Page 78 of Admittedly For Me
“How’s the project coming along?”
“A lot quicker than I thought, thankfully.” My phone dings just as a customer waves Clyde over. My heart flips with hopes that Ian is awake. I pull out my phone.
Savannah: Tori can’t wait to hang out with you.
Savannah: Hallie hasn’t gone out much since she’s been super sick with the pregnancy. Love youuu <3
Warmth washes over me, glad how Tori is fitting in. I stare at the attached photo of her, Hallie, and Tori, at The Painted Pony. Tori smiles sweetly with her almond-shaped brown eyes drawing all the focus to. I wonder if everyone from Los Angeles looks like they could be models or actresses. Her dark features are gorgeous, and her smile is radiant, brightening her sultry eyes. I feel any woman could develop a girl crush on her. Which has me wondering how Rhett is keeping himself in line, having to work and live with her.
Me: Poor thing! I was talking to Tori earlier. She seems great.
Me: Love you too. Also! What are doing up at this hour?
Savannah: I was watching Brielle at Tyler’s house. He had some last minute work emergency and just got home…I felt weird spending the night on his couch.
Me: Or test the fire between you ;)
Savannah: Not there.
She can deny it all she wants for now, but I see sparks fly. The bar gets busy, so I say goodbye to Clyde and head back to my place. I’m finally in the home stretch of leaving this place, and I couldn’t be happier. All this self-reflecting the past two weeks has done me good. I enter my warm apartment and my eyes feel as heavy as my exhaustion. Shedding my clothes on the way to my bed, my phone goes off again.
Ian: I was chopping wood and had my phone inside. I love you. If you’re still up, can you call?
I tap the call button.
“Hey,” I yawn as my voice cracks.
“Did I wake you?” I smile, relaxing into my bed, wishing his arms were around me.
“No, but I’m close to falling asleep.” There’s a pause, and I can almost hear the sadness in the silence. “I miss you, Ian. I can’t wait to cuddle up to you.” I yawn again as my body quickly shuts down from the emotional day.
“Every day is one day closer.”
“Exactly.” My brain can’t form more words, and I feel a sharp pinch in my chest, unable to give him my full attention right now. “I miss you.”
“I miss you too.”
“How are things with Sophie?” Concern fills my voice, wanting Sophie to be in proper hands. “What has Hallie said about you getting guardianship over her?” It’s quite convenient having Hallie specialize in what Ian needs.
“I briefed her, but I’d rather talk to my sister first and try to settle things that way.” Yeah, now I’m fully awake.
“Ian, please take this seriously. If something had happened to Sophie at the lake, you would literally be in jail right now.” My teeth clench as my heart thuds in my ears. “You need to ensure your sister doesn’t get the chance to put Sophie’s safety second again.”
“Soph has been with me most nights after school this past week.” His voice is hushed. “Amber seemed to enjoy having her out of the house.”
“That hurts my heart.” I’m glad Sophie has Ian, but I wish her mother stepped up.
“Yeah, my sis didn’t reach out any day this week to her daughter.” He huffs in frustration, and I want to hug him––but also shake him. “You’re right. Sophie needs a proper parent, and I’m the one to be there for her.”
“It’s going to be an adjustment, but I believe in you. Call Hallie tomorrow and get the ball rolling.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He keeps a serious tone and then pauses. I give him a moment to collect his thoughts. “I want you to know that I still want you.” I know he’s getting triggered from the last time a family crisis happened. That was part of why I took off so he could focus on his father.
“This isn’t like before, Ian.” My voice wavers, stomach clenching that he still doesn’t fully trust I’ll return. “I’m coming for you shortly. Let me be there to support you too.” A lump in my throat grows, longing to be there now.
“If I start the plans to build a room for Sophie, the guys and I should be able to have something ready to for her by next month.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing the finished product. I’ll be home before it’s done. How are Tori and Rhett doing?”