Penny is staring at me, and I can’t tell what she’s thinking because her poker face is damn good. A few moments pass before she speaks. “You were only a kid yourself, Declan… it wasn’t on you to protect your sister or care for her.”
I nod my head. “I know. But still. I was mature for my age because of what I witnessed and how I was raised. I could have done more. The only saving grace was that my parentsdivorced when Kate was sixteen. But she still had to deal with their bullshit for years by herself before that happened.”
She stares at me for a beat before saying, “I appreciate you telling me because now I get where you're coming from, but I think you’re being too hard on yourself.” She goes to stand, and I follow suit. “I have a lot to think about, Declan.”
I nod my head in agreement. “It’s not an excuse for what I said, but I really do miss our friendship.”
She nods and searches my eyes. “So, it’s not going to bother you that I have a kid?” I shake my head. “Because I’m a package deal, Declan. You can’t be friends with me without being friends with her,” she continues.
I swallow and nod. “I know.” It’s something I have to get over. Being a father figure is one thing, but a friend? I think I can do that. It’s going to take some time to get used to the idea, but I’m already working on it.
When she turns to go back into her apartment without saying another word, I tell her, “I lied to you earlier.” She turns back around, and her brows furrow in confusion. “Autumn didn’t give me a drawing; she gave me a birthday invitation. So, I’ll be seeing you this weekend.”
Her eyes go wide, and I can see the gears turning in her head. Before she can tell me no, I quickly make my departure and shut myself in the apartment.
I’m not playing games, and Penny needs to know that.
If she’s still unsure about continuing our friendship, then I’ll just have to convince her.
Shouldn’t be too hard, right?
Chapter 13
Penny
It’s finally Autumn’s birthday and I’ve been stressing all week, trying to make sure I have everything so the party is perfect. It doesn’t help that Declan is coming either. I’ve gotten zero sleep and have major anxiety about today.
When Declan told me on Monday why he wasn’t a fan of kids, my heart broke for him. It sounds like not only did he not receive the kind of love a parent should give a child, but he was the only source of love for Kate. He’s so scarred by what he went through that he’s totally written off kids ingeneral, and I don’t blame him for it. I think anybody who grew up in his shoes would feel the same way.
I didn’t want to say it, but I forgave him right then and there. My bleeding heart didn’t have the strength to be mad at him anymore, plus I was already halfway to forgiving him before we had our chat on the landing. One thing’s for certain, I don’t think Declan can see that his sister worships the ground he walks on, which can only mean he did exactly everything right when he was a kid helping raise a kid.
It doesn’t mean I’m going to let him off the hook too easily, though. I wouldn’t want him to think I’m a pushover. I’ve been letting him sweat the rest of this week, and I can tell he’s annoyed. If he texts me, I give him one-word answers. And the one time I saw him on the sidewalk outside, I gave him a tight-lipped smile before turning in the other direction and ducking into a store.
I have to head to my parents’ house early today to help set up, and am in the middle of putting my shoes on when I hear a knock at the door. I swing it wide, knowing it can only be one person.
“What are you doing here?” I ask before our eyes even meet.
“I’m taking you to your parents' house,” Declan tells me. He’s standing on the doormat, looking fucking edible. He’s wearing a black Henley, dark wash jeans, and biker boots. His eyes are shining bright, and he looks well rested; unlike me.
I blink up at him. “Um… don’t worry about it,” I try to shake him off. “I’m headed out now.”
“I’m ready when you are, then.”
I put my hands on my hips. “Aren’t you going to ask where Autumn is?”
“Nope.” He shakes his head and gives me a wide smile that shows off his dimples. “I heard Jordan and Lucas pick her up a few minutes ago.”
“Well, aren’t you perceptive? It’s okay, though, really. I already have all my stuff packed in the car, plus Autumn’s car seat, so I’ll see you there,” I tell him and try to shut the door.
His hand catches it before it can click shut and I sigh. “I’ll switch over what needs to be switched over,” he tells me. “But we don’t need the car seat. I got one for the truck.”
My eyebrows shoot to my forehead because I don’t think I heard him correctly. “Excuse me? You what?” I ask.
“I got a car seat for the truck. So, you don’t have to switch it over.” He looks pleased with himself.
I shake my head incredulously. “I’m sorry. I thought you just said you bought a car seat for your truck.”
He nods his head slowly. “I did.”
