Page 3 of Never To Forever

My thoughts are interrupted when my phone buzzes. I push all thoughts of Garrett out of my head and, seeing that it’s my dad, answer the call.

“Hey, Dad.”

“Marie, Meredith and I need you to watch Josie today,” he says.

Ah. Yes, I should’ve guessed. Dad doesn’t just call out of the blue to check in and see how I’m doing. He always needs something, or rather, my stepmother, Meredith, is making demands.

“Dad, I’m at work…”

“She can hang out in the kid’s section. She’ll be fine.”

No actual discussion. No care of what I already have on my plate for the day. I wish I could say I’m surprised, but there’s rarely any consideration of my life or schedule when a free babysitter is needed. I’m always tempted to say no when Dad and Meredith just shove their responsibilities onto me, but I don’t. It’s not my step-siblings' fault that our parents hoist them onto me whenever they want. I adore those kids, and I never want them to feel like an inconvenience or a burden.

And, I suppose, I have some sympathy for Dad and Meredith. Five kids is a lot, especially when several of them are under the age of ten. I can’t really begrudge them the desire for help… I just wish they’d actually ask me instead of telling me I’m watching kids.

“All right, Dad.” I sigh, shaking my head. “I’ll look after her today.”

“We’ll be there in twenty.”

Just like that, he hangs up the call. No goodbye, thank you, or show of affection or gratitude whatsoever.

Typical.

“Everything all right?” Kathy asks as I set my phone back down.

I force a smile as I look back up at her. “Yep, everything’s fine. My Dad is just dropping Josie off soon. Is it okay if she hangs out? She’ll mostly be in the children’s section.”

Kathy frowns at my question as if I need to even ask her. “Of course, it’s okay. You know that.”

“Thanks, I appreciate it.”

Kathy stares at me, and I can practically hear the unspoken questions rattling around in her mind.

Why do you put up with this? Why don’t you say no?

She doesn’t ask the questions. She and I know what my answer would be—I love my family, especially my step-siblings, and I’ll do just about anything to help them grow and learn and become their own people. I wish I’d had the same support growing up. To have someone in your corner who loves you unconditionally and wants you to meet your full potential is something a lot of people take for granted.

I lost my person when I lost my mom, and then again when Leilah died. Which has made me more determined when it comes to my siblings. I refuse to let any of them ever feel that level of loneliness.

Turning to my computer, I get started on my work for the day. No use lingering on dreams and what-ifs—the here and now demand my full attention.

CHAPTER TWO

GARRETT

Carson’s is surprisinglybusy this evening. Usually, on a weekday, there might be a handful of people spread out throughout the bar, relaxing after a long day of work or drowning their sorrows. Tonight, a small crowd gathers at the far end of the bar. I don’t recognize any of the men or women standing together, drinking cocktails and chatting. They’re all dressed in business wear—dresses, pencil skirts, shirts, ties, and slacks. They don’t look like the typical Blue Ridge Falls blue-collar crowd.

“Need another, Garrett?” the bartender, Carl, asks, pulling my attention away from the crowd of pencil pushers. He’s pointing at my empty beer bottle and gazing at me with a cocked brow.

“Yeah,” I tell him. “One more.”

He goes to grab me a fresh beer, and just as he brings it over to me, the bar’s front door opens. A tall figure in a gray suit with styled brown hair comes strolling inside. He looks around, and when his familiar blue eyes land on me, he grins and makes his way over to me.

“I see you started without me,” he says, settling onto the stool next to mine.

“Wanted to get your tab warmed up for you,” I tease, lifting my new beer to my lips before taking a swig. “What’s the point of being best friends with Christian Tallow if I can’t get a few free beers now and then?”

Christian chuckles and waves a hand at Carl.

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