My heart clenched. Of course she did. Damn, I didn’t know what to think.
“Want to talk to me about it?” Drew asked.
I turned to the window, resuming my position. “How much did Ivy tell you?”
He moved so that we were shoulder to shoulder, both our gazes directed out the window. “She said Chief is a fucking superhero and pushed Addie out of the way of a car. She said Addie is completely fine.” I exhaled, grateful to hear that. “And she said Noah was there too.” I felt Drew’s face turn to watch me.
Super.
“Think that about covers it,” I muttered.
He nodded. “So you more fucked up over your dog getting hurt or some guy coming around Bookstore when all you want to do is piss around her, marking your territory?”
I turned to glare at him. “It’s not like that.” It was totally like that.
“So why isn’t she here? Why did she send me?” Drew raised an eyebrow, daring me to try to bullshit him.
I looked away, not wanting to see the pity in his expression as I spilled my guts. “You know I was headed to see Addie at school today. Before I got there, Ivy texted to say Noah was picking her up, but I could join him and Addie.”
“Horrors,” he muttered. “Up-front, honest. Clearly this bodes for terrible things.”
I rubbed my nose with my middle finger to his chuckles. “I know, I know. But still, watching Ads come out of school, run to him shouting,Daddy…”
“Oof,” Drew said. “Punch to the gut.”
I nodded. “It’s ridiculous. I’m being ridiculous.”
“Look at you, owning your actions and everything,” Drew said sarcastically. “What are you worried about? Ivy told you he was there. You’ve met Noah. You know nothing is going on with them.” He raised his eyebrow, clearly questioning my sanity.
It was fine. Sanity had fled long ago. “I don’t know. Maybe she’s getting back with him and they’re going to have their perfect family,” I growled, looking at him. “Maybe that’s what’s going on.”
Drew put both his hands on his hips as he watched me with a look of disbelief traveling over his face. “Good Lord, abandonment issues much?” He shook his head at me. “What in anything Ivy has said over the past—what’s it been since you met, eight months?— What has she ever said that told you she was hung up on that guy and wanted to get back together with him?”
I looked at him in confusion. “Well, nothing, but if he’s back here…”
“Jesus, Jake, not everyone is Rachel.” Drew shook his head like he couldn’t believe my stupidity. He then studied my face and spoke gently. “So, have you told Bookstore that you love her yet?”
I started to deny it, but Drew just glared in my direction. “No,” I said.
“But you do.”
“Yep.” I looked at the snow that was starting accumulate.
“Maybe you should tell her,” Drew said, bumping my shoulder.
I swallowed around the lump in my throat. “And what if she still leaves? Or doesn’t want this?”
Drew watched the snow with me in silence while my emotions swirled inside. Finally, he spoke. “She’s not Rachel, Jake. I don’t think she’s going anywhere. But more to the point, you love her whether or not she wants more with you. Yes, she could tell you this isn’t what she’s ready for. But what if she doesn’t? What if you could have Ivy and Addie in your life just the way you want them? And all you have to do is ask?”
The feeling of the nerves in my body threatening to explode overwhelmed me. Just as I was getting ready to say something, the door opened and Dean stepped out, looking at a chart in his hand.
“Jake?” he called, looking up.
33
Beyond Blessed
Ivy
