Page 20 of Let Me Love You

“So if she’s thirty, that makes you thirty-three,” Everleigh says. “You’re the same age as me.”

“So, are you a Scorpio or Sagittarius?” I ask.

“Scorpio, but I’m right on the border, so I identify with both signs.” She grins. “What’s your sign?”

“Aquarius.”

“Oh my God. You’re one of my matches!”

“Excuse me?” I ask.

“Sagittarius and Aquarius are compatible signs. Like soul mates.”

Tyler coughs, clearly uncomfortable. Belinda changes the subject and asks me how I like Lawton Ridge.

“So far, so good. Haven’t been out much, but I’m excited to be involved at the gym. Working out has been something I’ve always enjoyed. I’m looking forward to training and teaching others how to box too.”

“Could you teach me?” Owen asks.

I look around, unsure how to respond, but decide to nod. “If your parents say it’s okay, sure.”

“Cool.” He grins wide.

“How come you never asked me?” Tyler acts insulted. “I own the gym, ya know.”

Owen shrugs as if he doesn’t want to hurt Tyler’s feelings.

“It’s the tattoos, isn’t it?” Everleigh teases Owen. “They make him look badass, amiright?”

“Ev…” Katie glares as she returns with a baby in her arms. “Language.”

“Mom, it’s okay. The babies don’t understand bad words,” Owen innocently explains, and everyone bursts out laughing.

We finish eating, and most of us are groaning about how full we are. But I can’t deny my desire to try Everleigh’s cake.

“Belinda, that was delicious,” Gemma says, and we agree in unison.

“Sure was,” Jerry says, kissing her cheek.

“Thank you for letting me join you,” I say. “Even though I’m basically a stranger.”

“Oh, don’t be silly. You’re one of our kids now,” Jerry says.

I can’t hold back my gratitude. He has no idea what that means to me. My own father didn’t even want me around.

“Thank you. I appreciate being included.”

Everleigh stands and grabs her plate, and I do the same. Together, we clear the table while the others chat. Tyler meets me in the kitchen, carrying more dishes.

“How ya holdin’ up?” he asks.

“Just fine. Better than my previous accommodations.” I chuckle.

“You mean I only have to provide better housing than a prison cell?” Everleigh taunts. “Hope I’ve exceeded all your expectations.”

“You were in prison?” Owen gasps from the doorway.

Shit.