Page 22 of Loyal
“I told her that I wanted more or we needed to end it. She was hesitant, but she agreed to more. We are seeing how it goes,” I admit.
Cami gives me an understanding look. “She has been burned before. Once that happens, you become more cautious. You don’t want to jump off the ledge again. Not when you aren’t sure what’s at the bottom.”
I hadn’t thought about it that way. I guess that could really be her hold-up.
“She says she is worried about what others will think. What her daughter will think.”
Cami nods. “It makes sense. Her daughter is her world. Or at least, she should be if she’s a good mom. Her daughter’s opinion matters to her. You’ll need to win the daughter over, but be cautious. You don’t want to step over any lines. As for others, she probably is used to her ex. Bailey said something about him being a pompous asshole. Maybe he conditioned her to care what others think.”
“You’re right. So I need to show her that I don’t care about what society says so she is more comfortable. While also trying to figure out how to win over a seventeen-year-old girl. It’s all so simple,” I huff.
“Yeah, that’s a bad age. Younger children are easier. It will be a lot of work. Is she worth it?” Cami asks.
Without hesitation, I say, “Absolutely.”
She is more than worth it.
He’s everything I never knew I wanted.
In a week, Loyal has shown me that the reasons I left Billy were valid. He makes me feel seen, heard, and loved. He never misses an opportunity to spend time with me, and since I agreed to put a label on our relationship, it’s been perfection.
Tonight, though, that’s all going to change because Farrah comes home. There will be no sleepovers and getting to wake up in his arms with him sprinkling kisses all over my shoulder. No more coffee in bed and whispered conversations. At least, not until she goes back to her dad’s again. As if that’s not bad enough, I have to break it to her that I’m seeing someone. Something I never thought I would do.
I wish I believed she were going to take it well, but I know she won’t. Nothing with Farrah is easy. Not right now at least.
Things were so much easier when she was a little girl and all she wanted was seedless raspberry jelly on toast with the crusts cut off.
The front door opens and my heart races.
This is it.
“Hey, how are you?” I ask as I head to the living room.
“Fine,” she mutters as she drops her bag on the floor.
Movement behind her catches my attention.
“What are you doing here?” I ask.
Billy raises a brow. “Bringing our daughter home, what does it look like?”
I step forward and shake my head. “That’s not what I meant, and you know it. Why are you trying to come in here?”
“Because it’s my house,” he asserts.
“No, it’s not. You need to leave.” I cross my arms.
Farrah brushes past us. “You guys are so dramatic.”
I wait for her to walk away before I turn back to him. “If you need to talk to me, we need to do it through the app. You aren’t allowed in my home.”
“Why? Are you hiding something?” he asks, eyes narrowed.
“No, I’m not hiding anything. I just don’t want you in my space. This hasn’t been your home since we divorced. The judge gave me the house. So you need to leave.”
He tries to step forward, but I move in front of him, blocking his path.
“I’m serious, Billy. You aren’t welcome in here. Not anymore.”
