Page 24 of Keeping You

I repeat the four phrases over and over, hoping maybe this time they’ll sink in. For years, I’ve wanted to live up to my mother’s expectations, and every time I’ve fallen short, she’s been sure to let me know. I shouldn’t be surprised she showed up at the hospital to corner me and make sure I go to her birthday celebration, because, after all, it would be a bad look to not have your only daughter there. It’s all about the appearances for her. What I didn’t expect was for Grayson to take over the conversation and introduce himself as my husband and promise we’d be at her party.

The death glare I got from her means I’ll be receiving a call from her later asking why I didn’t tell my only mother I got married. It’s really going to sound like,What am I supposed to tell my friends? How is it going to look when people find out Iwasn’t at my only daughter’s wedding? Why are you so selfish? Why must you always make me look so bad?

I plunge myself into the water and hold my breath, hoping that it will wash away this feeling of inadequacy. It doesn’t. I gasp for air as I pull myself out of the water. Heat builds behind my eyes, but I refuse to cry. Not over her. I get out of the bath and pull the plug before wrapping myself in a towel and entering the bedroom. I stare at the bed, wanting to melt into it and feel the cool sheets against my warm skin with nothing between them. I’ve always preferred to sleep in the nude, but ever since Vegas, I’ve slept in pyjamas, knowing this isn’t my bed and Grayson is just down the hall in the living room.

Tonight, I decidefuck it. I drop my towel and climb into the bed fully naked and relish in the feel of the sheets against my skin. I melt into the bed. I’m not sure how, but I somehow manage to fall asleep quite quickly.

I’m extremely groggy when I wake up what feels like an entire day later, but in reality is only ten hours. I grab my robe and secure it around myself before making my way into the living room to grab a glass of water. Grayson is sitting on the couch with a hockey game on and a beer in hand when I enter. He watches me as I grab a glass and fill it from the sink. Despite it being a big playoff game, his eyes never leave me, watching my every move.

“I’m fine,” I say as I place my glass on the counter.

He nods and says, “I was serious. I’ll go with you to your mom’s birthday.”

I want to say no, but I know if I show up without him, I’ll get more flak from my mother, so I nod and say, “Thank you.”

How am I supposed toHow to Lose a Guy in 10 Dayshim if he’s going to continue to be this nice? He’s not making this easy, and it pisses me off, but at the same time, I can’t help but be grateful that he’ll be there on Saturday. I move to sit on the other end of the couch, curling my legs under me as I get comfortable.

“I ordered Chinese food. I figured you’d be hungry when you woke up.”

Just the mention of food has my mouth watering. “I am. Chinese sounds perfect.”

He settles back in the couch, and we watch the game together. He cusses at the refs and adds his own commentary. I have no idea what half of it means, but it makes me smile. He’s so into this, and it’s not even his team playing. From the team initials on the screen, I can tell it’s Edmonton and St. Louis, and from his yelling, I guess he’s cheering for St. Louis.

I want to know why, but I don’t want to ask him, so I pull out my phone and text Olivia.

Han

Why would Grayson be cheering for St. Louis over Edmonton?

Liv

Because any true Cyclones fan hates Edmonton.

Han

Why? They’re a Canadian team.

Liv

Girl, team loyalty. We don’t care if they’re in the same city, province, or country. We don’t cheer for them. The only exception might be against Toronto.

Han

So I should be cheering for Edmonton. Got it.

Liv

I might need to disown you as a friend.

Not really, I love you, but anyone but them.

Han

So Toronto.

Liv

1, that’s just a step too far. That’s a transgression I just can’t support. 2, they didn’t even make it past the first round.

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