“Thank you,” I say as I sit up, a relaxed smile on my lips.
“Thank you. That was the hardest I’ve come since…” He looks at my belly.
We both break into a fit of laughter, not an ounce of awkwardness between us after what we just did.
I clean the counter once I’m dressed, and Quentin goes back to the baby’s room to finish setting up the crib.
We eat dinner together and even watch my favorite reality show. Well, I should say our favorite, because he’s totally invested now. And everything’s fine, as if one of the hottest experiences of my life didn’t happen an hour ago.
While things appear fine, mentally, I’m a mess. Because I can’t figure out why exactly it’s fine. I’m sure if it was anyone else, it wouldn’t work out the same way.
But for some reason, Quentin and I get along great. We can help each other when needed sexually and then return to being two people who are friends and are having a baby together.
See, everything isfine.
And when Quentin goes over to Camille’s to help Ryker move some furniture, I still think things are fine.
Until my phone rings and I see a name I haven’t in years.
Chapter 39
Teagan
Istare at the wordMomas my phone rings, my phone nearly slipping out of my hand.
It’s not really an accurate term for who she is to me, and yet, I’ve never changed it.
I steel my spine, sitting up straight on the couch as I answer.
“Hello?”
“Hi, dear. How are you?”
There are so many things I want to say, but I keep it simple for now to try to see what her motive is here. Because usually, it’s for her own agenda.
“They’re great. How are you?”
“Fabulous. I’m off to Singapore tomorrow. I wanted to check in because I just left my retreat that I was at for months, and I see that you’ve retired. What happened?” she asks, trying to sound like a caring mother. I know it’s not real, and yet I hope it is.
“That was months ago, Mom. Why are you calling now?”
“Because I just got wind of it. I’m busy. I can’t keep up with your life and my own, dear.”
I nearly hang up at that because what parent says that shit to their kid? Adults or not, you should have time to be aware of what’s going on in their life.
“And I heard that you’re pregnant. Is thatreallywhy you retired? Why would you risk your career for a baby?”
Anger settles into the pit of my stomach and explodes upward, making me lose it. Between what she said to Ian, and now this? I’m done.
“Because that’s what a good parent does. Something you would have no idea about.”
“Teagan, watch your mouth. You know I love you,” my mom pleads, but I’ve had enough.
“No, you love what I can do. And even then, why didn’t you make it to my last Olympics, huh? I made it there in hopes of seeing you.” My anger turns to sadness, but I won’t let her hear me cry for her.
“I got caught up at a wedding in Australia. My recent boyfriend and I met this lovely couple from Canada and we had to stay.”
“So a stranger’s wedding was more important than me competing at the Olympics?” I scoff, unable to believe what I’m hearing. “All my life I’ve been working my ass off in hopes that you’ll come back because you’re proud of me. That hope carried me through, made me work harder. And you still showed me that I’ll never be good enough for you. So you know what, I’m done.”
