“I don’t know, Mom. Maybe. Probably? We didn’t really get to discuss labels after…Nevermind, just I don’t know, but I gotta go,” I reply.
My dad smirks. “After what?”
My mom backhands his chest. “Buck, hush.”
I stare at him blankly. “Good night.”
As I shut the door I hear my dad bark a laugh. “Like father, like son.”
My mom replies, feigning annoyance. “Well apples don’t make oranges.”
21
Ivy
It’s been almost two hours since Wesley left the bar, and I’m starting to worry. The only reason I didn’t go with him like he asked, is because I panicked at the mention of him bringing me home, which he thinks is at Rose's.
The last thing I need is for him to find out I’m staying in the damn motel. Even though I’m there for a good cause, I can’t help but feel a little embarrassed that it's the only place I have to go. I haven’t found anywhere else to live and I don’t want him to feel obligated to move me into his house, or help me find something because of what we are now.
Whatever that is.
When he left, I had one more drink and then switched to water. I danced with Sophie some more, doing my best to keep my dress pulled down because Wesley took my damn underwear. Itwassuper hot watching him shove the scrap of lace into his pocket though. I wonder what he’ll do with them.
Other than that, I’ve just spent my time catching up with Sophie and getting to know Beau and Lincoln a littlebetter. Maverick got pulled away, and started working the bar shortly after Wesley left. I got the third degree from Lincoln and Sophie about me and their brother, and what we were.
I told them the truth—that I wasn’t sure. I’m still a tad scared something will spook him and he’ll change his mind, but I’m going to take him at his word when he says he’s not going to go zero dark thirty on me, and shut down again.
Sophie gave me the “I’m your friend but if you hurt my brother or my niece, I’ll kill you” speech, but in a nice way. It was very her. Which only made me love her more. I understand what a big responsibility dating someone with a child is. Yet, that doesn’t scare me in the slightest.
I love Delilah. She’s my little buddy, and I love being her nanny. I miss her when I’m not with her. And the thought that she could potentially be a part of my life indefinitely, is the exact opposite of scary.
I’m playing a game of darts with Sophie, Lincoln and Beau when I pull my phone out and decide to text Wesley. I don’t want to bother him if he’s with Delilah, but I just want to make sure everything is alright.
Ivy:Sorry to bother. Just checking in and making sure you guys are alright?
After fifteen minutes, he still hasn’t replied.
Ivy:Not meaning to be a psycho or anything. Just want to make sure Delilah is alright? You too, of course. Just starting to get a little worried.
No reply.
Ivy:If you think I’m too crazy to date after these messages, that's fine. Just tell me you two are ok. Lol.
Ivy:Not that you said we were dating. Although I’d like to date you if you’re interested.
Ivy:Okaaay, well I’m going to have one of your siblings text your parents for proof of life, and I have no shame in that.
I watch Sophie take her turn, and toss a dart at the board, missing entirely and hitting the wall. She looks embarrassed and runs over to pick it up off the ground at the same time Beau leans down to retrieve it for her. They bump heads, and she apologizes while Beau just collects the darts and stalks over to the line that marks where to throw from.
The entire interaction makes me cringe. Sophie scurries over, face flaming red.
“Oh my god, kill me now,” Sophie whines under her breath.
“That was rough to watch,” I admit. “You can just talk to him. Maybe clear the air?” I suggest.
“He probably doesn’t even think there's any air to clear. I’m not sure he’s even looked me in the eye since he got back into town. I’ll just leave him alone.”
I grab her hand in comfort and squeeze. “If you want to talk about it more, I’m here. Okay?” I say quietly, turning away so the boys can’t hear. She nods in response, looking so defeated, my ribs squeeze.
