Page 29 of Despite It All
“If it helps, you’re a kickass mom.” Waverley snuggles closer.
I cry out a laugh. “I don’t feel like it.”
Winry hugs me tight. “That just means you're doing it right.”
Chapter 9
I pull into the parking lot of the rundown gym in town for the second time today to watch Stevie in her tumbling class. I was shocked when Wyla told me her class was here but she said there’s a multipurpose room in the back the owner rents out for extra income.
My first time here was this morning to double my workout and try to get Wyla out of my system. That was a big fat fail there. Our unfinished conversation from yesterday has replayed in my mind nonstop.
I’ve thought of countless other ways I should have responded to her, but it’s perfectly clear to me now that I’ve got a fight on my hands. Wyla may not think she’s worth it, but I’ve wanted her for years, and she’s not slipping away from me again that easily.
Heading straight back, I open the door and the most beautiful woman stands on the other side talking to some other women. “Hey, Wy,” I say, coming up beside her.
“Hey,” she replies, turning to me briefly. She rocks on her feet and shoves her hand in the pockets on her work scrubs. “Uh, everyone this is Jett. Jett, this is Stacy, Lyla, and Meredith. Their daughters are in this class as well.”
The moms all take a moment to look me up and down. Subtle.
“So, Jett, how do you know Wyla?” the one that I think was named Stacy asks.
I glance down at Wyla, unsure if she wants to take this one or me. She shuffles on her feet again. “Jett is Stevie’s dad.”
There’s a beat of silence in the group then they recover. “Stevie’s dad?” the red head, named Meredith asks. “I thought you didn’t know who he was?” Her tone is accusatory, and I don’t like it at all.
“She didn’t. It’s a long story, but I’m here now.” I place my hand on the back of Wyla’s shoulder and squeeze, I know she’s fighting the urge to shrink into the floor.
“Hmm, how convenient for her,” Meredith mumbles under her breath to Stacy next to her.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that?”
“Jett,” Wyla warns, quietly.
Meredith smiles, condescending. “Just saying, we’re happy she found you.”
Mm-hmm.
“Yeah, me too.” I wink at Wyla, then wrap my hand around her arm to tug her away, finished with this conversation. “If you guys will excuse us.”
“You’re going make me the talk of their PTA meetings,” Wyla says as she walks away with me.
I laugh. “Could I join? I think I could talk about you for a couple hours.”
Wyla bites back a smile. “Don’t flirt with me, Jett.”
“Mmm, no can do.” I take a step closer. “See, I’ve thought a lot about what you said yesterday. Yeah, we need to be Stevie’s parents first, but you are mistaken if you think I’m letting you slip away from me again.”
“Jett,” Wyla whispers another warning, but I keep going.
“I’ve thought about you for five years. You weren’t just a one-night stand to me, Wy, and I’m going to prove that to you.”
Wyla looks up at me with so much fear in her eyes. I’ll do whatever it takes to take her fear away, but for now it’s on pause because a certain blonde little girl bounces in the door.
“Mommy! Daddy!” Stevie squeals and races toward us. She’s got on a pink leotard with neon green leggings under them and her hair pulled up in uneven pigtails.
Wyla captures her in a hug. “Hey, little girl. I see Papaw got you ready for class today.” Wyla tugs at one of the ties and redoes one side to match the other.
“Hey, I thought I did a good job,” an older man says, walking up to us. I’d say he’s probably in his late fifties, with salt and pepper hair. I’m assuming this is Wyla’s dad, and suddenly my hands are sweating. I bet this man fucking hates me.
