Page 27 of If You Love Me

“I gotta go, Ma.”

“Iona—”

I hung up the call, resisting the urge to throw my phone.

“He’s yours,” I told myself. “You have the ring. You just have to make sure he files for divorce.”

I took a few deep breaths and smoothed my hands over my clothes before walking back into the house. Tyrion was mine. I’d put in too much time and effort to let this woman pop back up and snatch him from me. If she didn’t know what it was, she would find out.

The timeat Tyrion’s was awkward before dinner, and even more awkward during dinner. I sat here quietly, pushing myfood around my plate, and taking a bite every so often. Summer dominated the conversation, telling her mother all about herself, and her grandparents joined in with all kinds of stories.

Tyrion was almost as quiet as I was. I watched him throughout dinner. Every now and then, he glanced over at her. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking, but the look on his face had a hint of guilt in it.

Right before Mrs. Pauline served ice cream for dessert, I heard the locks on the front door disengage. I looked back to see Nina walk in with Jersey in tow.

“Sorry I’m late! I had to work over, and then traffic was—”

She paused as she stepped into the dining room, and her eyes landed on Evenie who wore a big smile.

“Evenie!” Nina screamed.

Evenie stood from the table, and they damn near crashed into each other. The crying started all over again. When they finally broke apart, Nina slapped Tyrion on the arm.

“Why didn’t you tell me!” she whined. “This is as good a reason as any to leave work early.” She hugged Evenie again. “Oh my God! It’s so good to see you, Ev.”

“It’s good to see you too.”

Nina waved Jersey over. “Baby, you remember me telling you about my best friend?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“This is your godmother. Give her a hug.”

Jersey, being the friendly little girl she was, went straight into Evenie’s arms.

“She’s so beautiful, Nina,” she declared. “You were a tiny thing the last time I saw you.”

“Are you Summer’s mom?” Jersey asked.

“I am.”

Her eyes widened, and a smile broke out on her face as she looked to her friend. “Your wish came true!” she exclaimed.

“Wish?” Evenie questioned.

Summer Rose nodded. “My birthday wish. I wished you would come home. I know I wasn’t supposed to tell my wish, but Jersey wished real hard with me. Now you’re here.”

Evenie swiped a tear from her eye. “I’m here. And I’m not going anywhere.”

“Hell no, you aren’t,” Nina agreed. She clutched her heart. “My twin flame is home.”

They shared another embrace, and I wanted to gag. I could tell the mutual respect Nina and I had for each other was out the window now that her bestie was back.

“Are you staying here?” Nina asked.

“Only a few days. I really just want to spend as much time with Summer as I can right now.” She slapped her forehead. “Shoot. It just hit me. I don’t have anything to wear.”

Tyrion spoke up. “Oh, your clothes are in the attic. They might be a little dated, but it’s something until we can get you more.”

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