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Reese scoffs and rolls his eyes. He turns away from me, returning all his attention to Violet.
I narrow my eyes. “What’s that sound supposed to mean?”
“Nothing.”
“It obviously means something. You made it.”
Reese lets out a sarcastic laugh. “I’m just saying, Quinn almost got you hurt and you forgive her in a day. Some woman lies about me and you’re still pissed off at me. It’s just funny.”
Anger flares up in me. “Quinn is my best friend. I’ve known her for years. We’ve been through more together than you can imagine?—”
“And you and I haven’t?” he counters aggressively.
“It’s different. Don’t start this shit now. Not in front of Violet.”
The reminder that Violet is in the room seems to sober him up. He grits his teeth. “Fine, but this conversation isn’t done.”
That’s what he thinks.
9
OLIVIA
“Mom, I know you don’t understand, but this is really the best option right now.”
I have Violet on my hip and my phone pressed to my ear as I bounce her. I’m looking after her today and, after her noon nap, I decided to take her to the park. Mom rang me up. As usual, she’s worried.
“I just don’t understand, Olivia,” she persists. “After everything that happened at your last job and then the drama with the press with Reese, it was already a lot. Now, you tell me that Reese has a wife and she’s Violet’s mother? I don’t like that you’re still at his house. I don’t like that you’re still looking after his daughter. Is he even paying you?”
I sigh. I knew that Mom wouldn’t like the situation, but she’s not in my position.
“Yes, he’s still paying me,” I murmur. It had been an interesting combination—being his girlfriend and his nanny. Now, the waters are actually less murky since “girlfriend” has been taken off the table.
“I don’t know if I like this arrangement.”
“Should I be paid or shouldn’t I?” I ask.
“I think you should get a different job, sweetheart.”
“Mom.”
“I don’t want you to have to deal with all these things anymore.” Her voice is pleading. “And now that he’s shown that he’s untrustworthy, I don’t want you hurt any more than you already are.”
I know Mom means well, but I don’t want to leave Violet. “I’ll be fine, I promise.”
“Mmm…” She doesn’t sound like she believes it. Before I can try to ease more of her worry, she moves on. “How about you come out to lunch with me today?”
“I have Violet today.”
“That’s alright. You can bring her with you. I don’t mind. It might actually be for the best.”
There’s an odd catch in her voice, but I don’t question it. It’s been a while since Mama and I just had a day out with each other, and despite her misgivings about Reese, she does like Violet and gets along with her.
“Sure. Where?”
“McAlister’s?” she suggests. “They shouldn’t be too busy.”
When I get to McAlister’s, Mom is already there. What I don’t expect, however, is the man and woman that are with her.
