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Conor throws up his hands. “What would you knowing have accomplished? Nothing. But you’re being a fool if you think that Rowan is some changed man. That you have some magic pussy he can’t live without.”
I cock my fist back and punch him in the same spot he did me, right across the cheek and eye. “Don’t you dare speak to my woman like that. Good luck stopping the fucking goals now.”
The back door of the club opens, and Tweetie and Henry walk out.
“For fuck’s sake! Take your frustration out on the other team’s goalie. Jesus,” Tweetie says with his hands pushed into his hair.
“Come on.” I take Kyleigh’s hand and step in front of Conor, who’s holding his eye. “You either respect our relationship or keep your distance. I’m done with this shit.”
We walk out of the alley and head back to her place. I had hopes that Conor would change his mind and see that I love and care for his sister, but I think we both need to realize that might never happen.
Forty
Kyleigh
Well,there was no teasing last night between Rowan and me when we got back to my place. There was just me crying and him holding me because pretty soon, I fear he and Conor will be rolling around on the ground, beating the shit out of one another.
The news Conor shared about our mom didn’t sit well, especially since I agreed to have lunch with her today. Knowing she cheated on my dad at least twice makes me want to cancel. Knowing Rowan will be there with me is the only reason I haven’t canceled yet.
“I know this is hard, and the decision is yours.” Rowan slides closer to me in bed, his fingers running down my arm. “But she’s the only mom you have, and coming from someone who lost his, I think you should give reconciliation a chance, whatever that looks like.”
Rowan’s been patient and not offered a ton of advice on the matter of my mom.
I turn and bury my head in his neck, clinging to him. “We’re so happy, I just want to stay in our little bubble.”
His calloused palms run down my back, and he kisses the top of my head. “I wish I could take all the pain away. I hate that you’re hurting.”
I see it in his eyes—he hates all of this as much as I do. This should be the happiest time of our lives. We’re embarking on a new beginning, we love one another, but my family is slowly draining all that newfound happiness away.
“I guess I should get ready.” I groan.
“Probably.”
I kiss his collarbone and slide out of bed. He doesn’t try to grab me or get me in the mood, but rather remains my constant center of support.
I take my shower and slide into a dress suitable for brunch at the restaurant my mom picked. Rowan wears a button-down and a pair of slacks that make him look like the sex symbol he is.
We walk into the restaurant, and my mom looks up from a corner table that overlooks the Chicago River as we make our way over.
“Kyleigh, I love this color on you,” she says, standing and putting her hands on my upper arms, looking me up and down, then she hugs me. “Love looks good on you.” She smiles over my shoulder at Rowan. “And Rowan, how nice to see you again. You’ve really grown up and turned into a man.” She hugs him. I watch Rowan stiffen before relaxing when she lets him go. “Sit, you two.” She gestures to the empty chairs with her hand.
We sit, leaving the fourth chair empty, and watch the water traffic on the river.
“Thank you for meeting with me,” she says, placing her hands on top of mine on the table.
I slide mine out and place them in my lap. “Sure.”
She sits back and positions the linen napkin over her lap. The waitress comes over, and I order a mimosa while Rowan orders a coffee.
“We do love our mimosas,” my mom says, smiling at Rowan. “So, I hear Conor isn’t playing nice.” Her lips turn down in a weird fake frown.
I’m not sure why she’s acting so fake. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
“You know he’s always been so protective of you, but that’s what a big brother should do.”
“He’s taking it to the extreme,” I say, unwrapping my silverware and laying my napkin in my lap.
“You can’t really blame him.” She looks at Rowan. “When Kyleigh started to go from little girl to all grown up, the boys noticed. They’d say things to Conor about Kyleigh’s…” she leans in over the table, “boobs and stuff. You know how boys can be.”
