Page 91 of Always Will
“Of course they did.” Sam laughs. “You know your mom’s teacher look? I felt like I was back in junior high. Gave them the best lecture I could though. Told them how stupid they’ve been.”
Amusement pops my eyes wide. “You called my mom stupid?”
“Well, no. Not exactly.” He wrinkles his nose. “But I thought it real hard. I don’t know if it did anything, seeing as they’re not here, but I tried.”
“I’m just surprised you didn’t get your tongue snatched out of your mouth after back talking Jackeline Willis.” I nudge his side with my elbow.
Trevor shudders. “You’re a brave man, Sam. I thought I was pushing it by setting them straight in their own home, but in public? Props.” He holds up a fist and taps Sam’s knuckles.
“Where’s Maci?” I ask, looking around the room for that cute, chubby scowl.
“She’s home with Claire. Ear infection and pink eye. But Claire sent me with her ‘new mom’ survival kit and detailed instructions for everything.” He grips my shoulder. “Speaking ofdetailed instructions, how’s the Phalaenopsis?”
“You’ll be happy to know Trevor nursed CC back to health.”
“My man!” Sam pounds Trevor’s fist again, and they chat about business at the flower shop. Watching them interact so casually puts a smile on my face. Trevor slipped into my life so effortlessly, it’s as if he was always meant to be a part of it. This man is one of the best things to ever happen to me, and that’s saying something. But the longer I watch my favorite person joke around with my other favorite person, the more I’m hit with an unexpected wave of inadequacy.
Trevor’s built for connection and intimacy. He’s alwayswanted a wife, kids, and the white-picket fence. I’ve known this since the day I met him. He’ll be a great father and a fantastic husband someday, but he deserves someone who can give that back to him tenfold. I’m independent, stubborn, and I’d never considered sharing my life with someone else permanently before all of this. What if I can’t measure up? Or worse, what if I end up being too much for him?
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
TREVOR
Ihear a knock on the front door and check my phone. Mom, Maya, and Lainey are only in town until tomorrow morning, but they’re about thirty minutes early for our brunch outing. At the baby shower last night, all three essentially begged me and Willa to take them to the beach today. I took the day off in anticipation of their visit, and Willa’s employees are handling the studio so we can show them around. February in LA is a hell of a lot warmer than the freezing temps they’re used to in Nebraska. I wouldn’t be surprised if Lainey shows up in shorts and flip-flops.
When I open the door, I’m steeling for a sarcastic comment from Maya. Instead, Robert and Jackeline Willis shift uncomfortably as they take me in. My jaw clenches tightly, and I’m having a hard time relaxing it.
“I didn’t realize you two were shacking up,” Jackie reproves.
“Can I help you?” I ask, crossing my arms as I lean against the doorframe. The attitude radiating from her sets off all my protective instincts. I’m not giving them access to Willa today.
“We wanted to speak with Willa. With both of you,” Rob says gently, a complete reversal from his wife.
“She’s in the shower now, and we’re heading out shortly…” My words are calculated and clipped. Over my dead body are they stressing out the mother of my child after the joy she experienced last night from being surrounded by people who care about her.
“Maybe you could meet us for dinner, then?” Rob urges.
“Busy then too.”
“This is ridiculous, Trevor. We came to see our daughter, and that’s what we intend to do.” Jackie huffs.
“What’s ridiculous is you two showing up here with demands after months of silence. No checking on her. No questions about the baby. Did you even know she’s been on bed rest?” That makes the scowl fall from Jackie’s face, and Rob’s intake of air gives me my answer.How shameful. “Didn’t think so,” I say, biting back the string of profanity I want to unleash on them.What kind of fucking parents treat their child this way? “Willa’s busy today. I can tell her you two came by. If she wants to talk to you, she’ll reach out.”
“What about breakfast in the morning?” Rob offers.
“That’s entirely up to Willa. If she says no, the answer is no.”
I turn to go back inside, ready to leave their nonsense and shock out here on the porch.
“Trevor.” Rob’s voice trembles, and I pause. “Is—are they okay? Willa and the baby? We heard it’s a girl.”
I blow out a breath of frustration. “They’re both fine now. Everyone’s happy and healthy.”
Rob nods quickly and looks down at the ground with a face full of remorse. “We’ll wait to hear from Willa about tomorrow. Come on, Jackie.” He tugs on her arm, and after a stubborn back and forth, she allows him to lead her down the sidewalk.
When I close the door, Willa meets me with a misty gaze. “Uh.” I rub the back of my head, scrunching my nose. “Your parents are in town…”
“Yeah, I heard.”
