Page 45 of Wild About You
I knew the first part of that, that she’d had Tyler early, but he never mentioned his dad except to say he wasn’t around.
“You never tracked him down to find out for sure?”
“No. One parent that resented my presence was more than enough.”
“She resented you? Why?” My chest tightens. God, why did I never ask him any of this before? Or had I and he just brushed it off with half answers?
“She’s never outright said it, but she would tell me these stories about all the plans she had before she got pregnant. I honestly don’t know if it was the same for Everly. I hope not, but from the second I was able, I spent as much time as I could away from the house, playing hockey or whatever sport I could. Luckily, I was pretty good at all of them because I never would have been able to pay for the fees and equipment. Coaches would lend me shit or cover my costs. I was too desperate to care or feel guilty about it. I think I thought if I became someone, she would finally feel like it wasn’t all for nothing, you know?” He lets out a short, harsh snort. “Sorry, that got dark.”
My throat is thick with emotion. “Why did you never tell me any of this?”
“You were going through your own stuff with your dad losing his company. Plus, I didn’t really like talking about it. I still don’t, but with Everly here it’s all been on my mind.” His tone changes as he moves from the topic. “We’ll be back tomorrow night. And as for privacy, use your best judgment with Everly. River, however, is another story. I don’t trust him as far as I can throw him.”
Tyler hurries off the phone soon after, leaving me reeling with all this new information about his childhood. I knew things hadn’t been exactly like mine with two parents who loved and provided for me, but I had no idea his mother carried so much resentment toward him.
Toward Tyler of all people. God, my heart hurts for him. I see his drive and determination in a new light, and I hate her a little for that. No, I hate her a lot for it.
And Tyler, well, I’m finding more and more of the same reasons I fell for him in the first place, and that is a dangerous place to be.
14
CONSIDER IT A FAVOR
PIPER
Over the next week,I stay with Everly twice more while Tyler is traveling. I’ve also started picking her up and bringing her home from school. Tyler said that wasn’t necessary when he’s in town, but every time I show up, I can see a little more stress lifting from his shoulders.
I wake up on the couch at Heather and Steve’s apartment Monday morning and it takes me a minute to remember where I am and what day it is.
“Morning,” Heather chirps, and holds out a Starbucks cup for me.
“Marry me.” My voice comes out groggy.
“Sorry.” She flashes her engagement ring at me.
I sit up and she takes a seat beside me.
“This schedule has my internal clock all screwed up.”
“I figured. You’re usually already up by now.”
“Tyler didn’t get back until after midnight.”
Her lips curve up, but she bites back whatever retort she clearly wants to say.
“What?”
“Why do you keep schlepping back here to sleep on this old couch when he has a room for you to crash there?”
I stare at her over my coffee cup as I take a sip, so I don’t have to answer.
Heather places a hand on my arm. “Okay, well, I have news. My sister is coming to visit and help with wedding plans.”
It takes a minute for me to connect the dots. “She wants to crash here while she’s in town. When does she get in?”
“Tonight.” She smiles nervously. “It will just be a week. Two, tops. You know how flighty she is.”
I laugh. “I’m not sure Tyler’s offer to stay included nights he’s there.”
