Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 90464 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90464 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
I’ll show Nova that I’m in her life to stay and that we’re meant to be together.
Nova
Lying on my stomach, I hold the pillow tightly as the memories of last night keep playing on repeat in my mind.
Easton catching me in the living room while I was watching his movie.
Him kissing me, and how amazing it felt.
The horrible talk that followed.
Letting out a sigh, I check the time on my phone, and when I see it’s already past eight in the morning, I know I can’t keep lying here. I have to face whatever awaits me today.
Climbing off the bed, I walk to the closet and grab a dress before heading to the bathroom.
The heartbreak caused by last night’s disaster makes my grief feel a million times heavier and the pit in my stomach bottomless.
While I go through my morning routine, my anxiety grows until it feels like I’ve swallowed a swarm of bees.
God, I’m so nervous. How do I act this morning?
I should wait to see what he does and follow his lead. Right?
What if Easton is angry?
Suck it up and just power through it.
As I’m brushing my teeth, my thoughts keep jumping from one thing to the next until they settle on the kiss. In the stark reality of daylight, I have to wonder whether Easton didn’t act out of grief. It’s only been a week since Rachel passed away.
Maybe he just needed comfort, and things escalated. This morning, he might’ve realized I did the right thing when I said we could never get romantically involved.
I let out another sigh as I rinse my mouth. After patting my face dry, I hang the towel on the rail before reluctantly leaving my room.
Whatever happens, you’ll deal with it. Lainey comes first.
When I reach the top of the stairs, I hear Lainey say, “Can I have another piece of bacon, please?”
“Sure,” Easton replies.
I slowly head down, the aroma of bacon and eggs hanging in the air. When the kitchen comes into view, I see Lainey and Porsha sitting at the island, and Easton’s back is turned to me.
My hands grip the sides of my dress tightly, and my stomach feels like it’s stuck on spin cycle.
Lainey glances over her shoulder, and a sad smile tugs at her lips. “You’re up. We’re having breakfast.”
I take a few steps closer. “Morning.”
“Morning.” Easton glances at me before he places more bacon on Lainey’s plate. “Do you want more, Porsha?”
“No, thank you.”
God, I desperately need caffeine.
I make a beeline for the coffee machine, and as I grab a mug from the cupboard, Easton murmurs, “Sit with the girls. I’ll bring your coffee when it’s ready.”
I glance at him as he moves closer, but before he can reach me, I walk to the island and sit down across from the girls.
I clear my throat and place a hand on the anxious knot where my stomach is supposed to be. Forcing a smile to my face, I ask, “Did you both sleep well?”
Lainey nods. “Yes, but Porsha woke up at the crack of dawn.”
“Only because your hair was in my mouth,” Porsha complains.
Lainey giggles before taking a bite of her bacon.
Easton places a steaming mug of coffee down in front of me, and I dare a quick look at his face. “Thank you.”
“Want some breakfast?” he asks.
Unable to stomach food right now, I shake my head. “Just coffee.”
When he walks away from me, I take a couple of sips while trying not to analyze every single move he makes.
Looking at the girls, there’s a punch to my heart because it reminds me of when Rachel and I were younger.
After their parents died, I spent an entire week at their house. I heated the food the neighbors brought over and made sure they ate. I also kept the place clean and did everything I could to make things easier for them.
“Until what time can Porsha stay?” Lainey asks.
“Her mom’s coming to get her at twelve,” I answer.
Lainey’s face instantly falls. “I wish you could stay longer.”
The next instant, she bursts out in tears, and I quickly get up and rush around the island.
Wrapping my arm around Lainey’s shoulders, I hug her and coo, “I’m sorry you’re hurting, my sweet girl. Shh. I’m here.”
“C-can Porsha stay longer?” she asks through shuddering sobs.
“Of course,” I answer while slightly pulling back. “I’ll call her mom.”
Lainey’s tears lessen, and when I’m sure she’s calming down, I quickly head upstairs to grab my phone. Once I have the device, I press dial on Charlotte’s number while walking back to the kitchen.
“Morning,” Porsha’s mom answers cheerfully.
“Morning. I’m calling because the girls would like to hang out for a while longer.”
“Sure. What time should I pick up Porsha?”
Unsure, I ask, “Maybe before dinner?”
Lainey’s expression fills with hope.
“Great. I’ll be there around six tonight,” Charlotte says.