Words had blurted from my mouth that I didn’t really mean, words that would remind Levi why we hated each other, why we were always fighting, words that would make him stop asking me to parties or to study or to hang out with him.
Words that would make sure I left this town for good.
“I’d rather do just about anything else.” Folding my arms over my chest, I’d lifted my chin high and looked over his shoulder. “Thanks, but no thanks, Cole. Enjoy your fifteen minutes though. I’m sure there will be plenty of girls to fill the space what’s-her-name left.”
I moved to walk by and he grabbed my wrist, holding me so his mouth could drop next to my ear. “You’re such a dirty liar, Dawson. One day you’re going to figure out how bad you got it for me and then it’s going to be too late. Then you’re going to regret all of these games you play.”
I couldn’t remember how that moment had ended. Had I said something snarky and stormed off? Or just stormed off? I hadn’t gone to that party though. And he’d been right.
One day I was going to regret all the games I’d played.
That day was today. And it was because of the hateful way he looked at me. Gone was the sweet, sexy smile he’d been shooting me over the last few months. And in its place was fire and brimstone and the hatred I deserved.
“Hey, Rosie.” He didn’t bother looking at her though. It was an obligatory greeting that was as shallow as a toothpick. To me he said, “Can I talk to you for a minute?”
I glanced back at Rosie, not so much asking for permission as I was asking for help. She nodded her chin, her eyes set in a firm expression of, “Getchya ass outta here.”
“S-sure.”
He turned around and stalked back outside, not even waiting for me to finish speaking. I slid off the stool and followed him.
I wrapped my arms around my waist, not remembering it had gotten chilly until I was standing outside in just my waitress dress with bare legs and arms.
He crowded me against the building and asked, “Do you want to grab a coat?”
Locking my jaw together so my teeth didn’t chatter, I said, “I’m fine.”
He didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t have the patience to argue. “I’ll keep this short,” he said, but his teeth clicked together in frustration before he could speak again. “My parents would like to invite you and Max over for Thanksgiving dinner.”
My heart dropped to my toes and panic licked through me. “What? Why?”
His green eyes flashed with fury and for a second I imagined him Hulking out completely and destroying poor, little downtown Clark City. “Why do you think, Ruby? They’d like to meet their grandson.”
I’d known it was a strong possibility he would tell his parents, but his words still cut to the very core of me, splitting my soul in two. “You told them?”
If possible, the angry look in his eyes kicked up a few notches. “Of course, I told them. They have a grandson. My dead brother had a son. You honestly think I would keep that from them?”
“N-no. No.”
“Anyway, they want to meet you.” His gaze narrowed for a second and I realized he was acknowledging that his parents had met me. Several times. “Formally,” he added. “And Max of course.”
Despite Levi’s obvious resentment and anger, mama bear instincts kicked in and I couldn’t help but need to protect my son. “I-I don’t know. I haven’t said anything to Max. I don’t just want to dump this whole new family thing on him. I’m open to a relationship with your parents, but I think we should walk more slowly into it.”
“Don’t do this,” he warned, his voice low and menacing. “You’ve had him to yourself for six years, Ruby. At least I got to spend time with him when I suspected something could be there. They… they didn’t even know it was a possibility. This is a chance for my parents to have a piece of Logan back. Don’t hurt them more than you already have.”
Fire flashed through me, setting my blood ablaze. “This is my son, Levi. Don’t you dare try to emotionally blackmail me.”
“For fuck’s sake, Ruby. I’m not trying to blackmail you, I’m trying to get you to see reason for the first time in your entire goddamn life.” My eyes narrowed, and I glared at him. Here was the asshole I remembered. It had taken months, but I finally brought him back. His jaw ticked again, the muscle popping and I waited for him to really come after me, to completely eviscerate me with his words. Instead, he said, “Please, Ruby. It would mean a lot to all of us. The holidays are… hard without Logan. This would be a gift to us.”
His words sucked the wind from my sails and my entire body sagged in defeat. He was right. About everything. But did that mean I had to share Max with them?
My heart boomed against my breastbone, desperate to protect my son, to keep the rest of the world away.
“You don’t have to tell him anything about us,” Levi added, sweetening the pot. “He likes me. Just tell him I invited you guys over. I’ll tell my parents not to say anything about his dad or being his grandparents.” He cleared his throat and added, “You can even invite your mom if you’d like.”
I nearly rolled my eyes at his last offer. Not that she’d have come if she had zero plans and was starving, but she was currently on my shit list for how she’d let everything slip last Saturday. Whether I deserved all this or not, it was her fault I was in this mess now.
And from the very beginning. From when she’d decided to be a terrible mom and influenced all my bad decisions and then done a terrible job with my sexual education.
