Page 125 of A Little Crush
She glances toward her son below us on the bench. “I hope so. He seems happier.”
“He does, doesn’t he?” my mom chimes in. “And I mean like, outside of his career. He’s finally smiling again.” She sighs. “He used to only smile when he was with Pops or after a win.”
“Mm-hmm,” Aunt Ash agrees. “Now, it’s a lot more often, which is great.”
“I wonder if he’s seeing someone?” my mom muses. “Have you noticed anything, Squeaks?”
“Seeing someone?” I squeak, earning the nickname all over again.
“Yeah.” My mom’s smile proves she’s thinking the same thing before she sobers a bit, explaining, “You know like, is he texting someone or having you stay late to watch Pops so he can go out? Anything like that?”
“N-no, I don’t think so.”
My mom waves me off. “You’re probably right. He must just be happier because he’s figuring out work and finding a new rhythm with Iris and Poppy.”
“That makes sense,” Aunt Ash says. “Speaking of work and Poppy, how’s my grandbaby, Rore?”
“She’s good,” I answer, grateful for the subject change. “Adorable as always.”
Her mouth lifts. “She is adorable, isn’t she? And when you earn one of her smiles, it makes you feel like a million bucks.”
“I’m jealous,” my mom interjects. “I’ve yet to earn one so far.”
“You’ll get there,” Aunt Ash teases before turning back to me. “How’s the nanny hunt going, anyway?”
“Nanny hunt?” I choke out.
“Yeah.” She frowns, clearly too distracted by ourconversation to pay attention to the game unfolding beneath us. “I thought Jax said you were helping him find a long term replacement?”
“Oh. Uh, we actually decided I’m a pretty good fit for the time being, so.”
My mom tilts her head. “What?”
My brows crinkle as my eyes drift from one mom to the next. “What?”
“So, you’re staying?” Aunt Ash asks.
“I mean…yeah?” It comes out as a question, so I clear my throat and straighten my shoulders. “Yeah, I think I am.”
“In Lockwood Heights?” my mom pushes.
I nod, then shake my head, confused by her strange reaction. “Is that a problem?”
“Of course not,” she rushes out. “I’m just surprised, is all.” She yanks me into a hug before letting me go, giving me a look that makes me feel like I’ve grown a second head. “You’re really staying?”
I can’t decide if I’m offended or flattered by her reaction and utter disbelief. “For the time being, yeah.”
“Really?” she repeats.
“Unless you don’t want me to,” I quip.
She rolls her eyes. “You know I want you to. So much so I’m having a hard time believing it’s actually happening. We’ve been wanting you home and in Lockwood Heights since you left. Is that why you’ve been gone so much? You’ve been looking for places to stay or something?” My mom turns to Aunt Ash, explaining, “Even when Rory’s in town, we barely see her. She’s been staying at Maverick’s and Ophelia’s while they’re traveling, but…” She pulls me into another hug. “Ah, I’m so excited. Have you told your dad yet?” Her grip on me tightens. “He’s going to be so happy! You have no idea.”
“So is Jax, I’m sure,” Aunt Ash says. “You’re the only person he trusts Poppy with.”
Wiggling out of my mom’s hold, I ask, “What makes you say that?”
“Because he told us,” she answers. “Maybe that’s why he’s seemed so happy lately.” Stealing me from my mom, she gives me a quick squeeze and lets me go. “Being a parent and trusting someone with your child is hard. Especially when you’re divorced and there’s tension there, you know? He doesn’t even have Poppy’s mom to rely on. Not really. Add in Poppy’s affinity for only liking particular people, and he was a mess. Trying to be a good father and do what’s best for his daughter, while also being the breadwinner and buildingandmaintaining the career he wants.” She shrugs. “Honestly, I think you coming back to Lockwood Heights has been the best thing for him. And the fact that you’re staying?” Her voice fills with awe. “I don’t know. It’s like you’re the missing puzzle piece in Jaxon’s life. So, thank you. For looking out for my baby boy.”
