Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 54148 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 271(@200wpm)___ 217(@250wpm)___ 180(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54148 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 271(@200wpm)___ 217(@250wpm)___ 180(@300wpm)
“I'm sorry I wasn't more open to the discussion.” I take a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I think Hollywood might have been right about some things.”
“Like what?”
“There are things that I don’t like to talk about. People and events that I try to keep buried. But they always find a way back to the surface. Sometimes in ways I wouldn’t expect. I think it’s affecting my relationships.”
“You and Austin?” she asks.
I nod. “And my friendships.”
“Well, it seems like you’re already doing a little better than you were the last time we spoke.”
“I feel a little better.” I don’t know why admitting that makes me feel like crying. Maybe because I can’t recall ever having felt this happy, even for a moment, and that realization, when confronted, sounds so...sad.
“But,” she says. “As much progress as you’ve made on your own, do you think you still have some work to do?”
“I know I do.” I link my hands in front of me. “Do you think I could get your counselor friend’s contact info?”
“Absolutely. I’ll text it to you. I’ll text her, too, and let her know to expect you.”
“I’d really appreciate that.”
The party continues well into the evening.
After an unexpectedly enjoyable afternoon of pie eating, present opening, and cartoon watching, I can feel my energy levels beginning to wane.
“I think somebody wants you,” Teagan says with a grin.
“Huh?” I ask, mid yawn.
She points to the doorway where Austin stands watching me.
A familiar ache blooms in my chest the moment our gazes meet. His mouth tips up at the corners, and I can’t help but smile back at him. I’ve had a lovely play date with my friends, but now I’m ready to go home with Daddy.
“I’m going to head out guys,” I say.
Hollywood hugs me tightly.
“Thank you so much for coming.”
“Of course.” I’m still holding her when I feel a tap against my belly. “Was that the baby?”
“It was,” Hollywood says, beaming. “She’s saying don’t be gone so long this time, Auntie Kenzie.”
I rest both my hands on my best friend’s bump. “I’ll be back soon, sweet baby.”
“Oh, you have to come out with us for my birthday,” Teagan says to me. “Please say you’ll try.”
“I’ll try,” I say, and mean it. When she moves to hug me, I more than tolerate the embrace. I welcome the warmth and acceptance, the way I should have from the beginning. Because Teagan was never trying to oust me as Hollywood’s best friend. She wants us all to be friends, something I could certainly use more of.
I say goodbye to Cherise, Mary, April, and the kiddos, and then make my way over to Austin.
He grasps my hand. “Ready to go home, baby girl?”
I wait until we’re alone to whisper, “Yes, Daddy.”
13
austin
I tap my hand on the steering wheel to the beat of the classic country song playing at low volume on my truck speakers. The flower gardens outside Kenzie’s new therapist’s office look well-tended by whatever landscaping company the complex has hired to keep the place looking cheerful.
My stomach growls. I think about making a quick trip down the street for some tacos, but the clock on the dash reads quarter to six. I’m waiting for Kenzie to get out of her appointment with Jill, who, according to the placard on the wall, is a cognitive behavioral therapist. This is Kenzie’s second appointment, and she seems to like the woman well enough to keep coming back.
I know it took a lot out of McKenzie to finally ask Mary for this referral. Not a day goes by that I don’t tell her how proud I am of her for admitting when she needs help. But words are only worth so much. I’ve got a surprise for my baby girl; one I hope will get the sentiment across better than kind words ever could.
My heart does a little flip as Kenzie exits the building. She spots my truck and makes her way over, the sunset tinting her pretty pink cheeks even pinker.
“Hey, sorry I’m a little late.” She climbs onto the passenger seat. “We were scheduling my next appointment.”
“Same time next week?”
She nods. “One of these days I need to learn how to drive so you don’t have to cart my ass everywhere.”
“I don’t mind driving you around.” I give her hand a squeeze. “But I get wanting to feel more independent. I can start teaching you this weekend, if you want.”
Her lips curve slowly. “That’d be great.”
I put two fingers under chin and draw her in for a kiss. She sighs contentedly. I pull the seatbelt across her body and click it into place.
“Driving lesson number one. Always wear your seatbelt.”
“Noted.” She chuckles. “Do we have everything we need to make dinner?”
“Pretty sure we do.” I back out of the parking space. “We just have to make a quick stop on the way home.”