Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 119152 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 596(@200wpm)___ 477(@250wpm)___ 397(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119152 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 596(@200wpm)___ 477(@250wpm)___ 397(@300wpm)
“How do you. . . it’s just. . . say there’s this person. They make you so mad, it’s all you can think about. How do you make it go away?”
Dad sets down his newspaper and turns to me. “Well, I’m not sure you can. I think you see it through.”
“I can’t. She drives me crazy.”
“Ah, so this person’s a girl.”
I grunt. “Yeah. She’s the worst, Dad.”
I don’t understand why he’s happy when I’m practically crawling out of my skin in frustration. “Why are you smiling? This is serious!”
“I don’t think your problem is that you hate her. I think it’s that you like her.”
What the heck? “Gross! No way. I’d rather eat dirt. Give up football. Let Mom dress me up in girl clothes!” It’s ridiculous he would even say that. Coming to him for advice was a mistake. “Just gross.” I shake my head, stand, and walk out. “Thanks for nothing. I’m going to Kip’s.”
We’re both quiet on the drive to Jimmy’s. There’s so much I want to say, but I don’t know where to start. My emotions are still running high, and I’m not sure I can speak. I never expected today to go the way it did. It’s been the same song and dance for the past thirteen years.
Until today.
For so many years, it’s been a push and pull. Constant fights.
Until today.
I look at my rearview mirror, Dad’s Medal of Valor hanging over it. My lucky charm. I felt you today, Dad. I know damn well you had something to do with this. Peering over at Makayla, I squeeze her hand, and she gifts me a sweet smile. The turn of events has been a mindfuck. But if there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s not to question when gifted something special and to just be thankful.
We pull into the full parking lot. I was disappointed when Makayla said she wanted to stop here. All I want to do is go home and get her naked and under me.
We park and walk inside. The bar is jammed-packed, and I’m extra annoyed I didn’t talk her out of this.
Then I see them.
My friends.
My family.
I turn to Mak. “You knew?”
She shrugs. “Thought you may need your support system today.”
God, I want to pull her into my arms and kiss the shit out of her. Pretend we aren’t surrounded by people and show her how much she’s changed my life. I’m about to pull her back out of the bar when we’re spotted.
“Hey, man.” Levi walks up, and Makayla releases my hand. He slaps me on the back and goes in for a hug.
“S’up. What, you fools have nothing better to do today?” I say, reigning in my emotions.
“Nope. Just thought we would come to Jimmy’s. Fancy seeing you here.” I eye Mak. She smiles and turns her attention to Hannah.
“You good, dude?”
I take a moment to truly ponder the question. Under different circumstances, maybe I would have said no. Or even lied and said I was. With Makayla by my side, I say the only thing that comes naturally. “I’m good, dude.” I peer over at her. “I’m really good.”
Chapter 31
Makayla
The world’s most annoying sound stirs me from my dream. “Make it stop,” I groan, skating my hand over the bed to reach for Ben. When I find his side empty, I open my eyes and sit up. “Ben?” I look around, then spot the note on his pillow.
Had to do something. I’ll be back to take you to work. Be on time. - B
I sigh and hold the note against my chest as I fall back on the cozy mattress. First off, who the heck has something to do at six in the morning? Well, we’ve found plenty to do in the last couple of days. Which has been way better than waking up to the stupid alarm. I peek at the time and jolt forward. Shoot. I must have pressed snooze a billion times. I jump out of bed and get ready for work. Today is my first day back with the kids. I’m insanely excited to see them and hear about all I’ve missed.
Brushing my teeth, I think about all that transpired yesterday. My heart swells with happiness for Ben and his mom. The weight of years of regret is finally gone. They still have a lot to figure out and mend, but it’s a start and the beginning of their healing.
I slide into a gray pencil skirt and teal blouse and finish the final touches on my makeup. My phone buzzes on the nightstand.
“Hello?”
“I said on time, babe. Where are you?”
I peer over at the clock. “Technically, I still have two minutes.”
“Not anymore. Get down here.” The call disconnects.
“Jesus, bossy much?” I gripe, grab my work bag, and head out. I’d really like to know what has him so grumpy. I’m pretty sure we were at the same private party last night—and I’m feeling on top of the world. Maybe he’s over-sexed. Is that even a thing?