Page 51 of Despite It All
“I couldn’t agree more. I’m not going to pretend the past five years didn’t happen. I know Wyla did everything on her own. I am painfully aware of how much she doesn’t need me… but, sir, I want to be there to help her. Wyla is one hundred percent capable of raising Stevie without me, I know she is, but that also doesn’t mean she has to.” Fuck knows I couldn’t do it without her.
“I know I messed up five years ago, and despite what she thinks, she is not an obligation to me. I care for your daughter deeply. Daughter, no daughter, it doesn’t change the fact that the flight I booked to go back home is actually going to Nashville first, because I planned to stay there for the day to walk to the town to see if I could run into her again.”
“How many times have you done that?” he asks, holding on to his poker face.
I try to think back over the past five years and count them up. “I’d say I’ve made about fifteen trips to Nashvillein the past five years. Usually staying for a couple days when I can manage it.”
Mr. Bennett laughs. “And yet, you showed up to your own kid’s fucking birthday party.”
“Anna did tell me the Bennetts know how to throw a good party. I just didn’t realize they could be so life-changing.”
He lets out a hmph. “Everything happens at my fucking parties. I’m going to stop having them.” He sits up in the chair as if he was going to stand but stops. “Look, I can’t say I'm a fan of yours yet, but I’m going to give you an opportunity to change my mind.”
He holds out his hand for a shake, and I take it.
“Thank you.”
Now, if I could get Wyla to give me one, I’d be golden.
Mr. Bennett heads over to Winry and Graham’s umbrella to get Georgia, and I let out a breath. Baby steps, right?
I walk over to say goodbye to Stevie before Wyla takes her to the car. She gives me a big hug, and while I’m excited to try to get some alone time with Wyla, I kind of hate that she’s leaving. I miss her when she’s not around.
How am I going to handle leaving at the end of this week? I know I’ll be back but I hate being away from herwhile I’m in town, imagine how across the country is going to feel.
After they head out Anna hollers for me to come sit by her and Levi. As soon as I get close enough for her, she throws a can of Angry Orchard at me—badly.
“Geez, Banana. Remind me to teach you how to throw properly.”
Anna gives me the evil eye, and Levi laughs. “Banana?”
Her evil eye turns to him. “Don’t even start. It’s a nickname I don’t like. So don’t use it.”
Levi grins at her and holds his hands up in surrender. “Okay, I won’t.”
I chuckle, and take the empty seat next to her. “What’s this for?”
“You look like you need it. So, what you mean to say is,thank you.”
I pop the tab and take a swig. “Thank you. Happy now?”
“Ecstatic,” Anna replies snarkily.
“Hey, Anna, toss me one?” Waverley says as she, Owen, and Annabelle come back from their walk.
Anna reaches into the box and gives another poor throw that barely makes it to Waverley.
“Dear lord,” I mumble, and Levi laughs.
Anna huffs. “The both of you better stop or I’m putting sand in your drinks.”
“Yeah, she’s artistic, not athletic. Cut her some slack.” Waverley pops the top of her can, then takes a seat in the chairs Owen pulled over in front of us. “Where did all your other halves go?”
Graham sets his chair down next to me so now we’re all in a weird circle. “Win and Wyla are loading up the kids in your parents’ car then they’ll be back.”
“Wait, they’re leaving?” Annabelle asks and sits up in her chair. “Dad, can I see if they’ll take me home, so I can go to the movies with Cleo tonight?”
Owen shakes his head. “And how do you plan on getting to the movies exactly? Your mom and I aren’t leaving.”
