Page 46 of Unexpected Love

nineteen

GAGE

Over twenty-four hourslater I find myself in the same spot, lifting a burger to my mouth when someone slides into the seat next to me.

“You have got to be kidding me,” I mumble, dropping the burger onto my plate and giving myself a second to collect myself. But when I turn to my left, it’s not who I thought. It’s still my mother’s eyes staring back at me, but this time from my sister's face.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” she asks as she steals a fry from my plate.

“Nothing.” I shake my head. “What are you up to?”

Olivia looks around the diner, shifting in her seat, and I’m instantly on edge. Olivia’s not one to beat around the bush. For the most part, she lacks a filter when she’s around me. If she’s uncomfortable telling me whatever’s on her mind…well, I guess I have a pretty good idea what it’s about. Since Ava and I aren't exactly public knowledge, I can only assume she wants to talk about my parents.

“Olivia.” My voice is stern, probably harsher than I mean for it to be, but I don’t appreciate being forced to talk about something I’m not ready to.

I’ve spent the majority of the last twenty-four hours thinking about my parents, and at the end of the day, I’m hurt and disappointed. I’m hurt they didn’t tell me about it, and I’m disappointed in myself. This is now the second relationship someone in my family felt they couldn’t talk to me about, and I hate that I’ve led any of them to believe I wouldn’t support their decisions.

“Just hear me out.” Olivia turns in her seat, her eyes pleading.

Releasing a heavy sigh, I turn to face her. “How long have you known?” I probably shouldn’t ask. I’m sure it will only upset me more, but I need to know.

“I’ve known for a while now. Maybe three months?” There’s pity in her eyes when she admits that.

“Wow. Okay then.” I turn back to the counter, pushing the burger away from me yet again.Maybe one of these days, I’ll get to finish a burger.

“Don’t be mad. I only know because I came home from my dad’s one weekend without telling Mom. They weren’t expecting anyone to be at the house.”

I glance at her out of the side of my eye. “That doesn’t make it better, Pickle. You’ve still known for months.”

“I know.” She grimaces, turning in her seat to face the counter. “I wanted to tell you, but…well”—she shrugs—“they made a good argument. And it wasn’t my place to share their news with you.”

“I know you’re not wrong, but it doesn’t make me feel better.” We’re both quiet for a few minutes, both of us lost in thought. “How do you feel about it?” I ask, shifting to look at her.

“Honestly?”

“Of course. I only ever want the truth from you, no matter what.”

“I’m really happy.” The smile on her face proves just how true that statement is. “Don’t get me wrong, I love my dad. He’s a great dad,” she says emphatically. “But Nick’s always been really good to me—even before they started dating. I’ve always felt a little like I was his, too.” She shrugs, her cheeks turning a little pink at the admission.

That doesn’t surprise me. My dad may have his faults, but loving isn’t one of them.

I lucked out with my parents being the way they were with each other. I never had to choose between them, things like holidays were done with both of them. And while my parents had decent relationships with their exes, it wasn’t the same as the close friendship they maintained after their divorce. Maybe, in hindsight, that’s part of what brought them back together.

“You have a really great dad, too,” Olivia says softly.

“Yeah, I do.” I reach over and squeeze her shoulder.

“Are you mad they got back together?” Olivia asks after a moment of silence.

“No, I’m not mad. Just hurt they didn’t tell me sooner.”

“They wanted to be sure before they told you. You’re their son.” She shrugs. “I think they were afraid of disappointing you or letting you down again. They didn’t want to tell everyone if it wasn’t going to last, especially you.”

“Hmm,” I hum. “Does that mean Asher and Leo know?”

“I think they told them last night.”At least I wasn’t the last person to know.

I look around The Diner, not looking for anything in particular, just thinking. “I’m surprised they could keep it quiet in this town. Maybe we’re better at keeping secrets than I thought we were.” I chuckle.

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