Page 120 of Don't Think

“Well, no,” he replies, his tone flat. “I wasn’t sure how you were doing, and it didn’t seem right to bring them to a hospital. I wanted to make sure you were okay before bringing them by.”

My heart sinks to the pit of my stomach. I was hoping that since he drove the four hours here, it meant they’d be with himtoo. But he makes a fair point—wanting to make sure I was okay first, even if it still sucks.

I glance at Jax and tilt my head slightly. “Would you mind giving us a few minutes?” I ask softly.

“Of course,” he says. His small smile is reassuring before he slips out the door, leaving Trevor and me alone.

I take a deep breath, bracing myself for the storm of questions I know he’s about to unleash.

“So?” he says, throwing his hands up like he’s had enough of this whole situation. “Is this why you went on vacation?”

He’s joking, right? Like Iplannedthis whole thing. Casually bumping into Jax, getting him to fall in love with me… Yeah, that sounds totally realistic.

I narrow my eyes at him. “No, Trevor. Of course not. It just… happened,” I say with a shrug. “I’m sorry. I know this might be confusing, and trust me, I’m still trying to wrap my head around it all too. So I can’t imagine how you’re feeling right now.”

He doesn’t look at me though. His eyes are fixed on the floor, like he’s avoiding the conversationhestarted.

“I just don’t approve of it,” he finally mutters, his tone cold. “He’s in a band, Allie. You know how rock stars are. The whole ‘sex, drugs, and rock and roll’ thing. That’s not exactly suitable for someone like—”

He cuts himself off, pressing his lips together like he’s regretting what he was about to say.

“Someone like what? Like a single mom?” I snap, unable to hold it in.

“I’m just looking out for you and the girls,” he says, rolling his head to the side and finally locking eyes with mine. “Apparently, someone needs to.”

I scoff, my frustration bubbling up.

“Why are you even here, Trevor? You’re clearly pissed and saying stuff you don’t mean.”

“I came because they wouldn’t tell me much over the phone, and I had to make sure the mother of my kids was okay,” he replies with a bite.

“Well, I’m fine,” I say with a shrug. “Are the girls with my mom? Are they nearby so I can at leastseethem?”

Trevor rubs his face, letting out a slow, frustrated sigh. “They’re in town, but your mom wasn’t in any shape to watch them,” he says, pulling his phone out of his back pocket.

I shake my head, confused. “If they’re not with my mom, then who are the girls with?” I ask, my brows pulling together.

Trevor flips his phone around in his hands, his face hard to read. “I couldn’t bring them with me, not knowing how you were. They’re with my girlfriend at the park. And no, I didn’t leave them down there, they’re just at the park.”

My eyebrows shoot up while the realization hits me like a ton of bricks. “Wait, hold on,” I say, trying to keep it together. “Charlotte and Lydia are with some random woman instead of being here with Ana or Nora?” I shake my head in disbelief. “You were just giving me crap about Jax, but now it’s cool to leave our daughters with someone they don’t even know?”

“She’s not a stranger, Allie,” he says, frustration creeping into his voice. “I know you haven’t met her yet, but that doesn’t make her a stranger.” He exhales, rubbing the back of his neck. “I was planning to talk to you about her—about the girls meeting her—once you got back. But, you know, things obviously changed.”

“Is that why you wouldn’t let me call?”

“What? Don’t be ridiculous,” he scoffs.

“It’s not ridiculous, Trevor!” I snap, my frustration rising. “I tried to call. Every. Damn. Day. And they were always either sleeping, or outside, or whatever excuse you had. You barely let metalkto them these last few weeks!” Tears prick at my eyes, but I blink them away. “Do you have any idea how hard that’s been?”

His eyes shoot to mine, filled with nothing but anger. “Apparently, you did just fine.”

I stare at him, hard enough that my vision starts to narrow. My heart’s pounding, heat flooding my face. Then the alarm blares—and suddenly, I can’t breathe.

Trevor jumps up just as two nurses rush into the room, sneakers squeaking on the floor.

“Hey, Allie. It’s Nurse Abigail,” one says gently, checking the monitor. “You doing okay?”

The words get stuck in my throat, the tightness choking me. I shake my head slowly, frozen in place, panic rising fast.