“Okay.” I tap his sock-covered foot. “But if you ever want to talk, I’m here. Always.”
“Thanks, Mom.” He sits up again.
“Does Paige know?”
“Nah, I have to tell her. She’s gonna go all diva on me, I just know it.”
I chuckle, smoothing a hand over his head. “Yup, she most likely will. She won’t say this to you, but she’s missed you. She’s been looking forward to you coming home. It’s been a tough year for her.”
He studies me again, that protective glint in his eye. “Want me to talk to her?”
Despite being away at school, he has had a front-row seat to my difficulties with Paige. How could he not?
“No. We’re working through it. But she needs her big brother. To lean on. To argue with.” My wry smile causes him to laugh and nod in understanding.
“I’m heading to Jonah’s, then dinner at the Bow,” I continue. “If I’d known you’d be home, I would’ve gone grocery shopping or cooked.”
“I’ll meet you at the Bow.” He playfully pats his stomach.
“Perfect. Aunt Sin will be thrilled to see you.”
“Cool.” Drew crouches to open his suitcase as the doorbell rings.
“Can you grab that?” I point downstairs on my way out of his room. “I need to grab my stuff and I’ll be down in a sec.”
As I change, my brain buzzes with what-ifs. What went down between Pete and Drew? Everything seemed fine two weeks ago when Drew came back from school. In fact, Drew was adamant about sticking to the schedule with Paige so he could spend time with both of his parents. What changed?
“Mom.” Drew comes into my view as I descend the stairs.
“Coming. Who is it?”
My son steps aside, expression curious as he gives me a clear view to the door. My heart lurches.
Sam.
It’s Sam, wearingthatsmile, dimples and all, directed at me. Every inch of him is created to ruin me. He’s got a fair-sized bag in one hand.
I quickly glance over at Drew where he’s all eyes, scrutinizing my every move as he squares his shoulders.
“Sam.” I step closer, but not too close.
I want to hug him, kiss him, yet Drew is here. My son tracks my every move closely, and the safest bet is to keep my distance.
“Olivia, hi.” Sam’s gravelly voice sends shivers down my spine. “It’s good to see you.”
“Ah, you too.” Turning to my son, I force words from my mouth. “Drew, this is my friend Sam. Sam, this is my son, Drew.”
“We’ve met,” they say in unison.
Drew nears me as the rapid beating of my heart seems to double.“Mom, I’m going to unpack. I’ll see you later.” Taking my hand, he squeezes, glancing backward at Sam. “Nice to meet you, man.”
“You too, Drew.” Sam dons another panty-melting smile and tips his chin at Drew. The man is incapable of just a regular old smile.
Silently staring at each other, we wait for Drew to leave, waiting a few extra seconds to make sure he’s definitely upstairs.
“Hi.” My voice is breathy and small, my throat dry.
“Hey, how are you?” He steps forward, cupping my jaw and leaning in.
