Page 15 of Stay for Me
“Mom?” Melanie calls without turning away from the window.
“What?”
“Is Grandma coming over today?”
I close my eyes and count to five. I love my in-laws. They’re amazing and generous and truly have helped us more than I can say, but they’re killing me. They never call before coming by or ask if it’s okay. I’ve lived most of my life on my own. I got married young and basically grew up while raising a family. I appreciate their help, but stopping by this late on a Friday is a bit much.
“Not sure.”
“There’s a car in the driveway, and it looks like hers.”
I get off the couch, head toward the door, and adjust my messy bun. When I pull the door open, I find it’s not her.
No, it’s not anyone in our family.
It’s a man.
A very, very attractive man. One who happens to be playing on my television at this very moment.
My eyes widen as I stare at Jacob, who is smiling at me.
“Hey.”
I push him gently and then close the door behind me. “Hi, are you okay? Is something wrong? I mean, I didn’t . . . expect you here now or like . . . at all. Of course, you’re not here for me, I’m guessing. Because that would be weird, right? What the hell is wrong with me?” I say the last part under my breath and pray he didn’t hear.
“Sorry to swing by, but I was driving home from the airport and saw your lights on. I figured I could meet Sebastian and hopefully set a time to hang out.”
“Right.” I look at my feet and bite back a groan. Please, kill me now. I’m in my leggings and off-the-shoulder shirt that has a huge stain on it from a popcorn and butter incident, and no bra. I quickly wrap my arms around my chest, to conceal my horrible attire.
“Now isn’t a good time, I’m sorry.”
“No! That’s not it. Please don’t be sorry.” If Sebastian realizes he’s out here and he doesn’t meet him, I’ll never hear the end of it. “We weren’t expecting anyone. We’re just watching a . . . something . . . and you surprised me.”
He laughs once. “I’m an idiot. I didn’t have your number or a way to get in touch with you that wasn’t passing notes through my sister-in-law. I jumped the gun.”
“I promise, you didn’t. I’d love it if you’d like to come inside—as long as you can ignore any mess you see—and meet Sebastian. My daughter is here too, Melanie, and she will also probably freak out a bit.”
Jacob shrugs and then runs his fingers through his coffee-colored locks. “I’m ready if you are.”
Right. Jacob Arrowood is coming into my house at eight thirty on a Friday night. Not a big deal. I mean . . . it’s cool that there are still some boxes in the corner and I look like complete shit. Once he sees me in the light, he’ll probably run out the way he came.
Here we go.
I push open the door and hear the intake of air through Sebastian’s lips. “Oh my God!”
“Sebastian, this is Jacob Arrowood. He happened to be in Sugarloaf and knew you were a huge . . .”
Before I can finish, Sebastian is on his feet and rushing toward us. “I’m not a huge fan! I’m your biggest one ever! Wow! You’re in my house! Wow! Mom! Look!”
I smile at the sheer joy that is on his face. “I see.”
“Did you know that I’ve seen all your movies? Even the crappy ones.”
“Sebastian!” I admonish as the heat floods my cheeks. “I’m sorry, he’s . . . eleven.”
“It’s fine,” Jacob says with a laugh. “I think they were pretty crappy too.”
“I didn’t sayhewas crappy, Mom, just the movie. You know, that stupid girl movie that Mel made us watch.”
