“That's what I'm trying to say.There isn’t.We had an agreement, and—”
“And now you’re over here pacin’ my living room like the world is ending because of him.”
“That’s not—this is about Lori.She’sthe problem here.She’s the one making threats, trying to control the situation—”
“Mm-hmm.”Mama V nodded, completely unconvinced.“And yet somehow, every other sentence out of your mouth is about Jaxon.”
“Because he’s involved.”
“No, child,” she said simply.“It's because you care about him.Fine man like that, I don't blame you.”
The words landed heavier than they should have.
I looked away, scoffing lightly.“Of course I care about him.We're… friends, and he’s part of the situation.”
“Savannah.”
Just my name.Nothing else.
And somehow, that was worse.
I exhaled, leaning back against the couch.
“You’re reading too much into it, Grandma.”
“Am I?”she asked, one brow lifting.“Then answer me this—if your cousin wasn’t in the picture… if there were no threats, no screenshots, no pressure—would you still be thinking about leavin’ him?”
I didn’t answer and Mama V hummed softly, like she’d just proven a point she already knew was true.
“That’s what I thought.”
I swallowed, my gaze dropping to my hands.“The contract—”
“You know good and well that this contract ain't holding.No, you're usin’ it as a shield.What you need to do is admit your feelings for this boy.”
My feelings?
“I don't have feelings for him.”
“I know I didn't raise a liar.”
“It’s not that simple,” I muttered, and suddenly the room was a little too hot.
Silence settled between us for a moment, filled only by the faint sounds of movement in the kitchen and the rain still tapping softly against the windows.
“Baby, these things usually don't go as planned.”
I shook my head, frustration creeping back in.“None of that changes the situation.Lori still has leverage.She can ruin everything I’ve worked for, and if I pull Jaxon any deeper into this—”
“I know you think you’re protectin’ him, but that man don't need protection.”
“Iamprotecting him.With Chase involved, he might just—”
“What you’re really doing is protecting yourself from what it would mean to need him.”
“I don’t need him.”
“Maybe not.”She reached over, smiling as she took my hand in hers, her grip warm and steady.“But you want him.”
