Chapter 14 Oh Baby
OH BABY
Cici
Jackson waves when I step out of the secured area and wraps me in an enormous hug while spinning me around the second I reach him.
I’m struggling to keep the tears at bay as the familiar tightness in my chest tells me they’re just under the surface.
Knowing I was coming, I’ve been even more emotional over the last few days.
I school my features as he sets me down and pulls back. “You happy to see me?” I ask with a smirk.
“I’m so glad you’re here. It means a lot. Thanks for coming through.”
“Quit thanking me already. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Do you think she knows anything?”
“It doesn’t seem like it. You’ll have to tell me what you think after you talk to her.” He takes the handle of my bag, and we make small talk on the way to the car.
“Are you nervous at all?” I ask as he pulls out of the airport parking garage.
“No, just impatient to put a ring on her finger. I’ve wanted to make it official since the day she came back. I won’t be settled until then.”
“And you think she’s ready this time? It’s only been three months.”
“Yeah, well, it was a year in the making, so she better be. But yeah, my instincts tell me she’ll say yes.”
“Phew, ’cause I’d hate to come all this way and have her turn you down again. I’d make you reimburse me for my ticket.” I punch his shoulder.
“Don’t worry, it won’t be for nothing.” He pauses, looking distressed.
“What’s that look for?”
“There’s something I want to tell you before you hear it elsewhere.”
“Is Mia pregnant?” I ask excitedly.
“What? No. It’s about Eli.”
“Oh geez, what about him?” I’m playing it cool, but my insides immediately clench.
Do I want to hear what he’s about to tell me?
Or should I avoid this talk altogether? “Actually, never mind. Stop right there. Eli doesn’t concern me, so whatever it is, keep it to yourself.
I’m here for you and Mia, and that’s all.
I won’t even be seeing him while I’m here. ”
“Actually, that’s not true. I wanted all of you to be included, so Braden and Eli will be there too.”
Oh, for fuck’s sake. “Well, thank goodness we’re all adults. It’s fine, Jackson. That’s all you were worried about?” I ask. I’m a little offended he thinks I’m that sensitive, but with my emotions these days, I suppose he’s on point.
“Not exactly. Look, I’m just gonna come out and say it whether you want me to or not. He’s dating someone you know, and I’d rather you hear it from me than be taken by surprise, okay?”
“Okay….” Shit. I knew him seeing someone was a possibility, but fuck if it doesn’t sting to know for sure.
“He’s seeing Rebecca from the office.”
Did I just get punched in the gut?
I nod once. “All right.” That’s all I can say without flying off the handle because the shit that’s spewing in my head is anything but calm.
I fricking knew she’d pounce the minute I left.
It wasn’t a coincidence when she was at the bar the first time he ran into her.
I’m sure she staged it. I wonder how long it took to worm her way into his bed.
“How long have they been dating?”
He sighs, which tells me I won’t like the answer.
Maybe it was a bad idea to ask. “Never mind, don’t tell me.
It doesn’t matter. We weren’t in a relationship, Jackson.
Hell, he could’ve started dating her the same day I left, and he would’ve had every right, so let’s leave it at that.
And honestly, I’m not surprised. She had her eye on him from the start.
Great. Good for them. They’re perfect for each other, and I hope they’re happy.
Well, I hope Eli’s happy anyway.” And I should shut up now.
Jackson shakes his head in disbelief but doesn’t comment.
Luckily, he leaves me alone the rest of the drive.
I’m only here for two nights anyway. Between dinner with Jackson and Mia tonight, tomorrow’s proposal, and Lily’s place, all before flying out Monday, I’ll be fine.
A couple days from now, I’ll pretend I was never here.
The prospect of seeing Eli tomorrow freaks me out a little, I won’t lie.
Pretending in front of Jackson is one thing, but being faced with the man himself is an entirely different scenario—one I’m not prepared for.
Visiting with Mia and Jackson the rest of the day was relaxing.
However, going to bed last night wasn’t.
I lay awake for most of it, tossing and turning, wondering how this afternoon would go and what it’d be like to see Eli.
When I finally fell asleep, it was early in the morning and fitful at best. Looking in the bathroom mirror upon waking, I almost lost it with how horrid I looked.
“I’m freaking out right now,” I say quietly into the phone. I’m in the guest room getting ready to go while on a three-way call with Lily and Poppy. If anyone can talk me through this, they can.
