Page 141 of Betting on You

I didn’t know how to respond to that.

“That’s kind of, um, thoughtful,” was what I came up with, and I genuinely meant it. He’d stayed away from the woman he was seeing formonths, just to help her daughter adjust.

“Now, I don’t know how things are going to go on a day-to-day basis, but I promise I’ll do everything in my power to make it feel like home here, okay?”

“Wow.” I nodded and said in a thick voice, “Um, thank you. Thank you for telling me that.”

He watched me for a second, and then somehow, he was hugging me the next. It was a big, all-encompassing hug that made me feel a little better about everything.

A little hopeful that things might just be okay.

Nekesa came over and we got ready in the basement, and it felt so good having her back in my life. I felt buzzed on happiness as we laughed and did our hair, and yeah—having the whole lower level at my disposal wasnotthe worst. We sucked down mocktails at the wet bar while getting ready all over the rec room.

And after my mom took too many pictures, we met Dana and Eli at Brother Sebastian’s for our fancy dinner.

Only, as we were being seated by the hostess, we walked by a big table of kids from our school, and Aaron was one of those kids.

No date, thank God, but still.

“Seriously—what are the odds?” Nekesa said, kind of loud enough for the entire restaurant to hear.

And it was one of those dark, quiet restaurants, big on candlelight, white linen, and quiet ambiance.

We sat down at our table, and even though she was laughing and talking and appeared to be having fun, I could tell by the wrinkle between Nekesa’s eyebrows that she was very aware of his presence.

“We can go somewhere else if you want,” I said quietly. “I’m great with Chipotle in formal wear.”

She gave her head a tiny shake. “First of all, I love you for saying that. Second of all, it’s okay.”

“Well, let me know if you change your mind.”

The waiter came and took our orders, and Nekesa and I got swept into the delightful entertainment that was Dana and Eli. They were telling a hilarious story about her falling down her stairs, finishing each other’s sentences, when Aaron walked over.

I was instantly nervous, worried he was going to cause a scene, still not over her kissing Theo. And so I cleared my throat and said, “Hey, Aaron.”

“Hey, Bailey,” he said, looking uncomfortable, which relaxed me a little. He appeared to be nervous, not confrontational, and I leaned back in my chair and exhaled.

Then he looked directly at Nekesa and said, “Hey.”

“Aaron. How’s it going?” Nekesa smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes.

“You look stunning,” he said, his blue eyes unblinking as they moved all over her face. “Seriously.”

Her smile fell just a notch, and she replied with a breathy “Thank you.”

“You made that dress, didn’t you?” he asked, his eyes wide and filled with pride. “I can tell.”

“Aaron?” she said, her tone asking what it was that he wanted.

“I know I said what I said, but I take it all back,” he said in a rush, moving closer to her and lowering his voice just a little. I scooched my chair over so he could fit between us as he lowered himself to a squat and said to her with a trembling voice, “Everything sucks without you, and nothing matters but being able to talk to you every day.”

Nekesa just nodded noncommittally, but I saw the relaxed set of her lips and knew she was going to give in to him.

Eventually.

“I was a jerk and don’t deserve another chance, but this is me, officially begging.” He put his hands on the edge of the table and said, “I don’t want to interrupt your night, but I just wanted you to know.”

I glanced around, and it appeared that half the restaurant was watching as he stood, turned, and started back toward his table. I was hoping she’d forgive him, but I didn’t expect her to get out of her chair so fast that she knocked it over.

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