Steph:Why? Do I need to kick Jake’s ass?
I laughed as I watched one text roll in after another. Her big-sister tendencies were pretty amazing. Once again, as often happened in the presence of any of the Spencer siblings, I wished I’d had one of my own. I prayed to the goddess above that Addie didn’t end up being an only child.
Me:Well, Jake and I disagreed a lot when we first met. He tended to push back during conversations when we were debating what I considered to be a feminist topic. He even referred to me as Steinem.
Steph:What a dork. Sooooooo not an insult. Gloria broke so many barriers down. And honestly, doesn’t surprise me. The way the three of us have discussed issues for as long as I can remember is to push each other. So, in his weird way, he was likely treating you like he’d treat me.
That made me smile, and after being around Jake’s family, I had to acknowledge that Steph could be on to something.
Steph:And I’m no unbiased party here, but Ivy, I think you go with your gut here. If Jake doesn’t treat you well, as much as I’d hate it, he’s not the one for you. What does your gut say about him and the patriarchy?
My grin widened. Damn, I loved Steph.
Me:That he’d help me burn it to the ground while not understanding completely why he was doing it.
Steph:I just snorted. Sounds about right.
Me:I’m giving you the credit for getting him there. That and the fact that he bought me tampons today.
Steph:Good boy. Did he buy the right ones?
Me:Not sure, I haven’t seen him yet, but he did ask.
Steph:Then I’ve done my job. You would not believe the shit he and Drew used to try to bring home for me. It was like they grabbed whatever was the closest to the door. No go. So, spill, how goes life?
Ivy:Bonkers, actually. The Reds event is tomorrow night. I need to make a decision on the bookstore. And Addie’s dad, Noah, is back in town.
My phone immediately began to vibrate with an incoming call. Steph.
I tapped to answer, laughing. “So this warranted an immediate call versus text?” I tapped speaker so that I could continue to organize some of our pickup orders while we talked.
“Thought you had a lot on your plate, chickie, and this is faster. Which part of the list you just texted is weighing the heaviest?”
“I’m actually feeling better than I was the last time we talked.” I bagged another pickup order. “I’ve meditated, switched up some oils, and bought a few new houseplants.”
Steph chuckled. “I’m guessing my bro might have something to do with that as well.”
Ha. “He really does.” I looked around the store, and my heart settled. “I think I’m going to tell the indie no,” I whispered.
“The bookstore up here that made you the offer?” Steph asked.
My heart rate sped up, but this felt right. I’d been wavering over the past two weeks, but I’d been closer and closer to this decision. Jake had said I’d know what to do and Goddess, he was right.
“Yeah. I can do this on my own. I want to do it on my own.” I spun around, taking in the space. Tilting my head back, I closed my eyes and soaked in the feeling of being home, of Nana.
“That’s awesome, babe. Have you told Jake?”
I came back to the present. “No, I literally just made the decision when we were talking. I texted him a bit ago. He asked if he could see Addie, and I told him Noah was picking her up from school, but I haven’t heard from him since.”
Steph’s laughter caught me unaware.
“What’s so funny?”
“Oh, Ivy. You texted him that Noah was picking up your precious daughter, who Jake absolutely adores, and you haven’t heard from him since? I think the man has likely turned a violent shade of green, tucked tail, and is hiding and nursing his wounds.”
I took that in. Paused. Thought about it again. “You mean, you think Jake is jealous ofNoah? I mean, he absolutely was at first, but he’s past that.”
Steph’s laughter was louder.
