43
ANNA
Jenny: THAT MAN LOVES YOU!!
It’s the first message I get from Jenny this morning followed by many happy crying memes and screaming happy ones.
Jenny: But I hate this so much for him! I hate this is what he had to do!
Clementine: It’s so fucked up. His parents are fucking losers. I hope they burn in hell
Clementine: Remember I have that recording of his parents, if he ever wants to use it, let me know!!
Jenny: Praying for their downfall!
I quietly chuckle but muffle it when Rosie stirs in her crib.
I should be at the bakery, but after I spoke with Sylas last night, I told Em I’d be going in a little later. She was more than okay with it, and said if I needed to take the day off, she had it handled.
I’m typing out a response when my door opens and Maya’s head pokes through the crack.
“Morning,” she whispers.
“Morning.” I nod, motioning for her to come in. She does quietly, perching on the edge of my bed.
“You okay?” A wary smile curls on her face, and she lays her palm on top of my knee.
As soon as Sylas’s game ended last night, a few reports came out about me. When people found out that Sylas and I have a kid together, those online didn’t waste a second to talk about it. It was bad, but as soon as he and his team made a statement, the gossip died down.
Until last night, when a few articles started trickling out. They all made it seem like I was after Sylas’s money and in short called me a poor, money-hungry, fame-seeking, pathetic nobody.
It hurt at first. I was embarrassed and shed a few tears, but then I kept reading and realized who was behind it.
I knew his parents were mad because I blew them off and ripped up the check, but I didn’t anticipate for them to be that disgustingly petty.
Though I’m not sure why I was surprised—they lied to Sylas and me.
They didn’t tell him about Rosie, and they still don’t acknowledge her.
“Yeah, I’m okay.” I remove my glasses and softly massage the bridge of my nose before putting them back on.
“Actually, no. I’m sad.” I finally admit what I’ve been holding back for a while.
“Rosie’s grandparents are alive and she’s never going to get to meet them.
I’m never going to get to talk to our parents.
Sylas’s parents won’t accept me because they hate everything I am.
They can’t even fake it enough for him. They’d rather make sure he’s miserable than to let him be happy.
Imagine being such a shitty parent that your child has to go online and make a statement because he doesn’t know what else to do. ”
And he didn’t. He wanted to keep everything offline, but after last night and talking to his parents a few hours ago, he was over it.
Sylas’s statement is brief but straight to the point. He mentions that his parents are the reason he didn’t know about Rosie, that they’re trying to smear my name, among other things. He also declared how much he loves me, so there’s that.
Jenny and Em were simultaneously angry and gushing about it a few minutes ago. They’re mad he had to do it, but they’re also happy for me.
“It’s okay to be sad. You’re going through a lot.
I know you hate feeling like this, not being able to control things, but you’re not alone.
” She inches closer and wraps her arms around me.
“You have each other, you have me, Em, and Jenny. And you told me about Sylas’s sister and friends, how they can’t wait to meet Rosie, how close he is with them.
You guys aren’t alone. We’re here for both of you. Everything is going to be okay.”
I return the hug. “It’s hard. I feel like I need to figure it out, fix it. And knowing I can’t is bothering me.”
“I know, I know.” She rubs my back. “But I need you to get it through your impossibly stubborn brain that you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. And I know it sucks not having Mom and Dad here. But Rosie has so many people who love her.”
“Can I be honest?” I meekly say.
She pulls back. “Yeah.”
“I’m so scared.” My words are inaudible, barely leaving my mouth. Fear wanted to keep them from being heard.
Her expression shifts from cautious to concerned. “Don’t be afraid of Sylas’s parents. They—”
“No, no. This actually has nothing to do with them.” I swallow, wincing at how dry my throat is.
“I’m scared of losing everyone.” Tears gather in the corners of my eyes.
I drop my gaze, fixing it on my nails, but my vision still blurs.
“I know it sounds stupid…” I try to laugh it off, but my voice catches.
Memories of the argument I had with Mom and Dad, with Maya, and Sylas walking away play in my head unbidden. I try not to dwell, tell myself that at least two of those four people are here, but I can’t help but worry.
It’s hard not to let anxiety back me into a corner and let it win when it has so many times before. I love them so much. If they walk away, I don’t know how I’ll get up again. The thought makes me nauseous.
