“I had my reasons,” I answered vaguely.
“Your mom?” He pressed me for more information.
“She was part of it,” I sighed, swirling my finger around the condensation shimmering on top of the table from my water glass.
“You can talk to me about her, Rowan.”
I looked up at him and his eyes pleaded with me to open up to him. I couldn’t do it though. I wasn’t the kind of girl to confess her feelings and seek comfort in the arms of another person. I preferred to fight my demons on my own. I didn’t need Trent to slay my dragons and be my knight in shining armor. I could save myself…I didn’t know if I wanted to though.
“Rowan?” He repeated my name when I didn’t say anything.
With a sigh, I said, “I know I can, but I don’t want to. It’s not something I like to talk about.” I stared do
wn at my water glass and away from his eyes that always saw too much.
“Fine,” he sat back, “I won’t push you.” Tapping his fingers along the back of the booth, he asked, “Have you thought anymore about going to New York with me?” He questioned.
“You asked me last night! This morning I lost my job! So, no, I haven’t thought about it,” I snapped.
“Sorry,” he chuckled. “I really want you to go.”
“I want to go too,” I admitted, crossing my arms over my chest, “but I have to work things out with the kids.”
“I understand,” he nodded.
“No, you don’t,” I muttered. “You don’t get it at all.”
“Why are you in such a mood today?” He eyed me. “Is this a PMS thing or something?”
“No, it’s called a ‘you’re being annoying’ mood,” I countered, looking around the restaurant. I began to feel bad though. I shouldn’t have been taking my anger out on him. “I’m sorry,” I apologized. “I didn’t get much sleep, and getting fired was the icing on the cake for this craptastic day.”
Trent grinned.
“Why are you smiling?” I asked.
“Because, I don’t think I’ve ever heard you say that you’re sorry.”
“Well, there’s a first time for everything.” I sat up straighter.
“There most certainly is,” he smirked.
chapter twelve
“I don’t want to go to grandma’s without you!” Tristan protested, stomping his foot.
“You love grandma’s,” I kneeled on the ground so that we were eye level. “You’re going to have so much fun and bake cookies for Santa!”
“I want you to help me,” he pouted.
“I’m sorry, Tristan,” I ran my fingers through his sandy hair, “but I need to do this.”
Watching the tears brim his eyes was tearing me apart. Maybe I could tell Trent I had changed my mind. I knew he’d understand.
“Okay,” Tristan finally agreed as he hugged me. Just as I was beginning to talk myself out of it, he’d finally agreed. He was such an easygoing child, and so easy to love.
I kissed his cheek and he squirmed. “Ew, Row! Don’t kiss me!”
“Get in the car,” I told him. “Grandma is waiting for us.”