Page 37 of Resisting my Roommate

It’s an innocent question, one most people wouldn’t think twice about.

But her family is obviously a touchy subject for her.

I attempt to interject and change the topic, but Abbey answers before I have a chance.

“A few half-siblings, with another one on the way.”

“That’s lovely,” my mom says as she takes a sip of wine. “Do you see them often?”

“I haven’t seen the oldest one since I was eighteen. And I’ve never met the twins.”

“Oh.” Mom straightens in her seat, picking up on the tension in Abbey’s voice.

“Abbey, it’s okay if you—” I begin, but she cuts me off.

“I don’t have a great relationship with my dad. I didn’t even know him until I was fifteen, which is when my mom dropped me off and said I was his problem now. So while I technically have siblings, I don’t have anything remotely close to all of this.” She gestures around the table with a wistful look. “You’re very lucky.”

We all exchange glances. We may get on each other’s nerves. May argue. May want to throttle each other. But hearing about Abbey’s rocky family dynamic puts things into perspective.

“If you ask me, it’s their loss,” Mom says softly, placing a hand on top of Abbey’s. “You’re always welcome here, sweetie. Consider yourself an honorary Lawrence.”

Abbey’s mouth pinches into a tight line, like she’s trying to hold back her emotions. My gaze lingers on her, noticing the slight shimmer in her eyes and the way her body seems to relax in the comforting atmosphere of our family home.

As if this is precisely where she belongs.

“Stop by for a chat anytime,” Mom tells Abbey as she walks us to the front door after dinner. She wraps her in a tight hug, the two of them embracing in a way that makes me think they’ve known each other for years. Not mere days.

Even Hayden’s warmed up to her, which isn’t easy to pull off.

“And you better stop by the salon to see me. I’d love to get my hands on this gorgeous hair of yours.” She pulls back, lifting one of Abbey’s curls.

“I definitely will,” she responds with a smile. “Thanks again for having me, Danielle.”

“Of course.” She gives Abbey one last squeeze, then turns my way.

“Dinner was delicious, Mom.” I lean down and kiss her cheek. “Thanks for everything.”

“Anytime.” She wraps me in her embrace, then whispers, “I like her.”

I want to tell her it’s not like that between us, but it’s not worth it. My mom won’t listen anyway.

“I’ll see you later on.”

After I say goodbye to the rest of my siblings, as well as my niece, nephew, and Beckham’s stepdaughter, I turn toward Abbey. “Ready?”

“Sure.”

The car is quiet as I drive the short distance toward the historic downtown area, the hum of the engine the only noise between us. Now that we’re alone, I can’t stop thinking about our dinner conversation.

“What you said…,” I begin cautiously, “about your mom leaving you with your father.” I chance a look her way, trying to gauge her reaction. “I didn’t realize it was like that.”

She blows out an anxious laugh. “In retrospect, tonight probably wasn’t the best time to bring it up.”

“You don’t have to apologize,” I say dismissively. “If you haven’t figured it out by now, my family is extremely laid back.”

“They’re some of the best people I’ve ever met. Which is pretty pathetic, considering I just met most of them tonight. But still. They’re all great, Jude. Like really fucking incredible. I guess I just wanted to make sure you realize how lucky you are to have each other. Not many people have that.”

“I know. I may fantasize about strangling my brothers on occasion, but they’re the first people I call when I need help. Mom and Dylan, too.”

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