“It’ll be worth it when they’re here,” Penelope says, her fond gaze drifting from Henry to Kaitlyn. We all know Henry isn’t hers biologically, but she’s never treated him differently than Kaitlyn.
Javi lets go of Mirabelle, sticking his tongue out at JJ, whose jaw drops at the action. Laughter bubbles from me because I think it’s funny how quicklyJavi jumped to Mirabelle’s defense. They’ve really gotten close over the last month.
“Wait, hang on. This is unfair. I did nothing wrong,” JJ argues, looking around the table for anyone to agree with him as Javi returns to his seat next to me.
“Bro, just accept you did by making our pregnant sister cry.” Hunter shakes his head at him, a small smile on his face. I shove away the hurt I feel seeing him genuinely smile. Things are complicated between Hunter and me, but not once has he looked my way like that since I came back. I miss him, but even if I forgave Hunter, I’d never be able to forget when the evidence of his wrongdoing is in front of me all the time.
I’m torn from my thoughts when Mom rests her hand on top of mine, squeezing gently. She tilts her head to the side almost as if silently asking if I’m okay. With everything going on at the table right now, Mom saw me.Me,instead of any of the other dozen things happening right now.
Something cracks wide open in my chest, causing tears to well up in my eyes, and concern grows quickly on her face. I blink them away, squeezing her hand back.“Je vais bien,”?2I whisper loud enough for only her to hear.
Mom smiles, relief showing in her green eyes. Her hand remains on mine, and I don’t pull away.
My brain can hardly process what just happened.
I glance around the table, checking to see if anyone else saw us, and I’m not surprised to see Kaitlyn watching with her own smile.
Maybe . . .this is my home after all.
1 JJ, I’m going to hurt you.
2 I’m okay.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Kaitlyn
PAST
I’ve been tryingto pretend I didn’t hear whatever sound came out of Henry’s room this morning, but it sounded like a dying cat yowling. Henry’s been walking around funny, and Mirabelle’s face hasn’t faded from bright red since they emerged.
If whatever’s going on between Bailey and Mirabelle wasn’t going on, I’d text him about it to make him laugh, but our conversations since the kiss have been brief.
I’m waiting for a good opportunity to talk to him in person about it, but I’m starting to think there won’t be a good time.
Meanwhile, I haven’t done anything but think about it.
It’s not like I planned to kiss him when I went over there.
I just wanted to cheer Bailey up. I don’t think B meant for Henry and Mirabelle to get dragged into his suspension, and knowing him, it’s probably to provoke a reaction from his parents. I mean, it’s the only thing that makes sense to me. God, I wish he’d just fucking tell me what is going on with him, but between him and Hunter refusing to say much of anything about it, I’m completely in the dark.
All I know is Hunter’s pissed as hell at Bailey for not telling him anything, and I have no idea what to do.
The night we kissed was the closest I’ve seen Bailey act like himself in a while. I know I can’t fix him, but that doesn’t mean I can’t want to make him happy.
Henry grimaces, adjusting how he’s sitting on the couch again as Mirabelle tries to pretend like she isn’t watching him over the top of her book. It’s cute how the second she looks away, Henry stares at her too. I’m amazed they haven’t made eye contact yet.
The tension in the room is suffocating.
“Dude, I need you to stop making whatever those sounds are every time you move. Whatever freaky sex you had last night, I don’t want to hear it,” I say, making a face as Mirabelle’s face burns brighter.
Henry drags a hand over his face, sighing. “Kait, there wasn’t any freaky sex happening last night,” he says, and I’m embarrassed for him right now.
I roll my eyes. “I don’t believe you.”
“I’m going for a run,” Mirabelle squeaks, setting her book down and taking the opportunity to retreat. I can’t blame her. I think if Henry could run, he might try to join her.
Henry’s roommate, Wilson, was lucky to escape the awkwardness of this morning with his breakfast plans. Before he left, he asked if I heard the same sound he did, and I couldn’t stop laughing at how Henry stubbed his toe on the couch.
