Page 57 of I Knew He Was Trouble
“With who?”
She tightens the cream-colored silk scarves around her space buns. “Peter,” she mumbles.
“You’re going out withhimagain?”
“I thought I’d give him another shot. See if he’s changed.” She shrugs nonchalantly.
I wrinkle my nose. “I thought you said he never wanted to get married. A leopard doesn’t change its spots.”
“It’s just dinner. I’ll be fine.” Alyssa glances at the time. “I have to leave now if I’m going to make it.” She wiggles her fingers in a small wave. “Have fun with the hot doctor.”
I finish my remaining pizza rolls, which are now, of course, cold. I head upstairs, swipe mascara on my lashes, and add a little bit of blush to my cheeks before heading to my car. Even though I don’t have extra time, I still pull up my social media and send a DM to Austin Bradford, Alyssa’sfriend. He has over a million followers, but we’ve messaged on here before, so hopefully he’ll see my text.
ME
Hey Austin. Lyss is on another date with Peter. *eye roll emoji* If you’re free later, she might need you.
Alyssa is beautiful and has the biggest heart…but she’s terrible at choosing men. There have been multiple times I’ve messaged Austin in the past, under similar circumstances, to cheer her upin a way only he seems to be able to. It’s like his kind, steady presence gives her hope that there are still good men out there in the world.
I’m still waiting for the day they stop avoiding the inevitable and kiss already. But for now, at least Austin can cheer up one of my besties in a way my other roomies and I are unable to.
Arriving at the school in the nick of time, I lock my car and hurry into the building. I walk through the rows of artwork until I finally spot Tyler’s tall, muscular stature among the crowd. When I reach him, I see Evie’s name under the art on the wall.
“Oh, this is lovely.” I stare at the painting, trying to figure out what it is. The background is painted a deep blue, and there are white, oddly shaped squiggle lines and a white circle on it.
“Ms. Kelsey, you came!” Evie wraps her arms around my legs. “It’s the night sky. I worked so hard on the stars.” She points at the squiggles. “Do you like them?”
“I do.” I smile, kneeling to hug her. “They look so life-like that you almost made me think I was outside.”
Evie giggles. “Do you think I’ll win a ribbon?”
“I’m not sure, but what’s important is that you submitted your art and did your very best.”
“I did try my best, but I’ll be sad if I don’t win.” Her chin quivers, tugging at my heartstrings.
“You’re allowed to be sad.” I squeeze her shoulders. “We don’t always win everything we want, but putting yourself out there, knowing that you may not win, is very brave.”
She falls into my arms, squeezing me tight. I glance at Tyler as I hug her back. He mouthsthank you, and I offer him a soft smile in return.
Evie wraps her small hand around my fingers. “Come see my friends’ paintings.” She escorts me and Tyler around the show, pointing out all the artwork from the other kids in her class.
When we come back around to her painting, a white ribbon hangs from the corner.
Evie runs over and points to it. “What does it say, Uncle Ty?”
“You won third place, Eves.” He picks her up and spins her around while she squeals in delight. Tyler pulls her against his chest. “I’m so proud of you, and I know your mom will be too.”
If my view of Tyler wasn’t completely altered at dinner this past weekend, it is now. I feel the switch flip in my brain. It’s staggering, like being in a dark room that suddenly shines with the brightest floodlights. All of the harsh things I thought about him, now illuminated by all the positive things I’ve seen him do for Evie and Darla…and even for me.
But that doesn’t mean my view of what I want in the future has changed. I still don’t plan on getting married or settling down. So, maybe the best thing for Tyler and me right now is some distance, because if I keep watching him be all cute with his niece, I’m not sure how long I’ll be able to resist getting to know the man behind all those muscles.
Tyler told me that I had started a war on Monday, so the fact that I’ve made it to Friday unscathed has me feeling unnerved. After the coffee is done brewing, I grab my favorite mug. I’m about to pour the liquid joy into my mug, but something at the bottom of it catches my eye.
“What the—”
I flip the mug over, catching a miniature rubber duck in my palm.
“How did you get there, little guy?” I place him on the kitchen table and finish making my coffee.
