Page 93 of Back to Willow

“Didyouthink about him? Growing up without his dad?”

The words fly out of her mouth, strong and heavy, feeling like a punch to the gut.

I messed up really badly. I know that, but if there is one thing I think about all the time, it’s my son. I make every decision based on him. What is best forhim.

“I did. I always do. And that’s exactly why I left. You don’t know what happened nor what my reasons were. I hope you’re happy now. I need you to stop meddling with my life.”

“Alright, I’ll admit it.” She throws her hands up. “I hoped that by knowing the truth, I’d get the upper hand. To finally get him to get over you, close that door once and for all.”

“Well, I hope that ruining my son’s birthday and getting him to cry was worth it.” Johanna looks away, a sliver of guilt creeping in on her face. “I’ll be polite to you, but don’t expect me to act as a friend or hang out.”

Without sparing her a second glance, I turn around. “I’ll see you guys later,” I say to Ethan and Hazel.

“What? We’re going with you,” she exclaims, grabbing Ethan’s hand and following me.

Inside, there’s a little smile growing, but I act unaffected. I would never tell them who to hang around with or not, but knowing they are on my side gives me some sense of peace. While I’m now fully aware of how much I hurt Liam—and Dylan, too—no one else has the right to meddle, especially with how wrong her reasons for interfering were.

The rest of the day is tiring, with all of the projects piling up, Ethan, Hazel, and I end up spending the rest of the afternoon in the library. One late afternoon turns into five, and I’m not able to pick up Dylan from school on any of these days. god bless Jake.

By Friday afternoon, it feels like I’ve been dragging myself around with just enough energy to get things done. The only thought on my mind, as I walk up to the car, is cuddling with my tiny person on the couch until he falls asleep on me.

That is until the blaring ringing of my phone startles me. My eyebrows crease at the sight of an unknown number, but I still accept it.

“Hello?”

“Willow,” the familiar voice on the other end of the call sounds, sending my heart into a frenzy.

I thought I’d saved his number.

“Liam,” I sigh, anxiety creeping in.

“Are you free on Sunday?”

“Yes,” I answer. “Why?”

“Can we, uhm, spend the day together?”

“Oh,” I exclaim. “I—”

“With Dylan, I mean. I want to spend time with both of you. I want to catch up with you and get to know him…Uh…”

“I–yes?” Why does he always makes me this nervous? “I hope you don’t mind being just his—our—friend. Until we figure everything out and tell him. When we’re sure of things…”

“Yeah,” he rushes out. “Sure, sure. I’ll pick you up before lunch, yeah?”

“Yeah.”

“Alright, I’m starting a double shift now. Well…see you on Sunday.” He hangs up even before I can answer.

The cold wind ruffles my hair, hitting my hot neck. It’s halfway into November, and it’s way colder than it was just two months ago, as autumn slowly is turning into winter. From the starry sky above, you wouldn’t guess we’re getting closer to the time of year when it rains the most.

A deep shiver erases the warmth that speaking to Liam had just created inside, reminding me that my car is across the parking lot, waiting for me. I rush to it, grabbing my key in the meantime to open the driver’s door.

The relief is instant when I get into the car, safe from the cold breeze outside. Sliding the key in the ignition, I twist it, revving the motor. Except, the motor’s sound starts with a weak grumble before stopping altogether.

“That’s not supposed to happen.” My eyebrows furrow while I try a second time.

Nothing.

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