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Rachael takes her husband’s arm. “Alexis, are you coming?”
“I’ll drive her,” I say. Rachael hesitates and then nods in agreement, probably figuring it’s better for everyone if Frank has a chance to cool off.
The four of us exit the shop and climb into our separate vehicles. I wait for Alexis’s parents to peel out of the postage-stamp-sized parking lot and then follow.
Alexis watches the back of her parents’ car in silence for almost a mile before the tears start to fall.
“It’s going to be okay.” I kiss the back of her palm.
"No, it's not. Erica’s not far enough along yet. The baby isn’t ready. Oh God, I was such an asshole the last time I saw her.”
She cries into her elbow. My heart cracks down the middle as I listen to her sobs. I wish I could pull her into my arms but that’s not an option right now. I rub her shoulder, offering what little comfort I can from behind the wheel.
“Siblings get on each other’s nerves all the time. She knows you love her.”
“I appreciate your reassurance, but sometimes I don’t even know if Erica loves me.” After a long pause she says, “I’m so sorry, Gavin. This is all my fault.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I got you into this.”
“Into what?”
“Me,” she says. “Now my dad’s going to tell Carl about us.”
“Why would he? He doesn’t know I’m your teacher.”
“But you’re still a teacher at my school. Once Carl sees that I’m in your class, it’s over.” She sucks air through her nose. “You’re going to lose your job because of me."
I squeeze her shoulder. “I don't give a damn about that. And I don't want you to worry about it either. Whatever happens, you're more important to me than a stupid job."
“But youloveyour job,” she says, like that should make a difference. Being raised by a father who put work ahead of his family time and time again has clearly taken its toll.
“I love you more, beautiful.” I press another kiss to the back of her hand. “And I won’t apologize for loving you, especially not to your dad.”
Chapter Eleven
Alexis
My heart feels as precarious as a bubble about to burst when we finally reach the hospital. Gavin slows the car as he approaches an intersection.
“Want me to drop you at the front or park in the garage?” he asks.
“It’s probably easier for you to drop me up front.”
“You sure?” he says. “If I park, I can go in with you.”
I wish he could go in with me, even just to the birthing center’s waiting room. But I know my dad would freak out if he saw us together. Knowing my dad, he hasn’t stopped freaking out since we left the store.
“It’s better if you don’t.”
Gavin makes the turn for the hospital’s main entrance. I reach for the door handle as we come to a stop.
“Thanks for the ride,” I mumble.
“Alexis...” He cups my chin and leans over to kiss my forehead. My chest tightens. This whole situation is so fucking unfair, I could scream. “It’s going to be okay.”
I wish I could believe him.
