Page 70 of Under My Skin

God, I miss him.

Lizzie knows something is wrong too. Lizzie supports you too, a little voice says in the back of my mind. And the little voice is right.

“I want to move forward, I promise. Like I said, if nothing comes up by the end of your next season, we’ll build something ourselves. By next summer, the ball will be rolling.” I try to sound reassuring, not sure if for his sake or mine.

“Alright. It’s really not a big deal, Cam. I trust you and I’m not worried about it.” He takes a deep breath, and I can sense he has more to say. “You okay though? You’ve really been through it lately, and it’s been a minute since I’ve checked in.”

“I’m good, I promise. I’m just getting used to my new normal. The girls are starting school next month, and the remodel is almost done. I guess there’s just a lot going on right now. But I’m good.” I find myself smiling as I add, “Lizzie also makes everything better.”

“I bet she does. Regardless, I’m here if you need me, Cam. I’ll always have your back, no matter what.”

“Ditto. Now get back to whatever trouble you’re starting. I’m sure you have a girl waiting on you or your agent’s up your ass to do more commercials.” We both know he likes girls and money, so I take the chance to change the subject and lighten the mood.

Wyatt laughs out loud, and I know he isn’t offended in the least. “Yeah, yeah. Just go enjoy your girl before she realizes how old you are and dumps your ass for someone younger and better looking.”

“Jealousy doesn’t look good on you, man. Maybe if you stopped being a player, you’d find a nice girl to settle down with too.”

“Never!” He laughs. “Call me if anything comes up or you just need to talk.”

“Will do. Bye.” I hang up and let out an exhausted breath. I managed to shut that down for now, and that’s all I can do. I’ll deal with the rest later.

Right now, I just want to enjoy what I have.

* * *

Later that evening,Lizzie is sitting on the living room floor braiding Addy’s hair while Mackenzie is patiently waiting for her turn next. I can’t help but look on and feel like I have my whole world right in this room. That this is the simple life I always dreamed of.

I catch Lizzie’s gaze, and she smiles big. I think she might be feeling the same way right now. She’s totally in her element, and she’s fucking thriving.

I need to tell her how I’m feeling. She deserves to know, and we can’t start our relationship without complete honesty.

“My turn, my turn,” Mackenzie yells and switches spots with Addy.

“Addy, why don’t you pick the book we’re gonna read tonight?” I suggest, and she runs off to their room and comes back a minute later with her favorite book about a unicorn who lives on a rainbow.

“Lizzie, can you read it to us tonight?” Addy asks while Lizzie ties off Mackenzie’s hair.

“I’d love to. Can you go brush your teeth and your dad and I will meet you in your room?”

I take this moment alone to wrap Lizzie in my arms and hug her tight.

“You okay? You’ve seemed off tonight.”

“I’m good. Just talked to Wyatt earlier and it got me thinking.”

“About the gym?”

“Yeah. I’m nervous to pull the trigger on a space because I’m nervous to start it—period,” I confess.Finally.

“Why are you nervous?” she asks.

“If it fails, I don’t want to have to add it to my already long list.”

“You shouldn’t be worried. You’re amazing at everything you do.” She wraps her arms around my neck and gently kisses me. “And, if for some reason it doesn’t succeed, all your friends and family will be here to help you through it.”

“Thanks, baby.”

“We’re ready,” the girls yell from upstairs, signaling the end of the conversation for now.

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