The silence in the house was deafening.
I sat on the couch, my head in my hands. Everything had blown up in my face, and I had no one to blame but myself.
Natalie was gone, and I didn’t know if she’d ever come back. Blake was gone, and she had every right to hate me.
I’d spent so much time trying to keep everything together, but in the process, I’d ruined it all.
I didn’t have a plan.
But one thing was clear: if I wanted any chance with Natalie, I had to make things right. No more excuses. No more avoiding the truth.
This time, I’d have to fight for her.
CHAPTER 21
BALANCING ACTS
NATALIE
What I thought was going to be an evening of dinner, laughs, and lovemaking with Will turned into an absolute nightmare.
As I was prepping dinner, the doorbell rang. I heard Will making his way to the door, the muffled sound of a woman’s voice becoming louder as he opened it.
Oh no, it’s probably Blake. Before I knew it, she was inside, walking straight into the kitchen. My stomach dropped. I couldn’t stand there and pretend everything was fine.
On the drive home, my heart pounded. The adrenaline from the encounter wasn’t wearing off, and guilt was starting to set in. I hadn't been prepared to see Blake, let alone be in the middle of their unresolved relationship. Selfishly, I hadn’t thought much about her or her role in Will’s life. I’d only considered how it made me feel when I saw them together.
What am I doing?I thought, gripping the steering wheel. Will and I had kids. Complicated lives. A past we couldn’t undo. So many things could go wrong.
When I got home, I hurried inside and called Meredith.
“I’m the other woman,” I said the second she picked up, collapsing onto the couch.
“Well, hello to you, too,” she replied, unfazed. “Should I be grabbing a glass of wine or calling a lawyer?”
“I’m serious.”
“I know you are,” she said, her tone gentler now. “But let’s not rewrite the story. Will wasn’t exactly head over heels for this girl if he’s out here falling for you. He loves you, Nat. He wants you.”
“I can’t be a stepmom,” I said, the words tumbling out.
“So, you’ve said,” she replied, a touch of sarcasm in her tone.
“I know, I know,” I sighed. “But it’s a lot to consider.”
“It is,” Meredith agreed, her voice softening. “But take some space. Let Will figure his shit out. And remember, you’re newly single. You’d have a lot of obstacles to overcome, but maybe love is all you need.”
“I wish it were that easy,” I said, glancing at my phone. “Will’s calling. I’ll talk to you later?”
“Of course,” Meredith said. “I’ll be there soon enough.”
“You’re the best,” I said before clicking over.
“Natalie,” Will’s voice came through the line, soft but full of tension.
“Hey,” I said.
“I’m so sorry. I forgot she was coming. I should have ended things with her before starting anything with you.”
