Page 113 of The Way We Collide

I can’t fathom making my sweet daughter feel inferior or less than perfect. I notice Hendrix shift his stance, and I appreciate him holding back in there, letting me take the lead. I know it’s not easy for him.

“I almost forgot this!” Amelia bounces to her feet, skipping over to the bed to grab a brand-new, baby blue axolotl with pink gills fanning around its head. “Meet Axelita! Sorry, I never mailed her to you. I got so busy and?—”

“You don’t have to apologize.” I reach out to give her a hug. “You’ve been busy with school and having a social life, and Axelita is adorable.”

“When are you coming back to give Jim Cantore a run for his money?” She wraps her arm around my waist. “I graduate in May. I can help you with Haddy now!”

“We almost moved you to LA to help with her.” I give Hendrix a wink, and he smiles, walking over to us.

“You don’t say?” Mimi tilts her head to the side. “LA, eh? That’s pretty far from my family and friends. Don’t you miss us?”

“I miss you a lot, but I’m having fun.” Hendrix’s eyes are on me, and I know he’s listening closely to everything I say. “I’mmaking friends, mostly at the station, but I’ve met some of the wives, and they’re nice. I’m happy.”

“I’ve got your new alter ego!” Mimi nudges me, and I cringe. Hendrix knows nothing about my alter ego. “Liz Pantore!”

“Like Jim Cantore.” His low chuckle joins the conversation. “I get it!”

“It’s way better than Tasha Scarce.” Amelia’s nose wrinkles.

“Who’s—”

“It’s just a game we used to play.” I quickly cut off his question.

Her chin drops, and she’s doing her best not to laugh. I could pinch her, when she rises to her feet.

“Tell you what. You two go out.” She lifts Haddy off the floor, swinging her onto her hip. “I’ll snuggle my baby boo-boo, and y’all can have a little date night.”

Chewing my bottom lip, I glance up at Hendrix. Our eyes meet, and he’s doing such a good job being the protective husband. He’s already a great dad. He has no idea my sister knows everything about our arrangement.

“I like that idea.” He steps up beside her, putting his hand on her shoulder.

She blinks up at him with a little swoon, and I’m about to pinch her again. I can tell she’s up to something, but Hendrix reaches for my hand to help me up.

He’s so gorgeous and confident and everything I want in a man, in a partner.

I take his hand, stepping into his side as I look at my sister. “Text me if you need anything.”

“I won’t need anything. Now scoot!” She flicks her fingers at us. “I’ll put her to bed and everything. You officially have the night off.”

“Thanks, sis.” I step forward to kiss her cheek.

“Don’t rule out LA so fast.” Hendrix gives her a little point. “You might like it.”

“Okay…” She leans her head against Haddy’s, and I’m pretty sure I see hearts in her eyes.

Shaking my head, I follow him out of her bedroom. “See you later, alligator.”

“After while, crocodile,” she calls back.

The Peach Pitis an old townie bar just outside Peachtree City where my dad lives. It’s the bar all the local kids frequent. As soon as you turn twenty-one, you head to the Pit for your first legal bender.

I’m sad to say I don’t recognize a single face as we walk through the open space with its ancient booths lining the perimeter. Black metal tables surrounded by folding chairs are arranged in the center of the room, and neon beer signs hang on the walls.

A cluster of kids surrounds a pool table in the very back, but tonight, the front of the bar is filled with people. A makeshift stage is cleared in the front, and I see the poster on the wall announcing karaoke night.

“I put your name in.” Hendrix walks up and places two beers on the round wooden table between us.

“Oh no!” I put a hand on top of my head. “Don’t…”

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