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“Ew, Mom. Please tell me you ran for your phone.”
She sighed. “I just got home from work and forgot my phone in the car when I brought the groceries in. That’s it.”
Thank God because the alternative had therapy written all over it.
“Is everything okay?”
I glanced out the large window to see a few groups of students walking. It was nice out. Maybe later, I would take a blanket out there and read my book outside instead of staying stuck in my claustrophobic dorm room.
“I’m good. Did you know Regan’s going to Paris?” I couldn’t help it, but I felt betrayed. It was stupid, and I was ashamed for even feeling that way. I wanted the best for my sis, even if it meant doing the business alone. For now, that was how I had to look at things because that ticking clock was only getting louder as each day passed and the baby’s due date got closer.
“Yes, Debra called and asked if I would be okay with it. Of course, I said yes. Such a wonderful opportunity for your sister.”
“It is.” There was a beat of silence, and I didn’t feel like filling it.Why am I the last to know about this?
“Aspen, what’s bothering you?”
“Are you still mad at me?” I knew Dad was, but I wasn’t going there. That would have started a whole different argument, and then she would hang up with me and find him to fight with before I even found the answer to my question.
“I’m working on it.” She let go of a heavy sigh. “It’s just not the situation I’d hoped for you. You’re talented, and I know you have plans for your life. And the last thing I want is for you and that Phoenix boy to give up your dreams. Look what it did to your father and me.”
“We’re not going to give anything up.”Unless he does because of his grades.I had no idea why he wouldn’t talk to me or let me help him. The only time he’d been honest about what was bothering him was when he’d gotten drunk and come to my room that night. But whatever, that wasn’t for me to fix. I would help him if he let me. And he wasn’t going to, so that was that.
“I worry. Your father does too. It’s not going to be easy. That’s why I stayed home to take care of you girls.”
I knew the story, and we didn’t need to get into it. “I have a doctor’s appointment coming up. Do you want to go with me?”
“I would love to, Aspen.”
I sagged into my pillow, relieved that she hadn’t asked why Phoenix wasn’t going to be there and that I didn’t have to go alone.
We chatted for a few more minutes before I heard Dad yelling and Mom said she had to go.
Even with the doctor’s appointment settled, I couldn’t relax. The situation with Phoenix not being able to accept my help nagged at me far too much.Screw it. I’m going to talk to him.
It didn’t take me long to get to his place, push my way inside the football house, and storm down the hall.
I jogged up the stairs toward Phoenix’s room just as Shane was leaving. We didn’t say anything to each other—in fact, he barely glanced at me, and I got the impression he didn’t really see me. I hurried past him, grabbing the door to Phoenix’s room before it shut. He’d barged into my business often enough, and turnabout was fair play.
But once I was inside, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. A cute brunette was in there, reading to him. I saw red. There were no words.
Phoenix sat up straight, coming off from where he’d been leaning back against the wall. “Aspen.”
Him saying my name caused the brunette to stop reading. She just sat there, looking curious.
Screw it. I did have words after all. “What do you think you’re doing in here with my boyfriend?”
“I—”
“Aspen,” Phoenix growled.
I shook my head. “Nope. This is how things are going to go.” I took the girl’s arm and guided her toward the door. “Thanks for the help, but he won’t be needing it anymore.” Once she was through and I had the door shut, I crossed my arms over my chest and glared. I wasn’t going to back down. “There is no room for negotiation, so don’t even try to pull your alpha bullshit with me. You will accept my help, or I won’t tell you when or where or even about the doctor’s appointments or the baby’s progress.” It was a low blow, but I had to get through his thick skull. We needed to find common ground.
A muscle jumped in his jaw, but he stood from the bed, picked up the book the girl had been reading, and handed it to me.
It was as much of an acceptance as I was going to get, but I would take the hard-won victory. I softened my voice as I said, “If I’m going to accept your help sometimes, then you need to do the same with me.”
I got situated on the desk chair where the tutor had been, and he returned to his spot on the bed. “What is she helping you with? How many chapters a night, or do you want to change the original plan to something more frequent?” I caught and held his gaze. I was determined to do this.
