Page 76 of Let Me Love You
“Yeah,” I admit. “But Colt handled it as well as he could.”
She nods while rolling the paper wrapper in her hand, unable to look at me. Unable to drink her drink, staring absently at the condensation already collecting along the glass.
“You sure you’re okay?” I repeat.
Her tongue darts out along her bottom lip, and she shakes her head. “I’m drowning, Mia.”
The slight hitch in her voice makes my heart break. “What can I do to help?”
“I dunno. Can you make all the drama with the random women, the paparazzi, and the paternity test disappear?”
“Aw…honey,” I murmur. “That right there is the whole problem.”
“What do you mean?” Her gaze flicks to mine.
My teeth dig into the inside of my cheek as indecision swells through me. After a quick mental debate, I give in and rest my elbows on the counter, looking her straight in the eye. “Listen, Ash. Do you want firm Mia or soft Mia?”
With a pathetic laugh, she mutters, “Not sure I can take firm Mia right now.”
“Yeah, but I think she’s who you need.”
Her eyes thin before she sighs and flicks the paper wrapper at my boob. Her aim is dead on.
Amused, I lurch back, asking, “What was that for?”
“For all the mean stuff I know firm Mia’s gonna say.” She squares her shoulders. “But you’re right. I’m ready for it. Lay it on me.”
She isn’t, but I decide to tell her the truth anyway.
“Here’s the thing,” I start. “The fact you asked if I could make all the drama disappear is, to me, the core of the problem.”
She frowns. “What do you mean?”
“It isn’t my job to make all the drama go away. And honestly? It isn’t entirely Colt’s job, either.”
“Ooookay?” she questions.
“The first thing you need to decide is if you’re gonna poop or get off the pot,” I tell her.
She jerks back. “What?”
“You heard me. You need to decide whether or not you want your relationship with Colt.”
“Of course, I want my relationship with Colt.”
“So you’re not backing out of it because he has a kid with someone else?” I challenge.
Her frown deepens. “I’m not backing out of my relationship with Colt. I’m…giving him time to reevaluate whether or not I’m the smartest or best option anymore with the burden he now has of having to worry about someone else.”
I’d laugh if she didn’t look so serious right now.
“No offense, but do you understand how crazy you sound?” I ask, my tone laced with amusement in hopes of it softening the blow. “Colt loves you. You love Colt. Colt wants you. You want Colt. It’s literally that simple.”
“Yeah, but Jax—”
“Will have great and supportive parents regardless of whether or not they’re together. I’ve already heard your excuse when you mentioned it at our girl’s night a few weeks ago, and honestly? Get ready, Ash, ‘cause I’m about to say something you won’t like,” I warn. “It’s a load of bullshit.”
Clutching her untouched drink against her chest, she defends, “I’m scared, so sue me.”