Down Too Deep (Dirty Deeds, #4)(103)

She shrugged. “It’s just how I feel. I don’t know.”

I chuckled, placing my hand on top of the one she had resting on her knee. “Listen, Liv, I’m really sorry I made you sad, okay?”

“Okay.”

“And I’m sorry if you thought I didn’t want to see you or your brother. I always want to see you guys, no matter what.”

“I wanted to call you, but Mom said I couldn’t.”

“Well, she had reason to say that and you were smart for listening to her, but I want you to know you can always call me.” I gave her hand a squeeze. “Even if it’s just to say hi. If you want to call me, I want you to. You just need to make sure it’s okay with your mom.”

Olivia stared at me for a moment, her expression somber. “Oliver said you and Mom broke up.”

“We did.”

She pulled her hand out from under mine. “So you’re never going to be together ever again?” Her voice was panicked.

“I didn’t say that.”

“But you’re not together now, right?”

I shook my head. “No, we’re not together.”

Olivia scooted back to put space between us. She crossed her arms over her chest and pouted at her lap.

“Hey.”

“What?” she mumbled.

“Can you look at me?”

Olivia lifted her head.

“You know you’re one of my favorite girls, right?”

She slowly smiled.

“I like you being a little mad at me right now,” I told her.

“You do?”

“Yeah, I do. Do you wanna know why?”

“Why?”

“Because when you get older, like your mom’s age, and some stupid guy messes up and does something to upset you, I want you to stay a little mad at him for a while. Don’t forgive him right away, even if he’s so, so sorry he can’t even stand it.” I tugged gently on one of her braids. “Make him work for it, okay?”

“Work for what?”

“For you.”

“Oh.” Her smile was lopsided. She lowered her arms to her stomach and uncrossed them. “Are you going to try to get back together with my mom?” she asked.

“Are s’mores the best snack ever?”

Olivia sat up tall. “Yes.” She grinned and punched the air. “That means yes! Yes!” She threw her arms around my neck, pulling me into a hug. Her heart was racing. “Thanks, Nate.”

We held hands on the walk to the kitchen.

“Hey, bud, I’m leaving,” I announced, getting Oliver’s attention off the table he was setting. Jenna was at the stove, stirring soup by the looks of it. I hugged Olivia goodbye. Then I bumped fists with Oliver when he walked over.

“Can’t you stay for dinner?” he asked.

I met Jenna’s eyes when she glanced back at me.

“Not tonight. I gotta go pick up Marley.”

“When will we see you next?” Olivia asked. She had climbed onto one of the bar stools.

“Olivia, go wash your hands. Dinner is almost ready.” Jenna turned away from the stove and motioned at the door. “I’ll walk you out,” she said to me.

I glanced between the kids. “I’ll see you guys soon, okay?”

Oliver nodded and resumed setting the table. Olivia gave me a small hug again. “Bye, Nate,” she whispered. Then she ran down the hallway.

I stepped outside Jenna’s apartment and watched her stand in the doorway.

“Can I see you guys tomorrow?” I asked.

She leaned against the frame and dropped her head closer to her shoulder. “I said we shouldn’t do this every day, remember?”

Right. That agreement I wasn’t behind. I wondered if Jenna was really behind it, or if she was just scared and protecting herself.

“What about every other day?” I asked, studying her closely.

A faint smile played at her lips. “Nathan…”

“I love you.”

Her mouth went slack.

I backed away from the door. “Good night, Jenna.”

She was slow to respond. “Good night,” she said, watching me descend the stairs.





Chapter Twenty-Five





JENNA




I squinted, shielding my eyes from the sun, as the large Greyhound bus pulled up in front of Dogwood Beach Community Center. Oliver’s Boy Scout troop was lined up along the sidewalk, fathers and sons loaded up with gear. Everyone was ready for the camping trip.

“Bus leaves in ten!” one of the troop leaders announced.

Families shuffled about, taking pictures. Nearly every mother had her phone out.

I glanced around the parking lot. Come on. Please…

“Do you wanna get in line?” Brian asked Oliver.

We stood a few feet away from the group with all of Oliver’s gear at our feet.

“Not yet.” Oliver checked the compass watch my brother had given him, then peered around me. He adjusted his hat, lifting the brim to see a little better.

“Maybe you should grab your stuff,” I said quietly to Brian, but not quietly enough.

Oliver glared at me as he straightened up. “He’s coming, Mom. He said he’s coming.”