“When?”
“Well,shedidn’t ask me. She asked Colt to ask me.”
“Uh-huh, she’s trying to play the good mom in front of Colt.”
“Maybe. After finding out about Colt’s dad though, I kind of feel sorry for her. Not enough to forgive her for all the unkind things she’s said, but…I don’t know. Her husband was a drug-addict alcoholic who used to hurt her.”
Clara’s eyes softened. “Being married to a man like him would have been awful.”
“And with a young kid? She needed to protect her son from his own father. And despite everything, shedoeslove Colt.”
“But if she loves Colt as much as she says she does, and Colt loves you, then she should welcome you.”
“Unless she thinks I’m not good for her son.”
Clara glanced at her, then back to the road. “That’s ridiculous. You started dating in high school, and he hasn’t looked at another woman since. Sylvia should love Colt enough to love you too.”
“Maybe to her, I’m unlovable.”
Clara scoffed as she pulled into the parking lot beside CJ’s. “No, you’re not. Maybeshe’sunhinged.”
Indie climbed out of Clara’s Volkswagen. “She liked me for the first few years. Or at least, I think she did. It was after we got married and started trying for a baby that she got cold.”
Which had kind of felt like a kick in the gut. Because that was when the fertility struggles had begun, and she’d needed support. She certainly hadn’t gotten it from Sylvia.
“Maybe we should buy her something,” Clara said, as they headed toward the entrance of the bar. “Soften her up.”
Indie snorted. “That woman has a hell of a lot more money than me. I doubt there’s anything I could buy her that she’d want.”
“Actually, I’ve been wanting to talk to you about that.”
Oh geez, first Colt, now Clara. “I’m fine.”
“I know. You’ve told me. But if you’re not, I want you to let me or my mom help you.”
“I amnottaking your money, or Aunt Pam’s money.” Absolutely not. Even the thought made Indie feel sick.
“Well, you can’t keep driving that thing you call a car. Every time you get in it, I don’t know if I’ll see you alive again.”
“I’m going to replace it.”
“Good. But—”
“Nope. You’ve said what you needed to say. I appreciate it, but I’m okay. Now, we’re stepping inside the bar, and we’re going to drink and have a good time.” Then, as if to prove it, she gripped Clara’s wrist and dragged her inside.
She’d only gotten two steps beyond the door when she saw him.
Colt. He was with a group of people, one of them being her brother.
Good God, this town really was the size of a shoe. She smiled at them before directing Clara to a table.
Clara grinned. A big-ass grin that made Indie’s jaw tense.
“Say it,” Indie said.
“It’s like the universe wants you two to be together and happy.”
“Maybe. Or maybe the universe is out to get me.”
