You Make It Easy

Money.

I shrug, "I'd rather not feel their pity."

"You think they would pity you?"

"I think they'd make a big deal out of something that doesn't need to be a big deal. Not anymore at least."

"So we're all good? You and my mom?"

"With time, yes. It's not going to bounce back like we think it will."

He nods slowly, "Okay."

He pulls on my hand, wanting to bring me closer to him. I hold onto him. "I'm glad everything went okay."

I nod against him, "Me too."

"I don't think I could live with the fact that she didn't like you."

"Because what's not to like?" I joke.

"Exactly."

"I was kidding."

"I'm not."

He kisses my temple, "I love you."

I'm conflicted on whether or not I want to say it back. I do love him. But I think it's different when it's said versus when it's thought. I reciprocate his act of words with a tighter hug. 

"How was LA?" Bridget asks as I tie the waistband of my pants.

"Good. It was good. Much warmer. His mom and I are on good terms."

"That's amazing. What changed?"

"He talked to her because he was upset about the things said. Then Alecia and I talked separately before I left. So we're good. I didn't feel the need to tell her about everything because it's my business."

"You shouldn't have to."

"I shouldn't. But it just wasn't my battle to win. I won the others."

"So now when does he come in?"

"The 22nd. We're heading up the 23rd."

"Staying at your parents?"

"Yeah. Probably on an air mattress."

"What's wrong with your bed?"

"Well, it won't fit both of us and I'm almost sure that my niece lives with my parents and they haven't told me yet. I'm sure they put her in my bed."

"Yeah, I'd stick to an air mattress too."

"Yeah."

"Why is she with your parents?"

"Because Ash works nights and her baby daddy is officially not in the picture."

"At least your baby daddy stuck around."

"Bridget, I love you but you make my head hurt."

"I'm not wrong."

"You're not but we're past this."

She laughs. "Speaking of 'I love you's' he said it."

"No way. Really?"

"Yep. At midnight on my birthday while we were eating cake."

"Did you say it back?"

"No. I didn't feel ready. I almost said it when we were at LAX but I wasn't fully ready then either."

"That's okay."

"I know that."

"But?" she asks.

"No buts. Just trying to figure it out."