismissively. “Really? That’s what you’re going with right now? After you walked out two days ago, ignored me, ignored all my messages, you’re going to ask how I am?”

My courage plummeted. “I know… It’s just… I don’t know what to say.”

“Apparently there is nothing to say. Isn’t that what you told me? It was better this way. Don’t make it harder than it already is.”

I couldn’t answer even if I wanted to because he spoke right over me.

“That’s what you texted me. Youtextedme, Kennedy. You broke up with me over a text.”

The fact that he even considered us something to be broken up stole my breath and thoughts.

“I know, and I’m sorry. I…”

In the background, I heard Finn happily chattering away, and my heart flip-flopped at the sound.

“How’s Finn doing? How’s his head?”

---