Maya
I feel more relaxed being back at Conrad’s place. I am not freaking out as much. Yes, I am still a little on edge, but nothing compared to the way I was back at my place. He had put all my clothes away. It is just as well his closet is big enough, and I am not taking all his space.
“What do you want to do, angel? Do you want to go to bed and relax in there or go out for a bit?” he asks from next to me.
“No, I don’t want to go out,” I whisper.
I am too anxious for that. I would be glancing over my shoulder every two seconds.
“Okay, we don’t need to go out.”
“Thank you. I am fine with snuggling up on the sofa and watching movies, binging on ice cream.” I laugh.
“We can do that. Though before ice cream, I think I want a second helping of your mac and cheese. Do you want some?” he asks.
I snicker and shake my head, “No, I am okay.”
“I can’t help it. It’s so good.” He groans.
I smile, “I am happy you enjoyed it. It is a speciality of mine.” I say proudly.
“I think it may be my new favourite thing.” He grins and kisses me softly.
He disappears to get himself another bowl. I laugh and shake my head. I don’t know where he puts it all because we had a plateful at mine. If I ate another bowl, I would end up throwing up, something I would rather not do in front of Conrad at the early stage of our relationship.
He comes back through with a tub of ice cream and a spoon for me. There is always room for ice cream, and it is a little lighter on the stomach than pasta. I smile brightly and take it from him. He goes back to the kitchen to get his food before joining me on the sofa. We find a movie to watch, and I curl into his side. He slips his free arm around me and kisses the top of my head.
“How was lunch with your mom?” I ask.
He shifts a little, “Long story.” He sighs.
I glance up at him, “Why, what happened?”
“Honestly, there is enough going on today. I don’t want to add too.”
I raise my brow at him, “Conrad, what happened at lunch? Tell me because whatever it was clearly stressed you out. Yes, I know there is a lot going on, but I still want you to tell me about your day or open up to me if something is wrong. It works both ways, handsome.” I encourage.
I don’t want him to think because I have shit going on, I don’t care about what is happening with him.
“It wasn’t my mother’s idea for lunch. Bridget set it up. I had no idea she was going to be there until she showed up.” He says, irritated.
The mention of her name grabbed my attention, “What? Why would she do that?”
“I don’t know. I think she is hoping to get my mom on her side. She told my mother we reconnected in the Hamptons. What she meant by that, I am not completely sure, but what she didn’t seem to tell was I was there with you.” He groans.
“Seriously? So basically, she planned lunch, hoping to find a way to get you back?”
“Yes. She tried to make you out to my mom that you were with me for my money. I was quick to shoot that down. Everything she said was a lie.” He snaps.
Why is she doing this to us? She had three years to try to win him back. Why wait until now?
“Did your mom believe her? Does she think that is why I am with you?” I whimper.
“No, she doesn’t believe it. I left soon after Bridget left. I warned her to stay away from us and made it clear again that I was not interested. I wish I could say she will give up, but I don’t know that. She may try to use her relationship with my parents to find ways to get close again.” He replies honestly.
“Why do people keep trying to ruin this for us? It is one thing after another.”
I fight back the tears because I don’t want to get upset again. I am still feeling vulnerable from the events earlier.
“I don’t know, sweetheart, but one thing I do know, we will get through it together no matter what is thrown our way. People can try to tear us apart, but I would let that happen. I promise.” He says and strokes my face.
“Should I be worried, Conrad? Will your parents try to help her if she tells enough sob stories and whatever else?”
I needed him to be honest with me.
“I don’t know the answer to that question. I wish I did, but I don’t. But again, it doesn’t matter because it won’t work. Please, try not to stress too much.”
“Thank you for being honest with me. I will try, but I can’t promise.”
I swear it feels like the entire world is against us.
“I didn’t want to tell you this tonight. I was going to until I found out what happened. You have enough on your plate.” He sighs and hugs me.
“No, it is okay. Thank you for telling me.” I reply.
I hate that we can’t seem to have peace in our relationship. What is next to get in the way? I can’t help but worry. I know he said he isn’t interested in Bridget, but if his parents think she is who he should be with me, they may do what they can to make that happen. It also means when I eventually meet them, they may not like me or want them to be with Conrad because, just like Bridget, they will know I don’t belong in their world. It is so much pressure. I don’t plan on meeting his parents any time soon because it isn’t an option, not while I still work for the family business. I would be fired on the spot.
“I will always be honest with you. I would have told you tomorrow if you didn’t ask about it tonight.”
“Yes, you have always been honest with me from day one.” I smile and kiss his cheek.
It is why I trust him because he is probably the only person who has never lied to me. Well, it is one of the many reasons why I trust him.
“And I always will be beautiful.” He promises.
We snuggle back up, enjoying our food and the movie. I was trying hard to focus on the movie but was struggling because there was too much going around in my head at once. Callum is bad enough to deal with. Now I need to worry about Bridget, too. I feel like the entire world is testing the strength of our relationship. I just hope we can make it through. I like to think we will, but neither of us knows what is going to be tossed in our paths. Is it not time the universe gives us a break? Is that too much to ask for? Conrad is a good man, and I have been through enough. What does it end? Or is the rest of my life going to be like this? It is a thought I do not like.
I close my eyes and try to push all the bad thoughts out of my mind. I want to concentrate on the moment. Enjoy my time with Conrad before whatever hell hits us next.