Maybe This Time (Maybe #1)(49)

Poor Donatello.

“Not a TMNT fan, huh? I don’t think we can be friends, kid,” I say, grinning. River walks over and pulls out a doll, making a face. Then, ignoring the toys, he walks to my side table and starts pulling my TV remotes. Reid walks in as I’m trying to gently pry the remote from his pudgy little hands. I look up at him, and I know my eyes are full of questions.

“She says he’s mine. And looking at him, I can’t really deny it,” he says, his brow furrowing.

“Okay,” I say. I mean, what else am I supposed to say? It is what it is, right?

“Are you okay with this?” he asks me, and I want to scream.

“Yeah, this is just how I imagined my day going,” I say sarcastically. I pick up River, and hand him to Reid. Reid holds him away from his body, as if he has no idea what to do with him. And I guess he doesn’t.

“Why’d she keep him away from you?”

“She said I wasn’t in a good place after Reece died, and she was protecting River,” he says.

What a bitch.

“You should go, Reid, get to know your son,” I say, giving him a sad smile.

“Summer-”

“Go, Reid, I was gonna take a nap anyway,” I say, trying to sound convincing.

“Okay, I’ll be back tonight,” he says, kissing me on the lips before pulling away. He hesitates at the door, turning back and watching me.

“I’ll see you tonight,” I say, forcing a smile.

“I’m so lucky to have you, beauty,” he says softly, before walking away. I hear the front door close as they leave. Only then do I let my tears fall.

Reid doesn’t come back to see me that night.





Chapter Seventeen


Two days later I still haven’t seen him. Sure, I haven’t gone to his house either, but he’s the one who said he would come to see me. He’s been calling and texting every couple of hours, seeing what I’m up to, how I’m doing. Sometimes I reply, and sometimes I don’t. I know he's getting to know his son, and it makes me feel like a bad person to hold that against him. He wouldn’t be a good man if he didn’t want to make up for lost time with his own child. I may be selfish, but I can’t help how I feel.

I’m young, way too young to even consider having children yet. Not that I don’t love and want kids in the future, because I do. But there are things I want to do first. Travel the world, drink too much, and be spontaneous.

Things that I can still do, but not with Reid.

Our lives are suddenly heading in completely different directions, and my emotions are all over the place.

I’m trying to keep myself occupied, so I don’t become one of those girls lying in bed all day, feeling sorry for myself. Yesterday I spent the day with dad and Xander, and today after classes I go to the library to study. For once Silas is absent, and I find myself missing his company. I could use the distraction.

As soon as I walk into the bar, I want to scream at the looks of pity Tag and Jade are throwing my way.

“You okay?” she asks kindly, watching me with concern.

“I’m fine. Is Ryan back?” I ask her. Ryan had gone away with some woman for a few days, missing all the drama.

“Yeah, he’s coming back tonight. I don’t think he even knows what's going on,” she says, scrunching her nose up.

“Reid didn’t tell him?” I ask, surprised.

“Not something you really wanna say over the phone.”

Ain't that the truth?

“Where do you want me?” I ask Tag. I know he’s worried about me because he doesn’t even respond with a sexual innuendo.

“Babe,” he says gently, that one word holding so much meaning. He kisses me sweetly on the top of my head.

“I’m fine, really. So, my boyfriend has a kid.” I shrug with fake nonchalance. “You have a kid, right Tag? Lots of men have kids,” I say with smile that’s all teeth.

“I think that smile’s gonna scare the customers off, you wanna do stock take?” he asks, frowning.

Hiding out the back sounds perfect. “Yes, please.”

A couple of hours later, we are just closing up when Ryan storms in looking around. When his eyes land on me, I know it’s me he’s searching for. He takes me into his arms, giving me a warm hug.

“How you holding up, babe?” he asks, saying it softly so only I can hear him.

“I’m alright.” I take in his familiar scent. “How was your trip?”

“It was amazing, but I wish I'd have been here with you instead. Why the hell didn’t you call me?”

“It wasn’t my place to tell you about your nephew.”

“Okay, maybe so. But you’re my friend and I always wanna be there for you. Especially when Reid couldn’t be,” he says, rubbing gentle circles on my back.

“I’m fine!”

“Sure you are.”

“Ryan!”

“Come on, you and I are spending the night together,” Ryan says, exaggerating his voice. I nod. Ryan is always good company.

“What’s going on?” I freeze at Reid’s voice. Ryan and I both glance up at Reid, who's standing there watching us. I notice several subtle emotions pass on his face.