Page 45 of Never Really Over

Against all instincts telling me that I need to do this on my own, I nod in agreement. “I hear you. It’s just hard.”

“You think it was easy when the guys would see you mow our lawns for them because they couldn’t get to it themselves? But it’s time to put your pride aside and allow us to be there for you just like you were there for us. And still are.”

I let out a sigh, feeling those words hit me straight in the gut. “You’re right. Thank you.”

“Any time. When Tim comes over, I have a couple meals I’ve been saving to bring you. He’ll put them in your freezer and I’ll make sure you have supper for tonight.”

“No, that’s too…”

“Let me do this,” Missy says. “I love cooking and sharing that with others.”

“I know, I just…”

“Feel guilty,” Tori answers for me. “We know. But don’t.”

“Easy as that, huh?” I smirk.

Jenna winks at me then leans over, kissing Poppy on top of the head then feels her cheek. “She’s already cooling down. Both of you get some rest. If she starts pulling on her ears or seems uncomfortable again, we might want to get her in and check for an ear infection. One of ours got an ear infection almost every time he was teething. It’s normal. Just liquid antibiotics and that’s it so it’s nothing to worry about.”

“We’ll try to rest and I’ll watch for that. Thank you. I know you saw it, but I was panicking and I appreciate you guys coming at the drop of a hat.”

“Whenever you need us, we’re here. You know this.”

Everyone moves to the door but Layla. “If you don’t mind, I’ll stay around a little while. I can do some laundry or whatever you need while you two sleep.”

Amy snaps her head in Layla’s direction. “No.”

“Amy,” I sigh. “Layla, I appreciate the offer, but you don’t need to do that.”

She glances at Amy nervously then back at me. “I know I don’t. I might not be able to help with baby stuff, but I can clean and do laundry. I can work in the garden or whatever else you need.”

She needs to help. I get it. She felt helpless earlier and needs to be able to put a hand in. I don’t necessarily want her to stay, but I am behind on laundry and my toilets could use a good scrubbing.

“My bathroom needs a good cleaning,” I tell her and look to Amy for her reaction. She looks humored, which I knew she would. Still not pleased with the idea of Layla hanging around for a bit, but definitely humored at me having Layla clean my bathroom.

Layla doesn’t bat an eye, just nods and says, “I can do that.”

“Doesn’t Aria still come?” Jenna asks.

“She does, but she’s gotten so busy lately that I told her only once a month here.”

“I don’t like this,” Amy announces, ignoring our talk about Aria, “but you’re a big boy and know what you’re doing. Just don’t screw him up again,” she tells Layla, “or you’ll have to answer to all of us.”

“I won’t,” Layla says. “You might not believe me but I do have regrets for how I treated everyone when I moved away. I deserve your anger, but I’m working on rebuilding all that I lost. And yeah, I know that was my own doing, that’s why I’m putting in the work. Trust me when I say I have no intentions of ever hurting Colt again.”

Amy narrows her eyes, listening but still guarding herself, and the rest of us. She’s the definition of mama bear. If you cross her or the people she loves, watch out. “Pardon me if I don’t believe you.”

“And that’s okay. I know I don’t deserve it yet. I’m moving back to Hollow Grove, though, and would love if you and I could have coffee someday soon and talk. I have a lot of making up to do.”

Amy stares at her for a long moment then shrugs. That’s probably the best Layla will get from her right now. A noncommittal shrug. Luckily, Layla seems satisfied with that.

“I need help with something else.” I have the courage to ask.

“Anything,” Jenna replies instantly.

“Poppy’s birthday is coming up. I have no idea what I’m doing but I need to make it special for her. Natalie would want that.”

“Of course. We’ll start planning and make it special.”

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