Chapter 21
Ivy
It’s been almost two hours since Wesley left the bar, and I’m starting to worry. The only reason I didn’t go with him like he asked, is because I panicked at the mention of him bringing me home, which he thinks is at Rose's.
The last thing I need is for him to find out I’m staying in the damn motel.
Even though I’m there for a good cause, I can’t help but feel a little embarrassed that it's the only place I have to go. I haven’t found anywhere else to live and I don’t want him to feel obligated to move me into his house, or help me find something because of what we are now.
Whatever that is.
When he left, I had one more drink and then switched to water. I danced with Sophie some more, doing my best to keep my dress pulled down because Wesley took my damn underwear. It was super hot watching him shove the scrap of lace into his pocket though. I wonder what he’ll do with them.
Other than that, I’ve just spent my time catching up with Sophie and getting to know Beau and Lincoln a little better. Maverick got pulled away, and started working the bar shortly after Wesley left. I got the third degree from Lincoln and Sophie about me and their brother, and what we were.
I told them the truth—that I wasn’t sure. I’m still a tad scared something will spook him and he’ll change his mind, but I’m going to take him at his word when he says he’s not going to go zero dark thirty on me, and shut down again.
Sophie gave me the “I’m your friend but if you hurt my brother or my niece, I’ll kill you” speech, but in a nice way. It was very her. Which only made me love her more. I understand what a big responsibility dating someone with a child is. Yet, that doesn’t scare me in the slightest.
I love Delilah. She’s my little buddy, and I love being her nanny. I miss her when I’m not with her. And the thought that she could potentially be a part of my life indefinitely, is the exact opposite of scary.
I’m playing a game of darts with Sophie, Lincoln and Beau when I pull my phone out and decide to text Wesley. I don’t want to bother him if he’s with Delilah, but I just want to make sure everything is alright.
Ivy: Sorry to bother. Just checking in and making sure you guys are alright?
After fifteen minutes, he still hasn’t replied.
Ivy: Not meaning to be a psycho or anything. Just want to make sure Delilah is alright? You too, of course. Just starting to get a little worried.
No reply.
Ivy: If you think I’m too crazy to date after these messages, that's fine. Just tell me you two are ok. Lol.
Ivy: Not that you said we were dating. Although I’d like to date you if you’re interested.
Ivy: Okaaay, well I’m going to have one of your siblings text your parents for proof of life, and I have no shame in that.
I watch Sophie take her turn, and toss a dart at the board, missing entirely and hitting the wall.
She looks embarrassed and runs over to pick it up off the ground at the same time Beau leans down to retrieve it for her.
They bump heads, and she apologizes while Beau just collects the darts and stalks over to the line that marks where to throw from.
The entire interaction makes me cringe. Sophie scurries over, face flaming red.
“Oh my god, kill me now,” Sophie whines under her breath.
“That was rough to watch,” I admit. “You can just talk to him. Maybe clear the air?” I suggest.
“He probably doesn’t even think there's any air to clear. I’m not sure he’s even looked me in the eye since he got back into town. I’ll just leave him alone.”
I grab her hand in comfort and squeeze. “If you want to talk about it more, I’m here. Okay?” I say quietly, turning away so the boys can’t hear. She nods in response, looking so defeated, my ribs squeeze.
“Hey, can you do me a favor?” I finally ask.
Shaking herself out of it, she meets my eye. “Always. What’s up?”
I explain my worry for Wesley and Delilah, my unanswered text messages, and ask her to text or call her parents to double check that all is good.
“Oh, my mom said they’re fine. Lilah fell, and only wanted Wes to put her to bed.”
“Is Delilah okay?” I ask, worried.
Sophie reads off of her phone, “Yeah, said she just got a little scrape. I guess she was more shaken up than anything.”
I let out a sigh of relief and nod. “Okay, good.”
Sophie grins at me. “You like them,” she teases in a sing-song voice.
I can’t restrain my smile. “Yeah, and?”
She lifts one shoulder, smiling genuinely now. “It’s just nice. Seeing someone care for him like this. Care for Lilah the way you do. You’re good for them, Ivy.”
“I think they’re good for me too,” I say, warmth filling me from my head to my toes.
When we’re done with our game of darts, we return to our table, where I see a phone sitting. I tap the screen and see the background picture is of Delilah in what looks like Wesley’s sunglasses, giving the peace sign. It’s Wesley’s phone. Mystery solved.
Now I feel even more like a psycho for blowing him up when his phone was here all along. I wonder if I can guess his password, and delete my messages. I consider it for a minute, then decide that’s very on track for what a psycho would do.
Instead, I bite the bullet and text him one last time.
Ivy: So, I heard you two are okay. Sorry not sorry for blowing up your phone.
I see you left it here at the bar. I’ll give it to Maverick to keep it safe until you can get here.
I think everyone is ready to go home though.
So I’ll see you Monday? I had fun tonight.
Talk to you soon. Squeeze Delilah for me.
When I hit send, Wesley’s phone on the table vibrates and I look down to see my contact name light up the screen.
It just says “Ivy” but when I look closer, I see he has a contact picture for me as well.
My eyes focus on the smaller picture and I see what photo he assigned to my contact. I tip my head back and cackle.
No fucking way.
“What?” Sophie asks.
I turn Welsey’s phone around and point to the photo, and explain to her it’s from the hotel in Texas.
It’s a close-up of me, drenched, with my hair slicked back and my face squished beneath a pair of tiny pink goggles that are covering my eyes.
It’s easily the most unflattering photo of me in existence, but I’m strangely not embarrassed by it.
Sophie gets a kick out of the picture as well, claiming it should be my profile photo on every social media platform, and I don’t disagree with her.
I hand over the phone to Maverick who’s tending bar, then say goodbye to everyone.
I don’t miss the awkward goodbye between Sophie and Beau, and I wonder why her brothers seem to be so oblivious to their obvious tension.
When I get in my car, I can’t help the dread I feel knowing I’m returning to the motel. I miss Rose. I also can’t help how much I’m looking forward to Monday, when I can return to the place that actually makes me feel at home.