I don’t know what else to say in this situation.
Should I go?
Would that be weird?
Should I congratulate them?
Would that be weird too?
I don’t know why she thought it was best I stay here for this announcement.
Isn’t this meant to be personal?
Between the two of them?
My phone buzzes in my hand and I look down to read the message, hoping for a little reprieve from the uncomfortable situation I now find myself immersed in.
Where are you?
It’s Gunner, so I ignore his message.
“I should go.” I point to the door as they pull apart. Jacinta’s wiping her face and smiles at me.
“You two are so close, so I wanted you here for the announcement. We want you to be a part of this baby’s life.” She touches her belly and I don’t even know what to say or do. “You want Alec to be happy, don’t you?”
I narrow my eyes at her.
Things are becoming clearer.
She’s jealous.
Jacinta thinks my intention is to take him away.
But as much as she says she gets our relationship, she doesn’t get it at all.
Alec and I, we’re family.
To me he is. And soon, one day soon, he will see that too.
“Of course I do. I only want what’s best for Alec.” I turn to face him and watch him come out of his puzzled look to offer me a smile. It’s forced, like he’s still in shock, but at least he managed something.
“Congratulations to you both,” I finally manage to say, after the initial shock has now worn off.
Jacinta walks over and hugs me. I hug her back and look toward Alec when she pulls away.
“I’m happy for you both. This is exactly what you’ve always wanted,” I say to him.
He’s wanted a family of his own for so long. I get it. I do. He nods his head, unsure about what to say.
“And now he will have a family… with me.” She touches his arm and he looks to her.
“Are you doing this because you’re jealous?” he asks, and her eyes go wide. “You’re jealous of Everly, aren’t you? Even after I told you I’m trying harder and harder with you every day. I’m falling in love with you, Jacinta, but you make it hard when you treat someone I love like that.”
Her hand drops from his and she looks at me. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean…” she trails off.
Alec shakes his head at her words. “Everly, you shouldn’t have been here for this. This announcement should have been between us as a couple. We thank you for your congratulations.” He walks off, and I hear his footsteps go up the stairs.
Fuck! I stand stock-still, unsure of what I should do next.
Finally coming to my senses, I reach for my bag and turn to leave, but her voice stops me.
“I want him to see you the way you see him…” she pauses, “… as nothing but family. And with that, you share big things like this with your family.” She pushes her hair back and looks up the stairs. “I’ve got a lot of groveling to do. I don’t mean to be bitchy. I guess the hormones are sending me crazy.”
“It’s fine.”
“You really are as sweet as he says you are.”
With that, I turn and walk out.
I don’t want to be around any longer than necessary. They can sort their own shit out, and I can stay away until Alec needs me.
My hand grips my car door handle hard. My father, mother, and Gunner were standing out front when I pulled up. After I manage to open the car door, Gunner steps down and walks over to me. My mother watches on, as does my father.
“Everly,” he says, and I have to shake my head.
Fucking hell, I don’t need any more drama. Not today.
“Why are you here?” I guess now his text message makes sense.
“I’ve asked your parents’ permission to take you on a date.” He blinks a few times and scrapes his foot along the ground. “Now.”
I look up at my mother and father. My father’s lips are in a thin line, but my mother smiles.
“What if I don’t want to date you?” I ask.
He steps closer and his smell envelops me and floats me away with him. I have to try not to close my eyes, but I still bask in everything that is Gunner.
“I will keep on trying until you say yes.”
“No,” I reply, walking past him and up the stairs.
“Are you sure you want to play this game with me, Everly?”
I turn back, smiling at him. “Oh, I’m sure.”
He smirks.
I don’t know if I just made a mistake or not, but either way, that smirk made my heart jump.
27
Everly
What about today?
* * *
This is the message I’ve just received from Gunner.
I smile at his persistence, but don’t reply as I walk into work. My days have been getting better, and all my scars are starting to heal. My lip is no longer cracked and now I can wear lipstick to help cover the marks. As I’m opening the door to the café, a hand touches my shoulder and I scream. I scream so loudly that I deafen myself as I pull my purse to my center and bend over. Hands are quickly removed from my body, and I hear a voice, but my ears are ringing in sheer terror.