“You should pretend you’re seeing someone too,” Poppy suggests.
“Oooh, I like that. It would definitely make it easier,” I agree.
“Cici, you don’t have a lying bone in your body,” Lily points out.
Damn. She’s right—frustratingly so. Not that lying is a good trait, but it sure would come in handy today.
“What if he brings her?” I ask.
Poppy gasps. “He wouldn’t.”
“He better not or I’ll murder him,” Lily agrees.
“Lily! He’s your brother-in-law. You can’t say things like that.”
“Well, you’re my sister, so I can.”
“I fucking love you guys.”
“You’ll do great. Just remember how far you’ve come. And whatever you do, don’t ask him how he’s doing,” Poppy instructs.
“Why?”
“Because it’s a no-win question. He either says something like ‘he’s hanging in there,’ which will make you feel bad, or he’ll say he’s great and make you feel even worse.”
“You’re right. Anything else?”
“You have everything you need, Cici. You’ve got this. Plus, you’ll be home tomorrow, and everything will go back to normal.”
“Okay, this is good. And exactly what I needed. Thanks, guys.”
“Stay strong. And remember you’re coming here afterward so you can relax. Aaah! I can’t wait to see you.”
“Oh my gosh. Me too. All right, I better get out of here and tell Jackson I’m ready to go. Wish me luck.” My final words are whispered as I hang up and prepare for what lies ahead.
After being wound up all day, my body sags in relief when I knock on Lily’s door.
She throws it open, and I practically fall into her arms, letting everything pour out.
“Oh, sweetie,” she croons while rubbing my back.
It seems like a full five minutes have passed by the time I peel myself away.
“Hi,” I say, then start laughing, causing her to do the same, and before we know it, we’re both doubled over, wiping tears away, while standing in the entry.
“Well, on that note, I’ll leave you ladies to it,” Sebastian says, coming up behind Lily and kissing her neck, then stepping to the side with his arm wrapped around her waist. “Hi, Cici. I’m glad you’re here.
Lily’s been impatiently waiting all day.
” He smiles fondly and kisses the top of her head.
“I’m heading out so you two can catch up.
Call me if you need anything, sweetheart. ”
He kisses her goodbye and walks out, leaving us alone. It didn’t go unnoticed that he didn’t mention where he was going, which means he’s probably going to Eli’s or at least meeting up with him somewhere.
I groan, imagining what he thinks of me. “How much does he know?”
“They’re brothers and best friends. He knows everything. Come on, let’s pour some wine, get comfortable, and then we’ll talk.”
When we’ve settled on the couch with glasses in hand and Ebony purring on my lap, I jump right in, asking the question that’s been weighing on my mind since yesterday.
“Why didn’t you tell me that Eli was dating Rebecca?”
She instantly looks remorseful and shakes her head.
“Well, I was hoping to hear about Jackson’s proposal, but I do owe you an explanation first. I found out about them last week, and at that point, I thought it would be better not to say anything until after your visit. I’m assuming Jackson told you?”
“It was practically the first thing he said when I got here. But after today, you were probably right, because all I did was picture him and Rebecca together the entire time we were there.”
“Well, I hope that’s not all you did. Tell me about the proposal. I heard of the plan through Eli, but how did it go?”
“Oh my gosh. It was so sweet but definitely over the top. Her smile could be seen from a mile away, though, so he did well. When she said yes, the relief on Jackson’s face was hilarious. They’re really cute together.”
“I’m so happy for them. Did they set a date?”
“The end of August, so I guess I’ll be back in five months. You’re not getting out of your visit, though. I’m still counting down the days.”
“We’re coming, don’t worry.”
Suddenly, my emotions hit me once again, and I’m tearing up at the thought of Lily coming to visit. “I can’t wait.” I take a deep breath and sniffle, trying to keep from really losing it.
“I’m sorry I haven’t come sooner.” She leans over and wraps me in a hug.
“I’m sorry, this is silly. I’m constantly crying these days.” Ebony, smooshed between us, wiggles out and jumps down. “Ice cream always helps. Do you have any cookie dough?”
She pulls away with a funny look. “I thought you hated cookie dough?”
I smirk. “Right? It’s crazy, but it popped into my head one night when I was crying, and now I’m addicted. I keep three in the freezer at all times because I’ll start to panic if there’s only one.” I start laughing but stop when I notice Lily is staring at me strangely.
“What?” I prompt.
She wants to say something but hesitates.