Page 78 of Owen (Storm Enterprises)

She shrugs. “Then take him with you.”

“I will if you come with me.” I raise an eyebrow with a smile tugging at my lips, the thought of leaving the house now exciting me a little.

My gaze goes over her shoulder to the guard standing on the patio. Ever since she was kidnapped, Tate insists on him tailing her. “Ignore him. He can blend in.” She waves her hand nonchalantly, and I scoff a laugh.

“What do you say, Romeo? Drinks and cake?” Then she walks toward my son and lifts his hand against hers, giving one another a high-five, and just like that, the poor mood I was in dissipates.

“Wow. I can’t believe you have a baby.” Brynn flicks her hair over her shoulder. “He’s…” She winces. “Sweet, I guess.”

“He’s gorgeous,” Ava snaps.

We’ve spent the last hour listening to Brynn tell us how amazing her new business venture is going to be, thanks to a windfall she’s received by her own handsome stranger. I don’t like to judge my friend, but that’s probably code for she’s fucking a rich guy for cash.

I love my friend, really, I do, but sitting here today, I realize how far we’ve grown apart, or were we never really close to begin with?

“So, you’re expecting too.” She points toward Ava’s stomach. “Jeez, I swear I would die if someone told me I was pregnant. I can’t imagine having to push something so big out of my vajayjay.”

Ava chokes on her mocktail, then grimaces, something she’s been doing on and off all day. She’s six months pregnant, so it’s way too early for the baby, but when she touches her stomach, I know she’s concerned.

“Everything okay?”

“Probably gas.” She frowns.

“Well, I plan on taking my bestie and her boy shopping.” Brynn takes my hands in hers, and her eyes light up in excitement.

“Maybe another time. I want to get Ava home.”

Brynn’s face falls.

“Oh, no you don’t. You’ve been cooped up for too long. I’m going to get a lift home, and you’re going to enjoy your day.” Her eyes implore mine, and I know she’s referring to the security that will take her home.

I bite into my lip. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. I’m sure.” Then she pushes back in her chair and takes a hold of her purse. “I’ll be waiting for you at your place, okay?”

Getting to my feet, I round the table and give her a hug. “Thank you.”

Brynn pushes out of her chair and claps her hands. “Oh goody, now we can really shop. Seriously, Laya, your style has gone down the drain. The Laya I know would not be seen dead in mom clothes.” I roll my eyes and want to tell her I am a mom, a proud one at that, but instead I glance toward Ava, who fights back a laugh before she walks toward the door with a smirk and a backward wave.

I turn and face Brynn while she continues to eye me up and down with a sneer on her lips.

“We’ve got some serious work to do, and you’ve no idea how long I’ve waited to do it.”

Her words seem a little cryptic, but I ignore them and plaster on the fake smile I learned to perfect around Carlos, only now realizing I haven’t worn it in months because the only smile I’ve had has been a genuine one.

Until he destroyed everything.

THIRTY-EIGHT

OWEN

Idrum my fingers on the counter again and glance around the kitchen. My lungs feel like they’re crushing under the enormity of me being here. Everywhere I turn, I see her and my boy too. The way his elephant blanket is perfectly folded on his bouncer, and the toy octopus with the lights he loves so much is taking a time-out on the kitchen table, probably needing another batch of batteries added to. All the memories have my soul crushing. I need them and refuse to leave her today. No matter what I told Tate for him to agree I come over with him.

Tate told me to give her time. Not three fucking days. Each time I picked up my keys to come over here, he stood in front of me and told me I would lose them all if I barged my way into our home. He said Laya wasn’t ready. No matter how much talking she has done with Ava and her mom.

Today, I’ve had enough. As grateful as I am for her getting out and enjoying herself, I couldn’t fight the overwhelming senseshe was forgetting about me, that she would have such a good time that she would realize she never needed me.

The only reason my heart is still beating is because of the way Tate has reassured me that everything will be okay. He believes his sister loves me with passion, and he can see I love her equally. He’s wrong. I refuse to accept that Laya could love me the same, but I wasn’t going to argue with him, not when he’s finally on my side.

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