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***Olive***
“Jack’spizzawasbetter.”Jesse’s innocent statement brought a cloud over the living room.
Things hadn’t been completely smooth between Jesse and Taylor since we’d picked Jesse up at school, but Jesse was so excited to see him that he’d barreled straight through any awkwardness. Taylor had looked bored while Jesse showed him his favorite toys, but then he’d brought out his video games and they’d bonded over racing cars.
Taylor’s pizza wasn’t as good as Jack’s, though, and if Taylor’s face was any indicator, he was furious. He dropped his slice on his paper plate and frowned. “Well, Jack-”
“Does anyone need more to drink?” I stood up and pressed a fast kiss to the top of Jesse’s head. “Tell Taylor thank you for buying your pizza tonight. It was nice of him to do.”
Taylor stood up. “I’ll get my own. You stay here, Jesse.”
I cringed and moved into the kitchen with a sinking feeling in my stomach. I hated him being in my home. I wanted him gone but I didn’t trust what he’d say to Jesse if he took him out on his own. He had little to no morals.
Taylor stood next to me at the fridge and glared at me. “You’re just letting random guys feed your kid? You don’t know Jack. He tried to choke me after practice the other day. He’s crazy.”
I poured Jesse a little more milk and myself more water. “I’m not talking about it with you. Go back in and hang out with Jesse or you can leave. You’re not here to hang out with me.”
He used his body to corner me between the fridge door and fridge. “You’re going to need to learn to play nice.”
One second he was in front of me and the next he was on his knees, holding his throat and coughing. I looked down at my hand and saw it was still balled in a tight fist. I’d punched him in the throat. Maybe it would’ve been unfair to him if he hadn’t been the reason my fight or flight response was so in tune.
I heard Jesse moving in the living room and bent down to grab Taylor’s arm. I yanked him to his feet and glared up at him. “Go in there and play games with him or get the fuck out of my home. I don’t want to hear a word about your throat, either. Don’t corner women in their bedrooms while they’re changing or in their kitchens while they’re just trying to exist. Next time, I won’t go easy on you.”
He continued coughing but he backed away from me and shook his head. “You’re crazy.”
I nodded. “Remember that.”
The smile that crossed his face sent chills down my back. “I like it.”
A few moments later, I heard the game start back up in the living room. He was staying. I felt like throwing up. I leaned on the counter and took a few deep breaths.
“Mom! Can I have my milk?”
I shook myself out of my trance and grabbed the cup of milk. I just had to make it work. As long as Jesse was happy, I could handle Taylor. At least, I hoped so.
Another hour had passed with me standing just outside of the living room. I didn’t want to be around Taylor, but I was terrified of what he might put in my son’s head. When someone knocked on the door, I nearly jumped out of my skin. I was standing right next to it and I’d been lost in thought.
“Who is it?” Taylor called out to me without looking away from the game they were playing.
“Just keep playing.” I should’ve punched him harder. That was going to be something I said to myself a lot, I figured.
I pulled open the door and my heart fluttered. Standing on the other side were the guys. A smile stretched my lips until I heard Taylor’s voice come from the living room. Stepping out of the house, I pulled the door mostly shut behind me and looked up at their confused faces.
“What’s going on?” Andrew motioned at Taylor’s truck. “The three of us each had the same idea to come see you, but it looks like someone else did, too.”
“He’s spending time with Jesse.” I rubbed my eyes and shook my head. “You guys have no idea how happy I am to see you and how much I wish I could invite you in.”
Jack gripped the back of my neck and pulled me into his chest for a tight hug. “You’re tense, Liv. You feel like a fucking board.”
I blinked quickly to stave off tears and forced a laugh. “I fucking hate him. I hate him so much. I’m just trying to do the right thing for Jesse, but I just want this night to be over.”
Andrew wrapped me in a bear hug next and stroked the back of my head. “This doesn’t seem good for you, Olive. You’re trembling.”
“I have to get back inside. I don’t trust him not to say things to Jesse…” I moved into Caleb’s arms next and breathed in his scent before moving back to the door. “I’m okay. I just… I hate it. I’m sorry I can’t invite you in. I know Jesse would love to see y’all.”
“Sweetheart, just take care of yourself. Call us or text us if you need anything.” Caleb frowned and shook his head. “It doesn’t feel right leaving you like this.”
I forced a wobbly smile. “I’m okay. I’ll see you later.”