“It doesn’t. Hey.” She covers my hand with hers. “I know why you’re scared, but no one is going anywhere. I promise. I’m here to stay. You’ll only be rid of me when I’m six feet under. Actually, no—please cremate me. I don’t want to be buried; that’s more expensive and pointless.”
Her voice and expression are so severe, I can’t help but laugh. “Okay, I’ll cremate you and keep you on my nightstand.”
“And even when I’m ashes, I’ll be there next to you.” Her eyes water, and her voice cracks. “Love you, Anna Banana.”
We freeze when Rosie stirs in her crib. She mumbles a few words but falls back to sleep.
“Why don’t you stay? I’ll go to the bakery and help Clementine,” she offers.
“It’s okay, you don’t need to do that.” I wipe under my eyes. “I should go.”
She rolls her eyes and stands. “No, you’re going to take the day off and relax. It’s been a stressful few weeks. I’m going and you’re staying. Don’t start with me. I don’t want to hear it. Em and I got it. I’ll see you later.”
“Maya, wait. Don’t—” But she’s up and out of my room, shutting the door behind her.
Me: Hey, you okay if I send Maya in to help you?
Clementine: You actually agreed?! I love this for you! Take the day off! You deserve it
Me: Wait?! This was planned?
Clementine: Yes, and don’t you dare come to the bakery. We got it
Me: You’re the best. I love you!
Clementine: I love you too, sweets. Now stop texting me and sleep or do whatever it is you do. Sex does wonders!
Clementine: Also stay off social media!!!!
Me: We have Rosie haha. That’s not going to happen
Clementine: Doesn’t she take naps?
I’m trying to take everyone’s advice and rest. Rosie just went down for a nap, so I’m lying on the couch, trying to watch TV, but I can’t stop thinking about Sylas.
I’m about to text him when he strides into the living room. His gaze is locked on the hall that leads to my bedroom before his eyes dart to me lying on the sectional.
He’s by my side in a split second, pressing a kiss to my lips.
“I love seeing your face.” Sylas sighs wistfully.
“I love seeing you here.” Another kiss and then he’s lying on top of me.
He settles between my legs and slips his arms around my back, laying his head on my chest. “I’m so happy you’re here. ”
“I missed this.” He’s heavy, but I like the weight. It’s comforting. I rake my fingers through his soft chestnut-brown hair, smiling as he softly hums in delight.
“Can we stay like this forever?” he mumbles. His tired eyes flutter until they close.
“Yeah.” Keeping one hand on his hair, I glide my fingers from the nape of his neck down to his spine. “We can stay like this forever.”
I catch him smiling before his lips flatten and his breathing deepens.
“Daddy…”
“Rosie, leave your dad alone,” I scold gently from the kitchen. I’m attempting to make dinner, but I’m having to stop every few minutes to make sure she’s not bothering him.
Sylas is still sleeping on the couch. An hour after he arrived, she woke up. I already knew he was exhausted. He’s not gotten any sleep, so I didn’t wake him. I’ve tried to be quiet, but Rosie is impatient and desperately craves his attention.
She side-eyes me, her face pinched with annoyance.
I bring my pointer finger to my lips. “Shhh, he’s sleeping.”
She copies me, raising her index finger to her mouth. “Wake up.”
“Now you’re being silly.” My mouth twitches. “We need to let him sleep.”
Rosie grumbles, stomping her foot. “But I want a hug.”
“You’ll get your hug later. Come on, help me cook.” I wave my hand over, holding a bowl, knowing how much she loves them.
“No.” She pouts, leans against him, and rests her head on his arm. “I want to stay.”
“You can stay with me,” Sylas murmurs, his voice rough, dry from sleep. Now is not the time to focus on how hot he sounds, I tell myself. “Come here, querida.” He yawns and sits up, careful that the blanket I put over him doesn’t fall.
She gets giddy, lifting her arms for him to pick her up. When he does and sets her on his lap, I swear her entire being glows. Her eyes glitter, and the corners of her mouth could be touching her ears from how big she’s smiling.
I set the bowl down and pad over to them. “You know, now she’s going to expect you to wake up whenever she wants.”
They look at each other as if they’re sharing a secret with hearts in their eyes. “That’s okay with me. I’ll wake up whenever she wants.” He glances my way, a drugging smirk on his lips. “Same goes for you.”
I’m blushing. I feel like I did when I first fell for him. Shy, happy flutters in my stomach.
