Page 65 of Love Me

She loves my arrogance when I make her come so hard she sees stars.

“Why did you say that about Bailey?”

The old hag looks at Bailey for the first time with something resembling interest.

“Bailey is quiet, unassuming. The weapon no one would see coming.”

I could wring her little neck for putting Bailey in the spotlight, but I understand that she needs to give her something.

“Bailey.”

“Yes, Grandmother?”

“Stay the weekend as well.”

I count the minutes until we can excuse ourselves.

Grandmother has ears only for Celine anyway. A woman with her life experience shouldn’t be so easily fooled. But how could she know the difference? It’s not like we can say otherwise. Since Celine moved into the house, we have given each other enough ammunition to keep our mouths shut.

Grandmother, in what has to be an excess of goodwill, says, “I know you kids already live together. You have my blessing to do the same here.”

“Thank you so much. It’s hard being apart, even for a night.” Abigail’s eyes widen, realizing her slip.

Grandmother snickers at my fake fiancée.

“I won’t mind if you make me a great grandmother.”

I steal a glance at Celine, who grits her teeth. You might, but you have the wrong girl.

“Oh, Grandmother, we’re too young. We haven’t even finished college yet.”

“Wedding next year, then children right after you finish college.”

Abigail freezes. I swallow the bitterness down, washing it away with a large gulp of wine.

That was a command.

“Of course,” we say, being dutiful little soldiers.

When excused, Abigail and I rush out of the house together. Her entire body shakes as we make our way to her car. She has to press the start button a few times until she gets the engine going.

“Abi, pull yourself together. Meet me at my place.”

A tear slips free, but she nods. I get in the driver’s seat, driving to my childhood home.

Inside the foyer, I switch the light on and wait for her to enter before I close the door.

“Kaden… I… that…” But I know. Abigail’s not only in love with someone else, but having children is a sensitive topic to her.

“We’ll find a way.”

When we enter the living room, I go straight to the bar and pour each of us a glass of whiskey.

“He… I mean…”

“By the end of this year, we’ll be somewhere else.”

“Promise?”

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