Chapter 22 #2
“No,” Lily said, shaking her head. “It’s not. Trust me. Nelson stayed with us once. He really doesn’t pick up. Not to be mean, he’s not dirty, just... careless.”
“Comes from being the youngest boy,” Laken said. “My mother really spoiled him and Talia, but he’s got a heart of gold. Let him keep the cleaner. You’ll be happy you did.”
She nodded her head. It didn’t seem possible that so many people were as accepting of this in Nelson’s life when her own parents could barely talk to her.
“Okay. I guess. He’s not letting me argue much. I just... this is a lot. More than I’ve had or been around before.”
Mortification crept up her neck, the heat of it filling her cheeks. She never cried and she knew she wouldn’t be able to stop the tears.
“Hey,” Lily said, moving closer to her. “We’ve been in your shoes. I’m not sure how much Nelson has told you about my background, but it’s much worse than yours.”
“No,” she said. “He hasn’t said much other than how you met Braylon.”
“I was raised in foster care,” Lily said. “When I turned eighteen my oldest sister was married in Lake Placid to a doctor. She was his nanny first. Kind of a funny story. But I moved in with her and went to college there. My point is, I was where you are now. I get it.”
“Me too,” Abby said. “Same thing. My mother has been in and out of rehab and I was raised by a single father. He did a great job, and we weren’t hurting for anything, but didn’t have a life like this.
West will tell you how uncomfortable I was with it.
How I still am. His family opened their arms for me and I swore anyone who could do that and not judge would always get the same treatment back. ”
That made more sense and helped some with understanding.
She looked at Charlotte whose head went side to side.
“I grew up differently. Not wealth like this, but my mother didn’t work and I’ve been around it for years.
My sister is married to Drew Bond. Which would mean nothing to you living in Utah.
But this big family and its dynamics were really more out of my element. ”
“We aren’t snobs,” Laken said. “Well, sorry, Nelson could be described as one the most.”
“Ugh, really? He’s never come off that way. Other than being a little high maintenance with his clothes and accessories.”
“He’s always been that way,” Laken said.
“He’s never had to work to have those things like West, Braylon and I did at that age.
But make no mistake, he works hard and he cares.
He was nervous you were going to change your mind.
Everyone wants Nelson happy and if it’s you he chooses, none of us will stand in the way.
If you don’t make him happy, that’s another story. Just saying.”
Kenzie held back a cringe with those words. What could she say? That statement actually made more sense.
“I was nervous,” she said. “I’m being honest. I want to try. When I’m with him, I don’t know. I just want to try.”
“We get it,” Laken said, rubbing her hand. “We really do. And please, we are family. Don’t hesitate to call any of us if you need anything.”
“Or just want to talk,” Lily said. “We’ll exchange numbers before you leave. We girls have a group chat too.”
“You do?” she asked.
“Yes,” Charlotte said. “Sometimes it’s nice to know we aren’t alone with all this testosterone.”
“I feel so much better,” Kenzie said.
Nelson opened the door. “Are you guys done? What the fuck? Why is she crying?”
“Stop swearing,” she growled. “And I’m fine. Just emotional. Everyone is being great.”
Nelson was scowling at Laken. “What did you say?”
“Nothing,” Laken said. “I’m serious. And don’t let my husband see you looking at me like that. He’ll toss you in the pool and ruin that nice watch. Good thing you had it on you rather than in the room.”
“Very funny,” he said.
“I’m sorry,” Laken said. “The whole thing wasn’t funny and was rather scary when we heard it all. We’re glad you’re okay. But loosen up some. She’s here. You want to keep her that way, so cut it out.”
She was stunned to see Nelson actually lower his head. “Whatever. I can figure out my life.”
“We can,” Kenzie said, moving closer and reaching for his hand. “Together.”
“Did you know Braylon was going to talk to me about a job?” she asked hours later when they were driving home.
“Not here,” he said.
“Oh. But you knew? You asked him to give me a job?”
Just great. Another thing she’d have to owe him.
“No. I talked to him about a few things and asked his advice. I know you want to work at least part time. I wanted to know how hard that would be studying for the bar on top of it. That was it.”
“Positive?” she asked.
“Yes. I really didn’t know. If you want to do it, it’s a great opportunity. You can go into the office when I do. I normally go in a few times a week. Once we’ve done it a few times you’ll get the hang of it alone if I’m not around. Sometimes I work from home because of the time zone differences.”
“I’d like that. I think twice a week would work out. It gives me something to do, things to learn. I want to practice business law and this will give me an idea. I’m grateful for the offer. I told him yes.”
“I didn’t know that,” he said, turning to look at her. “You didn’t tell me that.”
“I told you I have to find a job. I need money. I’d be crazy to say no to that for several reasons.”
“What are they?”
“To learn more about the career I want to have. To get experience. To learn more about our family.” She put her head down. “I want them to see that I’m a hard worker too. Abby and Lily work there.”
“And you could talk to them when they are in. Abby isn’t in as much since the baby was born. Maybe a few times a month. She doesn’t want a nanny and she’s only working part time.”
She was surprised Abby was working at all, but also understood that depending completely on another person was hard when you’ve only felt as if you had yourself to count on.
Looking at Nelson, Kenzie knew that might be the hardest obstacle for her to overcome.