Page 71 of Crazy in Love

“You’ve thought about it. I could tell as soon as you said to buy an apartment. But I have to make sure I can afford-”

“I didn’t say you buy it. I said we buy it. We’re a team now, so you won’t be doing anything alone.” I’m not letting her think she’s alone anymore. I’m not going anywhere.

“What numbers has Lee given you?”

“Of some really good centers where she can meet others who have a split personality. I mean, one of them sounds really good. They go away for weekends together.” I quickly get off my chair and walk around the desk to get the leaflets of the one I’ve seen. It would be so good for not just Hayley, but Saylor too. “It’s a little expensive, but again, I’m here to -”

“Aiden, she is not your problem financially. I will be able to sort it out.” She takes the leaflet off me and starts looking through it.

“I know she isn’t. How about stop arguing with me about money, and Hayley, and let me just be a part of that side of your life,” I snap at her. I don’t know what she needs me to say for her to know I’m here for all of it.

“I didn’t mean it like that, but yes, I will be happy to look at this place and see what Hayley thinks of it.” She continues to read through the leaflet, and I see a hint of a smile appearing on her lips. She likes it.

“When are you going to move your things in?” I ask her, and she starts laughing.

“Once I speak to Hayley and see if she will go see this place too.” Saylor looks up at me. “It looks great. They do day outs and even have a study programme, which will be amazing.” She gets off the chair, then I stand up too, and she gives me a hug. “Thank you, so much.”

“Anything for you. Always want to see you smile.” I kiss the top of her head. I’ve got everything a man could want.

A company worth a shit ton of money, a new app ready to go out to the world in the next month, and a woman who has me so hooked on her, I would give up the world for her.

* * *

I’ve had one hell of a day, and right now, the last thing I want is dinner with my mother. She has called one too many times today, and then Lee called saying she had been calling him too.

Told Lee if she says one bad thing about Saylor, I’m leaving. I’m not going to let her belittle Saylor. She is the mother of my child, and one day, she will be my wife, and Mum just has to like it.

“What do you think this dinner is about?” Lee asks, as we drive up to my parents' driveaway.

“Have no idea. The fact she’s asked for just us is odd, and then Dad said the Adams won’t be there either, so anything can happen.” I was surprised, since my mum never has a dinner without them being there, so whatever it is, it must be serious. “Is Zhi happy working in the same hospital as you?” The hospital Lee worked at before he left took him back straight away, and Zhi applied there two days later.

“Yes, and it’s crazy, but it’s the only time we see each other. By the time we get home, we’re tired.” Lee laughs. He has been complaining about the hours, which makes me laugh. He knew what he was getting into. “It's crazier, though, because you still work more hours than me.”

“So remember that when you’re moaning to me.” We walk through the door and head to the kitchen where I can hear my parents talking.

“Boys, so happy you could come this evening.” My mum walks over to us with her arms wide open, ready to give us both a hug.

I take a quick glance at Lee, who is also holding tight to a smile. Mother didn’t give us an out of dinner tonight. It was either this or have her come to our house, and neither of us wanted that.

“Hello, Mum, what do we have ready for dinner?” Lee asks, as I walk over to my dad, and he gives me a bear hug, patting my back.

“How is Saylor and my grandbaby?” Dad asks, and I see Mum walking back around the counter, not looking over at me.

“She’s good. I finally got the courage to ask her to move in with me. And she said yes, so I’m looking forward to having her with me all the time,” I reply, taking the beer off Lee.

“Oh, that’s good. When do we meet our new addition?” My dad has been excited about the baby since we told the family. He’s been calling me, telling me to ask Saylor to move in with me.

“We have a scan this week.” I sit on the bar stool, and let dad talk to Lee for a little bit, before dinner is ready.

“How are you, Mum?” I ask.

“Good, I wanted to say thank you for continuing to work with Cathy’s charity event.” Mum turns around to face me and smiles.

“Well, you have Saylor to thank for that. I was ready to pull the plug.” Saylor kept saying it’s not Cathy's fault, that she was following my mum’s words. Why take it out on something good she is doing.

“Thank her for me,” Mum says, and I give her a small nod because I don’t want Mum talking to Saylor and stressing her out for no reason. “I wanted to talk to you both about the women in your life.” Mum places her wooden spoon on the counter, and I get ready for her to tell us how we are both making mistakes.

Lee sits on the stool next to me, and I take a sip of my beer and look over at Dad standing next to Mum. He continues with the dinner.

---