Page 27 of Fighting Chance

He slides down until he’s propped up on his elbows. “You texting me back would have made me happy.”

I scoff. “I’m sure one of your many puck bunnies will text you back and curb your appetite for flirting.”

“None of them entertain me like you do.”

I smack a hand to my chest. “Oh Kieran, I’m so flattered! That’s what every girl wants to hear!”

“I’m serious.”

“So was I.”

His eyes narrow as he searches my face. “Doyou really think I’m doing okay?” he asks. “I mean, I know it’s only been two days but…”

“You don’t want to mess it up,” I finish for him, his sudden seriousness making me answer honestly. “I think you’ve been selfless and have jumped headfirst into everything with your chin held high.”

He sits forward, splaying his hands out in front of him. “But I have no idea what I’m doing. I downloaded parenting books last night and I’ve never been so overwhelmed in my life.” He blows out a breath before hanging his head, running a frustrated hand through his dark black strands. “I mean, what the fuck? There are debates over everything…everything! Processed food versus whole food. Screen time versus no screen time. Standard schooling versus homeschooling. There is quite literally a decision every single step of the way and each side throws out such valid concerns and points I’m always left in the middle like I’m watching a fucking tennis match.”

My hands itch at my sides to comfort him. “My cousin had the exact same meltdown you’re having right now.”

“Really?” he asks dubiously.

“Yep,” I say popping thep, thinking back to that day in her house. “My mom, my aunt, and I had to confiscate her laptop and pregnancy books for nearly three weeks because she went down such a research rabbit hole. I’m telling you, Kieran, everything you’re feeling right now is extremely valid andnormal.”

A thought comes to mind and before I can stop myself, I’m whipping out my phone and sending off a text. “You know what, you need someone who’s been a mother before to answer your questions.”

Kieran’s phone buzzes beside him. His eyes flick to mine with surprise before something akin to heat replaces it.

“Did Layla Carson just…send me a text?” He throws himself down on the ground, punching the air. “My life has been fucking made!”

I playfully whack his shoulder. “Oh, shut up. I texted you my mom’s number.”

“I’m flattered, but I’m already head over heels for her daughter.”

I shake my head, though I can’t stop a smile from blooming. “You’re such a flirt. I told her about your situation, and she would be more than happy to answer any and all of your questions.”

His brows furrow. “Really?”

“Of course.”

“That’s very kind of you both.”

“She’s just happy I have a job and honestly, I’m surprised she’s not here right now. It took a lot of convincing to make her stay home and not go full-blown Momma Bear Carson on you and Emmy.”

I laugh to myself, but stop when I realize I’m the only one giggling. Kieran is still locked on our text thread.

“Kieran?”

“Why would she want to help me?” he quietly asks.

The utter confusion in his voice freezes me. “Why wouldn’t she?”

His tongue darts out to lick his lips. “Besides Grayson’s mom, I’ve never had a mother figure in my life, and the only reason she isn’t here right now is because they’re away on vacation.”

My heart tumbles.

The more I learn about Kieran, the more I realize how very different our childhoods were. My stomach flips and my hands itch to touch him, pleading with me to lean forward and comfort him, but what could I ever say to soothe the ache of him knowing no one wanted to love him growing up?

I hate everyone who ever made him feel that way.