“How’d you sleep?” I drop down next to him just as Rosie has decided she’s had enough and climbs off.
Sylas yawns again. “Good, I really needed that.” He grabs me, scooting me closer to him. “I hate when there is space between us.”
I want to say something sarcastic, but I’m grinning stupidly. “It was about two inches of space.”
“Space is still space,” he states in a matter-of-fact voice. “Wait, not that I’m not happy you’re here, but aren’t you supposed to be at work?”
“The girls insisted I take the day off. Maya is with Em and I’m here trying to watch TV and cook. They also suggested sex. Well, Em did. Maya said we better not be doing anything when she gets here. Or if we do, to wait until she has her headphones on.”
He smirks, perking his brows up. “I really love that suggestion. I think we should also have sex. I miss you sitting on my face.”
My eyes widen. “Rosie is right there.”
He leans down, lips close to my ear, and whispers, “I miss you sitting on my face.”
I swat his shoulder, squeezing my thighs together. “I genuinely can’t stand you. You know we can’t do that right now.”
“Not right now…”
I roll my eyes, biting back my smile. “How are you feeling?”
His eyes dull, and the playful aura he was exuding wanes. He shrugs, chest expanding on an inhale.
“Like I can finally breathe.” Sylas pauses, twining our fingers before his attention is drawn to Rosie. “I hate that that’s what I had to do, but it was my last resort. They weren’t ever going to stop. And even if you were out of my life, they were going to continue to control it.”
“I’m sorry you had to do that.” I squeeze his hand and he squeezes back.
“I’m not. You’re my family.” He stares resolutely at me, like he solved a puzzle he’d been struggling to finish.
There’s a difference in the way he talks, how his shoulders don’t appear tight and his eyes aren’t frayed with tension.
“And as long as I’m breathing, I’m going to protect you and take care of you. ”
He looks so happy and that makes me happy.
“Did your parents say anything about the post?” I ask cautiously.
“Yes. They’ve been calling nonstop and threatening to sue me.”
I sit up, gaping at him. “What? Can they—”
He chuckles. “Don’t worry, they can’t do anything about it. I had legal look over my statement, and I’m supported by Harlow and many other people. I’m not worried about them, and you shouldn’t be either.”
That doesn’t make me feel any less stressed. “But—”
“They brought this upon themselves. I don’t feel bad—well, only that you were brought into this mess.
” His jaw clenches. “They know there’s nothing they can do.
I didn’t sign an NDA. They had everyone but their own kids sign one.
I guess that’s the only thing they did right.
They’re going to threaten and say a bunch of shit, but they’ll drop it, try to disappear for a little, and come back as though nothing happened. ”
My heart aches for him. He looks fine, like he’s over it, but they’re still his parents.
I wrap my arms around him, dropping my chin on his shoulder. “I’m so sorry. You don’t deserve this.” I tighten my hold. “I hate that this is happening, that they’re putting you through this.”
“It was a long time coming.” He exhales, fatigued. “Everything is going to be okay. I have you and Rosie, Thea supported me doing this, I have my friends, Harlow, and the team on my side. And even if I didn’t have anyone, as long as I have you, I’m okay.”
“I’m always going to be here,” I tell him, kissing his cheek.
His chest vibrates as laughter expels from his mouth.
“What’s so funny?”
“A few years ago, we were bonding over our shitty parents.” He pulls back to look down at me. “And fast forward, here we are, still bonding over our shitty parents.”
I chuckle. We’re the same: we laugh and use sarcasm to cope. It’s either that or we lose our minds.
“Some things really don’t change, huh?”
“No.” He shakes his head, smiling so carefree. “I love the consistency.”
“Play with doggy.” Rosie bounces her puppy on Sylas’s lap, repeating herself over and over until he picks it up.
“While you do that, I’m going to finish cooking.” I stand and he’s right behind me, so close I can feel his heat seeping into my back.
“What are you making? Do you need any help?” He follows me into the kitchen.
“Enchiladas, the green ones. Your favorite. And no, I don’t need help. I’m almost done. Go play with Rosie.”
Before he walks away, he draws me into his arms, and into my ear, quietly says, “So, when are you sitting on my face again? I’d love for us to continue being consistent.”
I suck in a breath. I don’t get to reply before he’s pinching my ass and heading back to the living room to play with Rosie.
Our eyes lock. He winks, and I glare. “Beg first.”
“Happily,” he says, flashing me a crooked smirk.