Page 114 of Wild About You
“Yeah. Thanks, man.”
He looks at Everly and smiles. “See you later, Little Sharpie.”
Ev doesn’t respond but her mouth pulls into a small smile at Declan, which quickly falls as I enter her room.
Her backpack sits on the bed and she’s stuffing clothes in it, packing like she’s leaving.
“I’m sorry.”
She sniffles and refuses to meet my gaze. “For secretly wishing I’d left months ago?”
“I don’t wish that.”
“But you did.” Her hazel eyes water with unshed tears when she finally looks me dead on.
I sit on the edge of her bed. “That’s not on you or anything you did. I was selfish. It isn’t an excuse, but I think I forgot what it was like to have people in my life that really cared about me. People that I could trust to show up and support me no matter what. I forgot what it was like to have family. I should have done a better job staying in touch when I left. I’m so sorry, Ev.”
With a sniffle she perches on the other side of the mattress. “Is Mom waiting for me outside?”
“No. She left for tonight, but she’ll be back in the morning.”
Her chin lifts and she nods slightly.
“You don’t have to go. I mean…” I run my hands through my hair. “I don’t want you to go.”
“You don’t?”
“Of course, I don’t.”
“I’m sorry that I told her about River. I didn’t know she was going to use it against you.”
“Don’t apologize. She’s your mom, Ev.”
“Yours too,” she tosses back.
I think it might be too late for me to repair any kind of relationship with her, but it isn’t for Everly.
“I admit that I didn’t roll out the welcome mat when you showed up, but I have loved having you here. I also know that it’s important for you to try to have a good relationship with Mom. Trust me, it does not get better by leaving home and ignoring her.”
“I miss her, I do, but I really like it here. I feel like myself for the first time maybe ever.” She fidgets with the comforter, tracing the design with a single fingertip. “But I also feel like I’m intruding on your life.”
“You’re not.”
“I overheard Jack saying you pulled your offer on the house. Is that because of the car and college tuition and all the other things you’ve been buying me? Because I don’t need any of that. You can have them back. I just want to stay.”
“I pulled the offer because for the first time in my life I am surrounded by people that feel like family. I want that for you, yes, but I want it for me too. I mean, honestly, how boring would life be without Ash’s terrible humming over breakfast every morning or Jack waltzing in and barking orders?”
She laughs, but then she goes quiet and her smile falls. “What will happen if I go against her and stay?”
“I don’t know,” I answer honestly. “But you’re eighteen, so take tonight and think about it, then talk to her in the morning before you make up your mind, okay?” I’m so damn sad at the thought of her leaving, but I will not make this about me. “You are always welcome here. No matter where I’m living. You can call me or just show up, whatever you need. Day or night. And don’t think I’m gonna stop checking in or worrying about you if you aren’t living here.”
“Okay.” I get the smallest of smiles.
I move closer to hug her. She launches herself at me, squeezing me tightly. “Thank you for everything, Ty.”
When she pulls back, so do I and clear my throat. “Whatever happens, I’m not going anywhere, okay?”
“Yeah,” she says, and inhales a deep breath.
