Page 68 of The Beat of My Heart
I can’t help it, I’m a ball of caffeinated energy looking for a fight.
“Julia, just calm down for a minute and let him explain. I think you’ll be happy with his answers,” my dad says.
Dexter smirks like he has an ally, and I narrow my eyes at him.
“Just because you pulled the wool over my dad’s eyes, with lawyer-speak I would imagine, does not mean I will automatically trust you. I have FaceTimed Lanes every single day since she has been there. I’ve said ‘hi’ to your children multiple times, and they love her. If you’re here to send her packing or something, you’re making an enormous mistake. I have the money and resources to make sure you regret it every day of your life.”
If I’ve pissed him off, he doesn’t show it. Instead, he sounds more offended than anything.
“I’m not here to fire her. I’m man enough to do that to someone’s face, not run to their family to do it,” he scoffs in disgust.
Alright, Dexter. Points for acknowledging we’re her family. Fuck, I bet this guy’s a major suck up.
“Then what are you doing here?” I ask again.
“I’m here for back-up, as strange as that sounds. I want to have a relationship with Lanie.Whatever she can give me and I know it will take work and a lot of convincing. I’m committed to that. My kids are committed, but I know I need more. I’ll need all your support when she comes running home because I do think she will fight it. Fight it until she can’t face it anymore and comes home to you,” he says in a rush. “I’ll be honest though, I want her with me always, and I need help to make that happen.”
I’m speechless. It’s a rarity for me. “You sound like you love her? You haven’t even been on a date yet. One kiss cannot have you head over heels already.” Ah, hell, I feel my face flush red.
“Well, it was a perfect kiss,” he says with a wink.
That smartass. We just might be able to be friends after all.
“Look, I know I haven’t taken her on a date yet, but I know how I feel. I know how hard it will be to convince her to give us a shot, but, like I said, I’m committed. I’ll put in the hard work. Will you help me?” He looks so sincere, so honest, so in love.
I know right then that Lanie found her puffin, and as happy as I am for her, my heart cracks wide open.
Forcing a smile, I say, “On one condition.”
“Anything, name it!” he says, and I can tell he immediately regrets it.Ha, if he only really knew me.
“Tell me what you’re doing to keep Bitchzilla away from our Lanie?” I say instead of giving him a hard time.
The laugh that falls from him echoes in my ears. Lanie will be just fine.
What about you, Jules? Where’s your puffin?My inner voice is going to get kicked right in the taint if she doesn’t mind her own damn business soon.
Chapter 26
-Lonely If You Are, Chase Rice
Julia
“Mom, I know it’s only been a few weeks, but I think Dex might really be Lanie’s puffin. Look at this,” I tell her, sitting down at her kitchen island.
“Ooh, are these the text messages from the MLM?” she asks.
Dexter is a lovesick fool. He has seriously pulled out all the stops in his bid to win Lanie’s heart. He is also annoying as fuck because he texts me and his three best friends every damn day. He even named the group chat, MLM, which stands for Make Lanie Mine. I get it, it’s cute… but come on, dude. Grow a pair.
“It is. He is really going to piss off his friends though,” I laugh.
My mother sighs, “Julia, what are you going to do when Charlie’s first word is fuck? You need to start watching your mouth, or he’ll be the one to get kicked out of preschool for calling someone an asshat.”
I’m momentarily stunned. My mother isn’t a prude, but hearing her swear openly has me shaking with laughter.
“I’ll try to do better, mom,” I tell her, snorting.
“Good grief, Jules. Okay, let me see these messages,” she says eagerly.
