Page 81 of Make You Love Me

Jacob continues, “The moment I touched her in the gazebo she told me she had a boyfriend. I had no idea, much less that it was you.”

Nodding I say, “I believe you.”

“I’m happy to see you two have moved past that, but I just needed you to know my side of things,” Jacob says, relief in his voice.

Deciding to be uncharacteristically vulnerable like he has been with me, I say, “I appreciate you telling me that. I remembered you from that day in your backyard with my mother. I wasn’t expecting Lottie to be sitting there with another guy and definitely not you.”

“Yeah, after the dust settled, I realized that and felt really bad. I even thought about reaching out to Lottie to tell her why seeing me there probably sent you over the edge, but I wasn’t sure how much of your personal life you had shared with her, so I didn’t want to overstep.”

“She knew but she didn’t know it was you.” I appreciate him thinking about that because he’s right. If it were anyone other than Lottie, I wouldn’t have shared my mommy issues with them.

“Man fuck… I didn’t want to like you.” We both chuckle at my admission.

“Well good because the reason I’ve been wanting to reach out has to do with our brothers.”

Our brothers.

“Are they okay?” I say immediately.

He nods. “They’re fine, other than having a crappy mother. But I think they would benefit from knowing their other brother. If you’re up for it, I’d like to arrange for us all to hang out. They are both cool little dudes who know how to keep a secret.”

I’ve never given it much thought but now knowing more of the situation, I definitely want to be a part of their lives. The fact they would have to keep our relationship a secret should piss me off, but I find myself not caring. At this point I don’t expect anything from my mother and I would rather her not know.

“Yes, I want to officially meet them… have a relationship with them.”

He smiles and nods his head at me. “Listen, I don’t know you super well but from what I’ve gathered… Conner is a lot like you. He loves cars, sports, and at eleven he’s already a ladies’ man. Aden is smarter than all the other fifth graders in his class, which tends to make him a target. He could use some of those fighting skills from his big brother.”

Hearing Jacob talk about them has me feeling hopeful at the chance to build something with them.

“Let’s plan something.” I pause trying to find the right words. “I’m not always the best with words but… thank you. This is not at all how I saw this conversation going.”

“I’m glad you didn’t punch me when I grabbed your arm earlier. I saw the thought flash through your face as you flexed your fist.”

That has us both laughing again as the balcony doors open and a confused-looking Lottie appears.

“Grey… there you are. Wait, what the hell?”

I look to Jacob and smirk at Lottie about to shit a brick before I say, “It's all good Babygirl. No one’s thrown a punch… yet.”

Still stunned Lottie says, “I feel like I just walked into the Twilight Zone. But you’ll have to fill me in on it all later because right now they’re about to start the speeches. Come on.” She grabs my hand, pulling me into the ballroom. “Good to see you Jacob,” Lottie calls over her shoulder as he follows us inside.

“Come find me before the end of the night and I’ll give you my number, so we can set that up,” I say before breaking away from him.

Lottie looks at me with a furrowed brow. I kiss the top of her head and say, “We’re good, nothing bad.” Nodding towards the ballroom, I add, “I’ll explain everything after.”

Several speeches and accolades later and I’m ready to get out of here. I know Lottie is exhausted too after such an emotionally draining day. Her head resting peacefully on my shoulder throughout most of the silent auction. After the last number is called, I lean over to Trent and let him know we’re heading out soon. Ashley and him both nod saying they’re ready to head out as well. He has a separate car picking them up because they decided to stay at a hotel tonight since they don’t get alone time back in New York. Unfortunately, their flight leaves early tomorrow morning so we let the girls start their long-winded goodbyes.

Not too long later we’re headed home. Before I could even sling my suit jacket to the other side of the limo, Lottie was asking me about my conversation with Jacob. I understood her concern after our history involving him, so I fill her in as we drive.

She places her hand on my arm. “Grey… I’m so proud of you for hearing him out. Your brothers will be lucky to know you.”

“Thanks Baby,” I whisper.

“You should tell Jacob to bring them to your game against Highland in a few weeks since it's close to their house,” Lottie says quickly, like she always does when she gets a new idea.

“That’s a good plan. I’ll mention it to him. I’m sure he’ll have to see if they can get away with it behind Sherri’s back.”

Lottie shakes her head. “Such bullshit that you have to be treated like their dirty little secret. I really don’t like that woman.”

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