Page 45 of Ride

Winter tipped her head in my direction. “He had to deal with Virgil as his father. I promise whatever they write about you and Laikin will be a cupcake. Speaking of Virgil, has he contacted you?”

“No, last time we talked was about a month ago.”

“You look much happier not dealing with him.”

“His family probably has him on a short leash to focus on his campaign for senator and to leave me alone.”

“I still can't believe he tried to take Kayne from you and that baby barely knows him.”

Winter knew all about my struggles raising Kayne alone in my marriage to Virgil. One night, I had opened up to Laikin’s mom and explained what happened, and she had encouraged me to talk with Laikin about those dark days.

* * *

“Mrs. Trenton, I really hate to put my burdens on Laikin.”

“Child, when you’re in a relationship, your partner is the one that gives you the space to release those burdens.”

“Virgil was a mistake.”

“We all grow from our mistakes. My son told me how you broke his little heart.” Mrs. Trenton gently slapped me with the dish towel.

“Virgil’s family has his whole life planned for him and tried to ruin mine at one point.”

“You can’t look at the past, only move forward. Your parents loved you even if you didn’t think they did.”

* * *

“Laikin has stepped up so much for Kayne. I feel guilty sometimes because he’s not his responsibility.”

“If Laikin wants to be in your life, Kayne will be a priority for him.”

I sat back in my chair. “I can always count on you to keep it real with me.” Laikin was soft, gentle, and so tender around me and Kayne. The world saw a bad boy racer who never took any responsibility, but we got that other side of him.

Winter flicked her wrist in the air. “I know being back in the spotlight is hard, but he’s different than your ex. Comparing them will only lead to doubt and resentment. Let Laikin love you.” Winter commanded as she finished off her dessert.

“Speaking of love, any new dates or boy toys?”

“Same old, same old—drinks and boring conversations at dinner.”

“Does my brother know about those boring conversations? I mean I’m still surprised you two hooked up.”

Winter leaned her head against the back of the couch. “He does—and we are not exclusive. I mean he wants more, but I have to take things slow.” The idea of them together gave me pause at first, me still getting used to them being flirty, but if he could handle me and Laikin, I had no right to give an opinion on their love life.

“Are you both seeing other people?”

She lifted her head off the couch. “Did he say he’s seeing someone else?” Winter’s brows crinkled together.

“Winter, you can’t think he’s going to sit around and wait on you,” I scoffed.

“I need to get my life together.”

“Yep.” Both our heads swiveled to the left as my door pushed open and Kayne led the way inside. Laikin and Brett strolled in with wide smiles on their faces.

Kayne ran toward my open arms, falling into my lap. I bent down to lift him up, raining kisses all over his face. “Surprise, Mommy!”

“A nice surprise! Why didn't you call me?” I stared at Laikin as he bent down to kiss me on the lips. I wiped the residue of my lipstick from his mouth.

Brett walked over to the couch and sat next to Winter.

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