Being a mom and having a family is the one thing I’ve wanted for so long. Even when I was in college, studying to get my degree, it was what I dreamed of for my future. I went into finance because I’ve always been good with numbers. I enjoyed it for the most part. My end goal had still been being a mother and a wife.
Many people look at me like I’m crazy when I say that. I went to one of the best colleges in the country. I graduated with honors. I could have my pick of jobs. But having a family was just as important to me as being successful. I didn’t want to get swallowed up into a 24/7 job and lose sight of what was important to me. Con never looked at me like I was crazy. It had the opposite effect on him. He went about doing everything he could think of to try to put a baby inside of me.
“I can think of many things I want to do with you.”
“Remember them for tonight and let go of my ass.” He gives it one more squeeze before he finally releases his hold. “I love you.”
“Love you, too.” I slip into the car. He shuts the door for me. A moment later Layla is taking us towards Orchard’s store. I check my phone to see I have a text from my brother asking to see me again. His words from yesterday still bounce around in my head about the prenup thing. I believe Con, but why would Teddy say that? I’m guessing he’s listening to gossip. I think it would be hard for anyone to believe I didn’t sign a prenup. The Weathers family is one of the richest in the world. Con’s mom treats me like I am her own daughter. I grew close to her when I lost my own parents.
“You ever plan on telling him that you’re meeting up with Teddy these days?” Layla glances back at me through the rear view mirror. I know this puts her in a weird spot because I’m basically making her lie to Con.
“You plan on ratting me out?” I lift my eyebrow at her. She only shakes her head at me. I know she never would.
“I know he’s your brother, Abi, but I’m worried. I’m sorry if I’m overstepping. But as your friend and your security, I can’t just ignore it.” I know she’s only looking out for my best interest. She and Con don’t get it. They have a family. Teddy is all I have left when it comes to mine. He looked out for me when I needed someone. I should do the same for him.
“He says he’s changed. What kind of sister would I be if I turned my back on him?”
“I know you wouldn’t turn your back on anyone that needed your help. My concern is what that help will cost you? Will you know when enough is enough? Sometimes we have to let things go. Don’t let your kindness be used as a weakness.” I contemplate her words for a few moments, letting them sink in. How much would I be willing to hide from Con?
“Let’s hope it never comes to that. People change and I have to believe that Teddy is one of them,” I say as we pull up to Orchard’s store. I’m not sure if I’m trying to convince her or myself.
My phone dings a few seconds later. A message from Teddy scrolls down. “I got it,” I tell Layla, opening the door for myself. “I’ll meet you inside.” I shut the door before Layla can say anything else. I know a lot of what she is saying is right but I really don’t want to hear it right now. It makes me feel like I’m betraying everyone. From my husband to my friends and even my brother.
I head into the store as I see Kale Blank heading out the front. “Aren’t you supposed to be at racquetball with my husband?” I remind him. He stops, looking my way. I’m shocked Kale has stepped foot inside of a grocery store.
“Was that today?” He looks confused for a second. “Guess I better get there.” I watch him stroll to his car that’s parked in the fire lane. I roll my eyes, heading into the store.
“Why was Kale here?”
“He’s got a thing for Cindy but she runs hot and cold,” Orchard says with a mouth full of chocolate.
“Cindy the new manager you promoted after you canned Brandon?” Cindy is cute but she’s a bit on the quirky side. I can easily see how she would run hot and cold.
“I’m eating. Can we not talk about him?” She pretends to gag while popping another chocolate into her mouth, making me laugh. I steal one of her chocolates. I should feel bad stealing food from a pregnant woman, but there is food everywhere. One of the perks of owning a grocery store. “I wanted to talk to you about something.”