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“If you want to keep the child too, I’ll support you,” I add.
She is quiet for a few moments and she says, “Thanks.”
I’m not sure why she’s thanking me. It’s common sense.
But I nod and change the subject anyway. “So, I’m guessing you didn’t have parents of the year either?”
“They were fine,” she responds. “Just very religious and restrictive. Couldn’t step an ounce out of place or I would go to hell. That kind of religious.”
“Ah. So, you’re an atheist now?”
“Not really. I don’tnotbelieve in god. I just don’t think I’m going to hell for not washing the dishes that one time.”
“Yeah," I grin. "Expectations can be a killer.”
I can tell from her eyes that she truly understands. “That's why I want Mimi to know that she can always count on me,” she says.
"Right. That's important for kids." I hesitate before I ask the next question. "So Mimi's dad never reached out?"
"Nope." Ava's voice is instantly hard. "And I don’t want him to. She’smydaughter."
I nod. Well, despite having a piece of shit father, at least Mimi lucked out with a great mom.
After a few more hours of travel, we finally arrive at the resort, a five-star beachfront that is a striking contrast from the hotel in Lake Richardson. A sign by the twenty-feet high water fountain announces the weeklong event and a waiting greeter directs us to the beach for the nightly get-together.
Bubble lights are on the sand leading the mingling crowd and reflecting on the water in the evening light.
I scan the area as we arrive, noting a few familiar faces and planning where to start the social exercise.
"Maddox!" I hear a high voice from behind me. "You came!"
Out of the corner of my eyes, I spot a pint-sized blonde running toward me. Before I can react much, she throws herself in my arms.
At the same time, she plants a kiss on my lips.
Chapter Twenty-One
Ava
WhenIseethewoman kiss Maddox, heat arcs through me.
A type of anger I haven't felt in a long time fills me and I nearly grab her by the hair and pull her off him. The urge is strong, almost instinctive.Get her off him, then rip her hair out.It's a savage thought and I clench my fingers to keep from going through with it.
Common sense pierces through.
He’s not yours.I warn myself.Remember that.
Besides, she's probably a random groupie.
But then his hands go around her waist, hugging her back, the anger turns into pure pain that slashes through me.
He pulls away and gives her a teasing grin, and the pain only magnifies.
“Nina,” he says with a familiarity that makes my chest throb. “I didn’t know you were going to be here.”
“Yes, well, Daddy didn’t want to bring me at first, but then a little birdy told me you would be here, so here I am.”
She adds in a giggle and it irritates my soul. Which isn’t fair because she’s probably a nice girl. My jealousy is unfounded too because neither of them owes me anything. Maddox and I aren’t really together and the woman doesn’t know me. I’m the interloper here.
