Page 58 of The Trouble With Her (The Forbidden Love 4)

“No, I didn’t,” she concedes. “You know what? Maybe I’m wrong.”

My chest begins to move up and down at a fast pace, knowing there’s a possible truth to Millie’s comment. “Or maybe you’re right.”

“Andy, don’t do it if it makes you uncomfortable.”

“I hate seeing her like this.”

“Like what?”

If anyone understands the complexity and emotional well-being of being a mother, it’s Millie. She adopted a son, who was born from a woman Will had a one-night stand with. Then, she gave birth to Archer and is now pregnant with their third. She’s voiced on several occasions the battles she faces daily but, in the same breath, wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Like a mother who’s overwhelmed but won’t ask for help.”

“Do you want me to talk to her?”

“No, I just feel helpless.” I sigh.

“As long as she knows you’re there, she’ll ask for help when she’s ready. Being a mother is hard work. I couldn’t have done it without Will or our families.”

“Exactly… listen, I should go. Hug my nephews, okay?”

“Call me anytime. You know I’m here.”

“I know.”

I hang up the phone, thinking about what Millie said, but time doesn’t allow me to think longer since I’m needed for a meeting a few blocks over.

The meeting is held in Lex and Noah’s office building with the entire team in attendance. Lex and Noah video conference from Manhattan where they’re currently working. Most of the meeting is centered around the marketing campaign. It runs for three hours, and when it’s finished, I’m told I need to travel to Spain next week.

When I finally get back to my hotel, I fall onto the bed and rub my face from the sheer exhaustion of it all. The sleepless nights are becoming too much. I’m lucky if I can get three hours, and even then, it’s broken sleep. Between the change in time zone, long working hours, and everything happening with Jessa, the nightmares about my father are only getting worse.

Jessa hasn’t texted after calling me about the dinner. Not even the location, so possibly, this isn’t going to go ahead, which will suit me just fine.

I hop into the shower, willing the day to be scrubbed off me, then climb into bed and pop a sleeping tablet, hoping to get some rest. Then, my phone pings beside me.

Jessa:Dinner tomorrow is at the restaurant beside the hotel you’re staying at. The Italian place Francisco’s.

Me:I know of it…

Jessa:7 p.m. and your date?

Me:What about her?

Jessa:Anastasia agreed to come?

Me:Yes, I asked her while we went out for drinks last night.

Jessa:You went out for drinks, like a work thing?

Me:No, more like two grown adults keeping each other company thing.

There’s no instant response, but there’s no need to lie to her either. Contrary to what she may think, I somewhat enjoy Anastasia’s company. When she’s in work mode, she’s in work mode, but after hours, she knows how to liven things up and knows of all the best places in London.

And the truth still remains—Jessa is a friend.

I’m still single.

My mind replays our conversation from the other night, where I was forced to admit my past feelings all because Ava opened her big mouth. But then, something unexpected occurred—Jessa admitted she ran because she was scared.

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