Page 31 of Mr. Almost

“If it’s okay with you, I think I’m going to stay in here for a bit and restock the supplies.”

“Sure.” She pauses. “And if you ever want to talk about it, I’m here, okay?”

“Thanks.”

“Hey, Tristen,” someone says, getting her attention.

When she walks away, my shoulders drop.

This is all too much,I think as I get to work, refolding some towels that we keep on a shelf.

While it’s been wonderful having Mason at my place, it’s time for him to go back to his home, without us.

He can come over for dinner whenever he wants and spend timewith Ari, but things have to go back to normal. I need a moment to breathe without him hovering over me.

That, and I have this constant worry that his mother will convince him that Ari isn’t worth it. That I’m not worth it. I know what his mom thinks. That Mason should be with a woman who comes from a similar lifestyle and fits in with his life. Someone he would be proud to have photographed on his arm. She doesn’t believe that’s me.

I look down at myself and frown.

I know I’m pretty, but since having a baby, my body has changed. My hips are fuller, and my stomach is softer. I’m not large by any means, but I’m not small.

I look nothing like the women he’s been photographed with in the past. While Mason might think I’m what he wants, I’m not, and I never will be. I just have to convince him that we can raise our daughter together, without being romantic.

We can co-parent the shit out of Ari. I know it.

Oh god, what if he wants to take her overnight?

I feel my stomach drop. Of course he would, and it would be well within his rights, but still, I’ve never spent a night away from her.

Maybe I can convince him to hold off on overnight stays.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I grab it.

Chloe

How’s my baby momma?

I smile as I read her text.

Me

I’m currently hiding in a closet from my sperm donor’s mother.

I cringe after I hit send. It feels so wrong to call Mason that, even though that’s all he was just a few months ago.

Chloe

I have so many questions.

Me

Me too, actually.

Chloe

Girl time soon? It’s been too long.

Me

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