Page 52 of Until Waverly

“I miss them so much,” I said, brushing away a stray tear. “I can’t wait until I can get back to normal.”

“Give yourself at least two more weeks of healing,” Dr. Jay said. “Then I’ll speak with your instructors and your head nurse.”

Relief surged through my veins, along with regret. The minute I could step foot on the L&D level, Jackson would be gone too. Why the last part bothered me more than excited me, I couldn’t understand. I’d spent the last four weeks trying to heal so I could kick Jackson out, and now that I was there, I didn’t want him to leave. “Thank you so much, Dr. Jay.” I pasted on a fake smile. “I can’t wait.”

By the time I returned to the lobby of his office, Jackson was sitting in one of the chairs. It was then I saw the real Jackson. It was like meeting him for the first time all over. His red hair was slicked back from his face, forcing my gaze to his brilliant green eyes that sparkled when his gaze met mine. He wore a vintage black and red bowling shirt, dark jeans rolled up at the cuffs, and a pair of black Doc Martens. When he stood, I drank in every inch of his rangy body, from the memorial tattoo at his neck to the new one covered by second skin on the inside of his left arm. Alandria’s name, along with her footprint and birthdate, had been inked into his skin in a beautiful script. Whoever he went to did amazing work. The black gauges in his ears were replaced to match what I was wearing, which was nothing special, just a simple spring floral wrap dress.

He held his hand out to me, and after a moment of contemplation; I took it. His grin of relief and triumph had my heart stuttering in my chest. My lower belly warmed as I continued to stare at this deliciously handsome man. I didn’t want to need him, even knowing the truth, but I couldn’t help the spark of arousal flowing through me. He was too tempting. Too much. I hated myself as much as I hated him.

“Look at you, sunshine,” he crooned, staring down at me. “I never thought I’d see the day.” He licked his bottom lip.

“Jackson,” I whispered, nervous energy winding through the arousal. “Should we get going?”

He stared down at me with such intensity. It was overwhelming. Before I could say anything else, he nodded, guiding me over to the elevator. “Everything is ready at Flame. I hope you like what we’ve done.”

Like a cold bucket of water being thrown over my head, I jerked, remembering who else would be there. I didn’t say anything. I didn’t want to argue anymore. We had gone in circles, and I didn't want to revisit it. We’d fallen into a semi-normal pattern over the last four weeks. It was nice not fighting and watching Jackson bond with Alandria. “I can’t wait.”

When we arrived at Flame, the parking lot was full. The lunch rush would be full swing. Memories of the last time I’d been there flooded me. I took a moment to gather myself. Whatever happened, I couldn’t show any emotion. I wouldn’t allow some woman to affect the afternoon.

The noise of the restaurant swamped me as we stepped into Flame. Jackson took my hand, and I let it go, not willing to show any kind of affection while his girlfriend was around. We might be Alandria’s parents but nothing else. I wouldn’t give her the ammunition to say or do anything during our family lunch. To make this the best time for our families, I would be polite and engaging with everyone. After everything I had inflicted on my parents in the last year, I owed them a lot.

If I could get through this, in two weeks, my life would go back to normal.

All our lives would.

Instead of taking the seat Jackson held out for me, I sat between Macey and my mother. Alandria was beside my father and Jackson, a grin a mile wide on her face as she tapped her toy on the highchair she’d been put into. Beside Jackson sat Ireland and to her left was Mack Junior-Junior—we needed a better name for the little boy with a head full of chestnut curls. His gray eyes sparkled with happiness. For a second, a pang of guilt ate at me. Alandria should have been with her little cousin. I’d have to set up a playdate for the babies.

“So, how did the appointment go?” My mom asked.

“Good. Two more weeks off, then I get to go back to my normal schedule.” I relaxed into my chair. “I’m glad too. I miss being at the college and working with Joyce for my clinical rotations.”

I didn’t realize how much I’d enjoyed being a nurse until I couldn’t do it anymore. These past few weeks were rough and not just because Jackson was with me. I grabbed the glass of water in front of me and drank some. “I wanted to apologize to you.”

“Did you and Jackson fix everything?” She quirked a brow.

“As best as we could,” I said.

“Which means you haven’t even tried.” Sarah Jane sighed. “I don’t want your apology until you make things right with Jackson.”

“Mom, it’s not that easy,” I said. “The issues are way too complicated. Have been since before I had Alandria.”

“So instead of talking through your problems, you’ve been obstinate.” She sighed. “Your stubbornness will bring you to ruin one day, Waverly.”

I glanced up and caught Jackson watching us. His eyes were narrowed, tension radiated off him, as if ready to jump up at any moment to do whatever was necessary. The corner of my mouth lifted as I took another drink of my water. “I’d rather not have this conversation after all the hard work Ireland and Jackson have gone through to put this lunch together.”

Sarah Jane sighed. “You’re right. Parting words on this. You are still in the doghouse with this situation. Don’t think the next two weeks we’ll be helping you or Alandria or thereafter, especially if you don’t try.”

The knife to the heart hurt. I couldn’t believe my mother was piling the guilt on as badly as she was. Regrettably, I understood her position. She wanted me to ask Jackson for the truth, and I refused. I hadn’t said a word to anyone else because I didn’t need them to think I’d been so willful with a boy who’d been in a relationship with an older woman. If they knew the truth, I’d be humiliated. Jackson... As much as he hurt me, I didn’t want to face their ire alone, either.

So, I suffered silently.

I counted the days down until I’d be free of restrictions and our lives could go back to normal.

“You look amazing, Waverly,” Ireland said, smiling. “I love your dress.”

“Thanks. I love all your clothes. You’re so stylish. Makes me sick.” I wish I had her glamour.

Ireland chuckled. “Come over, I’ll hook you up. We’ll make you a bad bitch too.” She winked at me while little Mack giggled and continued to play with his toys. “I can’t believe how big Alandria has gotten in just a couple of weeks.”

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