Even though I never brought her up, no one would see it that way. They'd jump to conclusions, paint me as something I’m not, twist it into a story that suits them.
If this were a fling, I’d end it now. Cut it off before it has a chance to grow teeth and ruin everything.
But Willow isn't a fling.
She became more than that the moment she moved in, and I found her in her room, her hatred directed toward me. She's more than I expected—more than I planned for.
Somewhere along the way, she stopped being just Willow… and started being the best part of my day.
She's not a mistake.
She's my peace.
My happiness in such a short amount of time.
Olivia smiles. “Wonderful.”
I really hope she moves on from this conversation before Rose explodes.
Although it wouldn't be a bad idea if she did disappear from my life forever.
“Willow, your mother mentioned that you’re not currently enrolled in any form of education.”
Of course, she has. Rose can't keep her mouth shut about anything, especially if it's a chance to badmouth someone else.
Willow cuts a look at Rose, annoyance crossing her face. “Not that it's any of your business, but no.”
“Willow, don't be rude,” Rose cuts in sharply.
Her tone makes me freeze, every muscle in my body tightening. The way she speaks to Willow sets something dark coiling in my chest.
“Don’t go around telling other people about my personal life.”
The corner of my mouth twitches. I can't stop staring at her. She has a gravity about her; no matter how hard I try, I’m drawn in, tethered to her.
Olivia lets out a laugh, fake as her smile. “I’m so glad I don't have a girl. I hear they can be… difficult to raise.”
I bite my tongue, and a tinge of sadness washes through me.
Rose doesn't miss a beat. “Oh, believe me, I know. But River is a good boy, aren't you, sweetheart?”
He doesn't answer. Not that he can—he's too busy drooling over Quinn like she's the only person in the room.
Rose huffs, apparently unconcerned, and continues. “We've actually decided to expand our family, haven't we, darling?”
Her hand brushes my arm.
My chill skims over my skin, every nerve pulling taut. I force myself to stay calm, even if anger is all I feel.
What the fuck does she think she's doing?
Kids have never come up. Not once since she did the unthinkable. And the way Willow folds in on herself, shoulders stiffening, gaze sliding away toward that idiot Blake, makes me regret not telling River about his mother sooner.
“That's wonderful; let's just hope when you do, it's a boy.”
Quinn cuts in before I can move. “Maybe this time you can actually raise this one.”
Her timing is perfect because I’m seconds away from snapping Blake's fingers clean off. He's twirling a strand of Willow's copper hair like he's got a right to touch her. She keeps shrugging him off absentmindedly, too distracted by the way Rose and Olivia are practically taking turns insulting her to notice how close I am to losing it.
