Wrecked (Clayton Falls #3)(25)
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy

“Of course. I wish we could have been there.” I didn’t doubt it. Becca really cared.

“It’s fine.”

“Okay. So what’s going on?”

“I need girl advice.”

“Really? Ohh, this is going to be so good. Hold on a sec.” She tried to muffle the phone but I heard her talking to Gavin. “I don’t want to keep you up. I’ll go talk in the other room.” I’m guessing he said something like, “don’t take too long,” because she continued, “Jake’s never asked for girl advice, I have to talk to him.”

I heard her moving around, and waited as patiently as I could.

“Okay, I’m ready.”

“What exactly did you need to get ready?”

“A sweatshirt and a glass of water.”

“Okay…because that’s not random.”

“Do you want to make fun of me, or do you want advice?”

I could practically see her glaring at me. “Advice.”

“Good. Now what’s up? Who’s the lucky girl?”

I sat back against the couch. “Her name’s Emily, and she’s incredible. Absolutely, incredible.”

“Incredible meaning the sex is good or…”

“Seriously? That’s the first question you’re going to ask me?”

“Okay. Good. That response means it’s more than that. Keep going.”

“Like I said, she’s incredible. In bed and out.”

“Jake.”

“Okay, you started it. So things were going great until she dropped a bomb on me and I didn’t exactly have the response she wanted.”

“What kind of bomb?” Becca’s voice got kind of high. She was probably on the edge of her seat.

“She has a kid.”

“Wow.”

“Wow? Is that all you’ve got?”

“It’s just surprising. Is she older or…”

I yawned. Either I was getting old, or it was an after effect of the accident, but I got tired so much earlier than I used to. “She’s twenty-one.”

“How old is her kid?”

“Almost two. She had him young.”

“How did you react? Or do I not want to know?”

I ran a hand through my hair. I didn’t want to repeat this again. “Not well. But how could I have acted? It was surprising.”

“But you’re still interested?”

“Very. I don’t care whether she has a kid. I like her.”

“Do you know anything about the dad?”

“He’s dead.”

She didn’t say anything for a second. “Oh…wow.”

“Yeah. Wow.”

“Does she know about what happened?”

“She was my nurse.”

“You picked up your nurse? Are you kidding me? Wait. Scrap that. It doesn’t surprise me at all. But that means she knows about you drinking and driving. You’re going to have to work extra hard then.”

“Extra hard?”

“To convince her you’re mature enough to be with her. You have to be the man she needs for herself and her son.”

“What, like be his daddy?”

“No, Jake.” She sighed. “But no mom wants an overgrown adolescent around her child. Does that make sense?”

“I guess. But how do I show her I’m mature?”

“Be patient, be respectful and be what she needs.”

“How do I know what she needs?” I put my feet up on the ottoman.

“You need to figure that out.”

“How?”

“Jake?” A gruff, pissed off voice took over.

“Hi, Gavin.”

“Do you realize it’s almost midnight?”

“Yes.” I held back the snicker that wanted to come out.

“I think it’s time you said good night to my girlfriend.”

Before I could respond, I heard Becca. “Give me the phone.” I could just picture Becca pouting.

“Sorry about him.”

“As much as it pains me to say this, he’s right. I’ve kept you up enough. Thanks for the advice.”

“No problem. Call anytime.”

“Thanks. Have a good one.”

“You too, and good luck. It might be hard, but if she’s really as great as you say she is, it’s worth it. Love’s worth it.”

“Love’s worth it? Maybe if the law school thing doesn’t work out you can get a job at Hallmark.”

“Shut up, Jake.”

“Now that’s the way to end a conversation. Bye, Becca.”

I hung up and decided I might as well get some sleep.

Chapter Sixteen

Emily

Noah had a hard time leaving my mom. It shouldn’t have surprised me at all, but I found myself torn by his reaction to being buckled into his car seat. I was thrilled he’d gotten so close to his grandmother, but I also felt jealous that he’d built that bond with someone when I wasn’t there. It made no sense, and I pushed myself to focus on the good part.

“We’ll be home in a few hours.” I glanced back at him in the rearview mirror. He looked so comfortable, holding a dinosaur toy in each hand. It felt so much more normal having him back there. Driving around without a car seat in the back had felt strange.

“Home.” That was a new word for him. He hadn’t been talking much, but his pediatrician assured me he was on the normal pace.

“Your room is all ready for you.”

He smiled, and I hoped the ride would go quickly.

We pulled into the garage and took the elevator up to my apartment. We had a two bedroom, but his bedroom was pretty tiny. I figured it wasn’t a big deal considering how young he was—but I think every mom just wants to give their kid more.

Thankfully, Noah woke up when the car stopped. It would be hard enough to lug our bags up holding his hand. I couldn’t have done it while holding him. We finally reached our door and I set everything down to unlock it. Just as I was about to push the door open, Noah took off running down the hall.

“Noah!”

He turned and laughed before continuing his run. I caught up with him and picked him up. I’d almost forgotten how fast he was. Eventually, I got Noah and all of our stuff inside.

I made lunch, Noah’s favorite Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, before collapsing on the couch while he played with his toys. At least they were exciting again after he’d been away for so long. I’d give him the new ones I bought when the novelty wore off.