Page 89 of Surviving in Everton

“Oh stop it! Of course you were invited! I’m sorry I let the boys tell their mothers before I could tell you. But it wasn’t meant to be some sort of slight against you, Mother. Have you seen the news? That’s why I didn’t call you. Quinn showed up and I was telling her about how we saw Britney get arrested.”

“Oh! Yousawthat?!” She rushes around the couch and sits down, pulling me down with her. “What happened? How’d you see?”

“Uh… our friend West told us… kinda.”

“West?”

“Yeah, West Mitchell. We went to school together.”

“Oh I remember West! Such a sweet little boy. That Britney and her friends gave him a hard time though. I bet he’s just thrilled she was arrested. Finally getting some of that karma she’s been owed. She always was just a terrible person. No idea what she did, but I’m sure it was bad, knowing her,” she rants.

“Yeah. You could say that.” I give Declan a look.Save me! You have to change the subject or I’ll end up telling mom everything now. That would not be good.

“So Elaine, will Charles be joining us tonight?” he chimes in, drawing Mom’s attention away from me.

“Oh, I’m sure he’ll be over after he hears the other dads are here.” She waves her hand dismissively. “Wait… what are you doing here, Declan? Shouldn’t you be in school teaching my grandbaby?”

Oh, shit!

“I wasn’t feeling well. Had a bit of a headache. Couldn’t deal with loud kids all day like that, so I came home.”

“Oh, you poor thing! Well, I hope my daughter’s been taking good care of you on your sick day.” I roll my eyes as she pats his cheek.

“She always does, Ma’am. She’s perfect for me in every way.”

If I couldn’tfeelthe utter truth in that statement, the all consuming love that overtakes him just thinking about me, then the look in his eyes would have convinced me all on its own. But Icanfeel that and it absolutely melts my heart into a puddle of goo in my chest. ButthenI feel a surge of annoyance and displeasure. Looking around, I study each of the guys to see who’s feeling that. Ayden meets my eyes, his widening.

“Ayden, can I talk to you in the kitchen?” I stand up and walk out of the room, not even looking to see if he’s following.

“Rowe, I’m-”

“No. You sit. I talk.” I point to a chair and wait for him to do as instructed. “I really hope this isn’t going to be an ongoing problem, Ayd. This whole feeling each other thing is new to all of us, so we’re going to have to actually talk about our feelings. I need to knowwhyyou’re feeling that way. Do you have a problem with Declan? Do you secretly not want this relationship?” I pace back and forth in front of him, waving my hands in the air as I speak animatedly.

He jumps up and grabs my arm, stopping me and spinning me to look at him.

“Don’t think that for a second! I wouldn’t change anything about our relationship… well, okay maybe one thing. But I’ll get used to it, Rowe. Like you said, it’s new. I’m sorry I’m not used to experiencing someone else’s feelings.”

“Then why were you so annoyed and upset?” My shoulders sag as I exhale a weary sigh.

“Rowe, Doll, I love you, I do, but I just don’t want to feel his love for you and how it makes you feel. It’s not because I’m jealous or I don’t want you to be happy. It’s just… fuck I don’t know!” He lets go of my arm to pull on his hair with both hands. “I don’t know, Rowe. Maybe Iamjealous. That doesn’t mean I don’twantthis. I just want you to look at me the way you looked at him. I want to know thatImake you feel that way too. Mostly, I just don’t wanna feel the other guys’ feelings. I don’t mind feeling yours. I welcome it. But theirs? This is going to get really old, really fast.”

“Oh. That’s all?” I step into him, our bodies melding together, and cup his face. “Idofeel that way about you, Ayden. I’m sorry if I haven’t been doing a good job showing that. Now that-”

“Rowen, don’t you dare. I know it’s been a rough few weeks. Things are going to get better now. I promise.” He leans down, kissing me on the forehead. “Wow. Is that all it takes to get that sweet gooey feeling from you?” he teases.

“I mean… pretty much, yeah.” I shrug. Not my fault I think it’s sweet when one of them kisses my forehead.

“Come here, crazy.” He pulls me into his arms and we just stand there holding each other.

I suddenly pull back, notwantingto let go but a thought just occurred to me. “What time is it?! I’ve gotta get Violet from school! Declan’s not there to bring her home!”

The man himself chuckles behind me. “I was just coming to tell you it’s about time we get the kids. If you wanna come with me.”

Biting my lip I look up at Ayden.

“Go ahead, Doll. You don’t have to ask my permission to do anything, let alone pick up our girl from school.” He shakes his head as he rolls his eyes at me.

Bouncing on my tip toes, I give him a quick peck on the mouth then leave with Dec. I’m excited to see my girl and give her the good news!

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