Ten months later — May

I curled my hands around the mug full of steaming coffee, studying this week’s spread in my agenda. Today was my day off, but tomorrow… The first day of a new book fair I needed to attend and write about, an interview with its organizer Virginia insisted I did, although that hadn't been my responsibility until now, and…

Classes. Damn it.

With finals approaching, I couldn't slack, but did just that, and not by choice. 

“You’re up early.” 

I jerked at the sound of Brian's deep voice. Jim’s little brother was back, staying with us. Thanks to the nine months he spent working with an NGO in Indonesia, he was lucky to be accepted into Bartley University, known for its combined BS/MD program.

I straightened on the stool. “Good morning. Jim has already left.”

Brian ran his hand through his dark hair, giving me a half-smile. “You sure? The big bro might be hiding behind the condo door, ready to pounce on me if I call you something like beautiful.”

I smiled into my mug and left it on the island. “He's not like that. He's just—”

“Balls deep in love. I know my brother, Ava.”

“I was going to say overprotective, but I guess that too.”

“I guess.” Brian mocked me, smirking. “Girls can be oblivious, I swear.”

There he was — the younger, bold O'Brien Jim loved so much. I wasn't the only person on the receiving end of Jim’s overprotectiveness. He cared about his family and friends deeply, which made me even crazier about him. 

“Jim worries about you just as much. Would you like coffee?”

“But he doesn't lose his shit if someone calls me beautiful.” Brian winked. “And no, thank you. I’ll have some on campus later. I have to hand them paperwork and stuff and start looking for a place to live so you lovebirds can have your privacy back.”

“We don’t mind you staying with us,” I said. The condo was big enough not to hear what was going on in other rooms, and we were careful not to be loud while having sex.

“I know you don’t mind, but I do.” Brian drummed his fingers on the granite countertop. “It’s just that Jim’s always done everything he could for us. His family, I mean. I don’t want to be the lost little brother he needs to look after. He has you, and it’s about damn time he put himself first.”

“He’s proud of you. And he’s happy you’re back. Jim missed you.”

“I’m proud of him too. I’ve never met anyone more hard-working. And you’re good for him. He always gushed about you when we talked on the phone when I was away. Oh, and just a heads-up, I’ll call you beautiful a few more times to piss him off. Deal?”

I sighed. “Siblings. Sometimes I wish I had one just to have someone to annoy.”

Brian pushed off the counter and glanced at his watch. “Having a sibling is cool. Well, I'll be going. Later, sis-in-law.”

I waved at him, failing to stifle a chuckle. As soon as Brian left, I snatched my agenda from the kitchen island and slid off the stool, ready to start the day by doing something I’d been looking forward to for weeks.

☆☆☆

Isla met me on the sidewalk outside Ivy’s apartment complex, clutching a stuffed zebra. I gave her a hug and nodded toward the animal. “That’s a cute zebra.”

“I did some research.” She lifted the toy. “Two months old babies react to black-and-white things. Apparently, they’re good for visual stimulation. I also bought some onesies.”

I patted the shopping bag in my hands. “Rattle toys and some clothes here.”

Isla squinted. “No books?”

I bit my lip. “One. I hate how well you know me.”

“Listen.” My friend shifted her weight. “Before we go in there… Do you think Ivy would tell us if she were struggling? She sounded sad on the phone, but I didn’t know how to ask her.”

“She probably wouldn’t, but it wouldn’t hurt to cheer her up a bit. Let’s see how they’re doing first.”

Isla hugged the zebra tighter. “Good idea. Let’s go.”

We strolled to the building. Isla pressed the intercom button, and Ivy let us in.

She’d lived in the same place all her life. Her parents loved their big condo and worked nearby, and Ivy adored the view of the ocean from her bedroom window. 

Isla and I stepped out of the elevator. Ivy was already waiting for us with Willow in her arms.

“Aw.” Isla pouted. “She’s asleep. I wanted to play.”

A tired smile pulled at the corners of Ivy’s mouth. “Finally asleep. You’ll play with her later. I’m going to put her in the crib.”

We followed her in, and as soon as Ivy walked out of her daughter’s room, Isla and I handed her the bags with gifts.

Ivy peeked inside, her chocolate eyes widening. “You’re crazy. That’s a lot of stuff.”

“Not nearly enough,” I said. “I’m sure you need way more.”

“If only you'd tell us, Like the League. We’re family, and we love you.”

Ivy left the bags on the foyer floor and hugged us both. “Don't make me sentimental. I cry because of the most stupid things these days. And seriously, thank you. I can’t wait to see everything that’s in there.”

“The only thing missing is food, but Jim will bring some as soon as he’s free. I hope you don’t mind. He wanted to see Willow,” I said.

Ivy groaned. “Food? