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I’m not so stupid as to have missed the subtleties from Lucas last night. I could sense the tension coming from him, too—I’m just not sure why. Jadon was happy about having a dad, so Lucas has nothing to worry about.
Sigh...
What is Ted doing right now? I called last night when I woke up alone in the living room and he didn’t answer. That, alone, has left my stomach in knots.
I can’t avoid this. I need to know if he’s called me back or not.
Nothing from Ted, but a string of messages from Lucas. He told his family. His parents are excited for him. Katrina, not so much.
I figured as much. His lack of emphasis about her reaction tells me it was a huge deal to her. I guess it’s a good thing I’m going then. If she’s going to act like a spoiled brat, Jadon will need me to feel safe.
What does Lucas see in her? I mean, apart from all that beauty and whatnot…
Oh, right. Trophy wife. I guess that’s what he’s looking for in a life partner. One that looks like her, in perfect condition. Experienced and all that, too.
My phone rings and Charity’s name comes up. I know why she’s calling. It’s time for her annual birthday check-in for me. She’ll ask what I’ll want for mine next Saturday.
I can’t deal with her right now. Dad’s been watching Jadon so far this morning, and I need to get myself up and ready. I have no clue what to wear around Katrina.
It takes time, and a few reassuring texts from Lucas telling me to dress casually before I’m ready. I’m still wearing a nice strapless sundress with the one pair of wedge heels I have for summer. I want his parents to like me, even if I’m not up to the standards Katrina sets.
“Allie, Lucas is here,” Dad calls. He’s heading out to watch a game with some friends. “See you guys later.” Guess he’s off without a goodbye to me. Must be in a hurry to get a good spot on someone’s couch.
Jadon is downstairs and dressed, talking to Lucas about whatever is interesting at the moment, when Lucas looks up and smiles at me. “You look beautiful, Allie.”
“Oh.”Cheeks, don’t you dare blush.Don’t embarrass me now. “Thanks.” Yes, I did just pat down my hair involuntarily, but I’m pretty sure that’s a natural response and not because I care what Lucas thinks. Though I went between this red and white dress and another for an hour.
“Listen, about last night. I was thinking and I just want to say I’m really sorry about ruining your night. I’d love to make it up to you.”
“It’s fine, Lucas. I told you it would be.” At this point, Ted should apologize for acting like a caveman about the whole thing, especially in my room. I don’t even want to revisit that. “Let’s just go.”
Lucas doesn’t say anything about it and takes Jadon in his hand while I lock the door. “You excited, buddy?”
He straps Jadon in while I check my phone. Seriously?Nothing?I hit send on my thousandth message to Ted. It’s annoying at this point. Also worrying. What if he got in an accident?
Shoot, maybe I should go—
Lucas slams his door shut. “I’ve got the rest of the afternoon free today and was hoping we could talk.”
Again? I mean, I didn’t mind talking yesterday. Lucas listens when I speak. Offers helpful information and somehow knows how to thoughtfully engage in conversation.
Most of the time, Ted is too occupied with his phone to carry on anything with me.
Ugh, I’m just mad at Ted. I don’t need to project or compare these two. It’s not healthy for me and that kind of thing probably leads to premature aging.
“Sure.”
Lucas taps my leg, and I almost think his finger grazes my knee, but I’m mistaken. “You’re quiet. You don’t have any insults for me today?”
“Do you want me to insult you?”
He smiles from behind sunglasses. I admire the way his hand grips the steering wheel with ease while the other rests between us.
This moment deserves to be captured.
“What’s that for?” He gestures to my phone while I check the photos I snapped of him.
“You look good,” I show him. “I’ll send it to you.”
