Page 46 of Knight

“I don’t, and I’ll talk to him soon, but I don’t think it’s what they think it is. They think he’s seeing another girl. It’s not that.”

“What makes you so sure?”

“Honestly, I’ve been there the last few times he’s reappeared. He smells and looks like shit. I think he has some sort of night job he’s not proud of. We don’t talk about money, but I don’t think he comes from any. I’m pretty sure he pays his own way here. I’m honestly starting to think he may just have some really crappy job that he’s embarrassed to tell me about.”

“If that’s the case, then that’s certainly very noble. Regardless, you deserve to know what’s going on. You need to talk to him.”

She stirs her drink with her straw. “Yeah, I guess. I don’t want to embarrass him though. I don’t care if he has money or not. I don’t care if he has some shitty job. He’s good to me when we’re together.”

“Of course, you don’t care about the money or him having a crappy job. It’s about keeping secrets. It’s never healthy for any relationship.” My mind goes to having learned last night that Scott kept a secret from me. I shake it.

“I got it. I like him. I have fun with him. Can we move on?” I nod. “Let’s interrogate you about Jackson. Tell me about his children.”

“I’ve only met one. Trevor. He’s twenty-three years old and in business school. He’s very cute and has a good personality. He looks exactly like Jackson, just the slightly younger version. Kind of like Harley and I. Trevor has a fraternal twin, Hayden. He’s in medical school here. His oldest son is Payton. He’s thirty years old, married, and works with Jackson. I think they’re all pretty close.”

“What’s the story with the ex-wife?”

“I don’t know much other than it’s been about five years since they divorced, it seems to be very amicable, and they had to get married young because she became pregnant with Payton when they were sophomores in college. He’s confessed to me that they were never really in love. Just doing what they had to do for the sake of their kids.”

“Oh jeez. That sucks. I can’t imagine having a baby that young.”

“Not ideal. That’s for sure. But he managed to get educated and build a very successful business. He’s quite impressive. He’s actually philanthropic too, which I love about him.”

“Mom, you’re in loooooooove.”

“No, I’m not. Cut it out.”

“Sunday’s going to be fun.” I roll my eyes.

CHAPTERFOURTEEN

DARIAN

“Hey, baby. It’s been kind of a weird week. I’m a little upset with you for not telling me about Nelson’s feelings for me. It all came to a head on Monday night, and it’s not great. I don’t think Alan, Drew, and Paul are talking to Nelson right now. I’m not sure I’m talking to any of them. It’s all a bit messed up. I wish you told me what was going on. I would have been better prepared for it. I feel like I can’t spend time with those guys anymore, and it kills me. They were a part of you that I got to hang onto, and now I feel like it’s gone.”

I pause as I look around for any signs. Nothing. “How ironic is it that all those years I thought the she-devil was crazy about being jealous of me when it came to Nelson’s attention, and it turns out she was right.” I almost laugh at that. “I spent so many years not understanding her, thinking she was insane. She may have been the most sane one of all of us.”

I trace the top of the tombstone with my fingers. “Anyway, I’m still seeing Jackson. He actually helped me a lot when the boys went a little crazy on Monday night. I think you’d like Jackson. He’s a good man like you. He treats me really well.”

I smile. “The girls are all thriving. Reagan actually has a big meeting tomorrow night about franchising. It’s just the early stages of planning, but she’s really excited about it. I’ll let you know how it goes. Skylar is getting ready to apply to business school. I think she feels obligated to stay close to me. I can’t tell if she’s using me as an excuse to stay close to home, or if she really wants to leave, but is afraid of leaving me. I told her that I don’t feel so alone anymore. I know Harley and Reagan will be close by for a long time. Cass is, well, Cass. And now I have Jackson.”

I hesitate for a moment. “I wanted to let you know that the girls are meeting Jackson and his sons this Sunday night. Harley met Jackson once before, but Reagan and Skylar haven’t. I’m excited for them all to meet. What do you think?” I look around. Nothing.

“Okay. One day you’ll let me know your thoughts. Bye, baby. I love you always. I’ll see you next Friday.”

* * *

HARLEY

We’re on our way to Jackson’s house to meet his family, and for my sisters to meet Jackson. While we’re certainly happy for Mom, this whole thing is a little freaky for us.

We pull up to the house. It’s huge and modern, on a tremendous lot. This guy definitely has some real money. At least we don’t have to worry about him being with Mom for her money.

When the car pulls to a stop, she turns to us. “Thank you for coming tonight. I know it’s a little awkward. If at any point it becomes too much, and you want to leave, of course we can. I’m sure it will be hard to see me with someone that’s not your father. I totally understand. I struggle with it at times too. You guys know that I loved your father with all of my heart.” That’s actually the first time she’s ever referred to her love for him in the past tense. I don’t think she realized that she did it.

She continues, “You know it’s taken me a long time to remotely think about dating. I’m not sure I thought I was ready until Jackson came into my life. Just know that he’s so special, and so good to me, but you girls are the most important people in the world to me. I love you so much. I’m just hoping that you’re willing to get to know him.”

Skylar is sobbing. “For Christ’s sake Mom. Don’t make us cry right before we walk in. Of course, we’re okay with it.” Reagan and I nod in agreement.

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