Page 68 of Somebody to Save
He laughed, and I heard a door close. “I have, but I figured you’d forgive me.”
Humming, I leaned back in my seat, watching a family stroll down the street pushing a stroller and following another kid on a bike. She could barely reach the handlebars in her oversized coat.
“I guess I will,” I sighed playfully. “Just be glad that I like you and that it’s your first strike.”
He chuckled again, and I imagined his smile, the faint lines around his mouth and eyes crinkling with the movement and his Adam’s apple bobbing.
“That’s so gracious of you, baby girl. So, what do you think of Mary?”
“She’s great. Perfect. I can’t believe you pulled this off.”
“It was no big deal,” he said. “Just a matter of finding the right person. I told you Cindy would take care of it.”
“Yes, please tell her I appreciate it. I should also probably get her number, too. Just in case.”
“Yeah, no problem. I’ll send it to you.”
“Thank you. So, how’s your Christmas Eve going?”
Another younger couple walked by, and I tightened my coat around me as a breeze blew across the porch. The bench squeaked beneath me as I tucked my legs up against my chest. Cringing, I hoped the bottom wouldn’t fall out from under me.
Beckett sighed, and I heard rustling on the other end. “It’s good. My parents are here. My mom and brother are cooking, and I was kicked out of the kitchen a few minutes ago. Apparently, I’m not very much help, and I messed up theirsystem.”
Scrubbing my hand over my mouth, I couldn’t contain my laughter. “I’ll be in the same boat here soon. Grams is working on the turkey for tomorrow, and I’m bound to mess something up at least a few times. How long are your parents in town?”
“Just until tomorrow. They’ve already asked about you a few times, too.”
I sat up straight and sucked in a breath. I didn’t know much about Beckett’s parents, but the thought of them knowing about me made me want to vomit. I knew their names, Jackie and Gavin, and I knew they were nice people. I mean, they’d raised an amazing son.
“They—they asked about me?”
“Of course, they did. Andrew hasn’t stopped teasing me about it, but also, I kind of talk about you…a lot.”
I smiled and relaxed as much as I could. “How do they feel about…us?”
He hummed, and I wished I could see his expression. “They’re happy I’m happy. And they can’t wait to meet you.” I was silent for so long, running through every iteration of us meeting, that Beckett cleared his throat. “Or not?”
I could hear the doubt lacing each of his words, and that was the last thing I wanted him to feel.
“No, no, it’s not that. It’s just…the idea makes me want to vomit. I’m so nervous to meet them.”
He chuckled, all doubt disappearing with that one deep sound. “Well, if it makes you feel better, I’m not nervous at all. They’re gonna love you, baby girl.”
“I hope—”You’re right, I was going to say, but a car I knew all too well pulled into the driveway, and my words broke off. “What the hell?” I muttered under my breath but loud enough for Beckett to hear. I blinked a few times as Owen stepped out of his car and slammed the door shut behind him. I didn’t know what to think or how to react.
What the hell was he doing here?
“What’s wrong?” Beckett said, and I heard the concern in his voice, but I didn’t immediately respond. I was shocked into silence as Owen locked eyes with me. “Addison?”
“Sorry, umm…Owen’s here.”
“At your grandmothers’?”
I nodded, then realized he couldn’t see me. Swallowing, I croaked out, “Yeah.”
“What the hell does he want?” Beckett asked quietly, anger simmering beneath each word, as Owen slowly grew closer.
“I’m not sure, but he’s walking up to the porch, so I guess I’m gonna find out.”
