Chapter 49
SPENCER
SEVEN YEARS AGO
Putting together a crib is a lot harder than I thought it would be.
Harlow rocks back and forth in the rocking chair Jasper’s parents got for us.
I never would’ve expected them to gift us anything, even if they were like a second family to me growing up.
Losing T.J. was hard on all of us and I haven’t visited them as much as I should’ve.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to get my dad to help? He offered.”
I set down the piece I’m working on. “I’m positive. I ought to be capable of putting my kid’s crib together. Let me have this.”
Even if I’ve already been working on it for two hours with little progress to show for my efforts.
“All right,” she sing-songs. “But the offer remains on the table.”
I know it does. He’s already checked on us three times and harrumphed every time. It’s not my fault these instructions are complete bullshit and the illustrations are garbage.
“There’s something I need to talk to you about,” I say softly, changing the subject.
“Oh?” I can tell from her tone that she’s worried.
I look up. “It’s nothing bad. I don’t think.
But I ran into the mall the other day, remember when you wanted me to exchange those baby clothes for a new size?
” After our baby shower we ended up with way too many items in newborn size and figured it made the most sense to exchange some to get us by longer without having to purchase clothes.
“Yeah, I remember.”
“Well, while I was there, I was stopped by a woman. She said she was a scout for this modeling agency and that she thought I would be a great fit if I was interested. I figured it wasn’t legit, but I looked into it, and it is.
” I shrug it off. “I was thinking maybe I’d reach out and see what happens?
It could be some easy money for us, and we need all we can get. ”
She frowns. “Modeling? Is that really something you want to do?”
I shrug again. “I’ve never thought about it. I figure I could give it a try and if I hate it then I never have to do it again.”
She rubs at her eyes—lately she’s extra tired during the day, since she’s entering the stage of pregnancy where she’s not sleeping a full night.
“I guess giving it a try won’t hurt anything.”
“That’s my thought, too,” I agree.
Turning my attention back to the directions, I curse, “Fuck this. I’m getting your dad.”