Page 32 of Despite It All
Anna pauses then gives me a half smile. “I’m sorry I got to see her grow up and you didn’t. Kind of feels a bit like my fault for not actually calling you by your name at least once.”
While I can’t say that I wish she had used my name, I know the time lost is not her fault.
“Don’t beat yourself up, Banana.” I hook my arm around her shoulder. “Everything works out the way it’s supposed to.”
Chapter 10
Progress update on winning over Wyla… zero percent change. Every day since Stevie’s class on Monday, Wyla has buckled down hard on the “it’s not going to happen” front.
I’ve met them for dinner almost every night this week but it’s never alone. Tuesday, Wyla texted that she would have pizza at her house to which she invited both her sisters and their families. Wednesday, they came over here and Anna cooked, but she was careful to never be alone with me even for a second. And last night, she straight up ditched and sent her mom to meet me at the park with Stevie. She’s avoiding me, and it’s pissing me off.
After working out some pent up aggression at the world’s most makeshift gym, I hop in the car and my phone starts to ring. I pull it out of my pocket and see thepicture I took of Wyla comforting Stevie when she fell off the beam at tumbling class on the screen.
I answer right away, afraid that she'll change her mind and hang up. “Hey, Wy.”
“Hey,” she answers softly.
I’ve noticed I’m the only one who calls her Wy and every time I do, I swear those walls of her fall just a little, as if me calling her that takes her by surprise. But she’s got a quick recovery time and those walls shoot back up.
“My mom called, she apparently forgot she had a dentist appointment today. I know this is last minute, but could you pick Stevie up at my mom’s house and watch her until I get off? There's no way I can leave work today, we’re way too busy, and no one else can watch her.”
“Yeah, of course I can.”
“Are you sure? I hate to put this on you last minute, I can try—”
“Wy,” I cut her off. I know it’s not asking me for help that makes her hesitant, it’s asking anyone in general for help. I put on a soft but confident tone. “I want to, I promise. It does not inconvenience me in any way to go get my daughter. Can we head back to your house, though? Anna doesn’t exactly have baby dolls on standby.”
Wyla lets out a rare chuckle. “Yeah, my mom has a spare key and a car seat. Thank you. I’ll be there around six. Maybe earlier if I can—”
“Wyla, it’s good, really. I promise to call you if I have any problems, but I’m sure we’ll be fine.”
“You’re right, I’m sorry. Do you need the address to my mom’s house?”
“You mean the house where I randomly showed up and ended up running into the girl I’ve thought about constantly for five years, then found out she’s also the mother of my child?”
Wyla laughs again and it’s such an incredible sound. “Yeah, that’s the one.”
“I think the drive to that house is permanently etched into my brain. I’ve got it.”
“Right. Thanks, Jett.” Wyla’s voice goes back all serious—aka those walls only went higher.
“Always. We’ll see you when you get home.”
Wyla hesitates for a beat. “Yeah, I’ll see you later.”
Once we hang up, I head straight to Mrs. Bennett’s house. When I pull in, her and Stevie are outside, pulling out the car seat.
I hop out to help, and Stevie squeals. “Hey, Daddy.”
“Hey, Little Bee.” I kneel in front of her. “You want to hang out with me for a few hours until your mom gets home?”
“Yeah!’ Stevie lunges at me and despite only being forty pounds she nearly knocks me backward. I laugh and scoop her up. “Can I, Mamaw?” she asks Wyla’s mom.
Mrs. Bennett chuckles as well but then stares at Stevie in my arms. She has the slightest gleam in her eyes and a hint of a smile. Well, at least I stand a chance at getting one of Wyla’s parents to like me.
“Yes, baby, you can go with your dad. Mamaw is silly and completely forgot she has to go to the dentist.” Mrs. Bennett pulls out the car seat.
“Here, let me get that.” I set Stevie down, and take the car seat over to my rental. I put it down, completely unsure of how to do this correctly. “Would you judge me if I said I’m not sure how to put this in?”
