“What about the baby?”
“I went to see Jeannette today—”
Sinclair’s eyes widened into shock. “God, is she saying you’re not the father?”
“No, but I want to protect my rights, Sinclair. I wouldn’t put it past her telling a judge I wasn’t fit.”
“Trina can be over the top, but she wouldn’t do that.”
“No. Why not? She says to my face. She actually told me she could raise the baby on her own. Like I’d simply walk away.”
Sinclair swore under her breath. “I’m sorry, Ryder. Whatever you need from me, is yours. I know Wyatt and mom and dad will be there for you too. We love you. I think you’re the kindest, most open person I know.”
“What about Wyatt?”
She had a lovely smile as Wyatt came to her mind. “He’s the sexiest. And he’s wonderful. But you have such a warm, gentle heart. I hate that Trina trampled on it.”
I rubbed my hand over my heart. “Thanks.”
“Let’s talk about something happy. Are you still playing this weekend at the Harvest Festival?”
“Yes. The band and I practiced yesterday. I’m giving them all the money the city is paying us.”
“Why? If Trina thinks you need to be better with money, shouldn’t you keep some for yourself?” she asked.
“I have a little guilt at taking the Stark gig and not sharing.”
“Would they have played?” she asked.
“I don’t think so, but still. Of course, the city isn’t paying anywhere near what Stark did, but it’s something I can do.”
“See. Such a good heart. Trina needs you and it’s her loss that she can’t see and accept that. Somewhere out there is a woman who’ll totally appreciate you. I understand Erica is still available.”
I laughed. “I think I’m done with women for a time.”
“There are women all over Salvation that will be sorry to hear that.”
I arched a brow. “Does that mean you think I’m a horndog too?”
“No. It means you do like what all young single men do, sow your oats.”
“I’m done farming.”
She snorted. “No more tilling, eh?”
I stood and pulled her to me for a hug. “You’re the best sister, you know that?”
“I’m your only sister.”
“You’re the best anywhere.”
I wished I could say that Sinclair lifted me out of my funk, but I was still pissed at Trina. Even so, I was glad to have Sinclair’s support. It was another difference between me and Trina; I could accept the love and support from others. If Trina could have gotten out of her own way, she’d have all the love and support she’d not had growing up. Instead, she chose to push people away. Not just push them away, but treat them so poorly that they wouldn’t even try to get close to her. For that, I felt sorry for her. But I couldn’t linger on it. I’d tried to show her what life could be like being loved, and she chose to reject it. It took me a while, but now I got the message. She didn’t want anything from me. Fine. I was done with Trina.
28
Trina
One thing I excelled at was pushing aside hard feelings and replacing them with numbness. It allowed