Page 29 of Reconcile
Not yet anyway.
“Well, I haven’t actually seen all of it yet. But it’s bigger. If you don’t like it, though, we’ll find something else, okay?”
She ponders that, and then a determined look comes over her perfect doll-like features. “He needs our help.”
My heart squeezes tightly in my chest because my child is so very kind. “Yes. He does.”
Her smile is nearly blinding. “Okay!”
“Okay.” I wish I could share her enthusiasm.
But everything inside of me is screaming that this is a massive mistake.
18
SAWYER
I’m nervous. Like actually fucking nervous.
Piper and Audrey should be here any minute. And I can’t keep my hands from shaking.
What if they hate it?
Who the hell am I?
Luckily, the doorbell rings, saving me from the anticipation and thrusting me right into the actual situation. I open the door and can’t stop the great big smile from forming on my face when I see mini-Piper—or Audrey—standing there with a backpack swung over one shoulder and big, wide eyes looking up at me.
Piper and Audrey may have been living in a small apartment building, but it’s clear Audrey is well taken care of. The couple of times I’m seen her, she’s been clean and well-dressed.
Not that I’m surprised by that, but it’s worth noting.
I know I was a fucking snob to Piper about their living situation, and I do want the best for my kid, but I don’t actually believe she’s been wanting for anything.
“Hey, Audrey.”
She smiles up at me, wearing a navy blue dress with her brown hair straight and long, gazing up at me with eyes that are identical to my own. “Hi.”
I hold my hand out for hers. “I’m Sawyer.”
“I know. You’re Mommy’s friend.” She shakes my hand quickly and then pulls it away, giggling as she looks behind me. “Is this where we’re going to live?”
“Yes, come on in.” I step back and let Audrey walk inside, while Piper remains at the threshold. She’s definitely not as enthusiastic as Audrey.
Still, she’s fucking gorgeous with that scowl on her hauntingly beautiful face. Her long brown hair is also down, but it’s got waves. She’s dressed simply in a flowy white blouse with a black skirt.
“You can come in too.”
Her golden eyes dart around the foyer, and I see the hesitance there. She doesn’t want Audrey growing up the way she did. I get that. I truly do. But I’m not going to live in squalor to please her either.
My house is extravagant. Like my clothes. Like my car. Like me.
And I won’t apologize for it.
“Don’t forget the conditions.”
“Never.”
She brushes past me, and Audrey wraps her arms around her mom. “Mommy! Do you see this? It’s awesome!”
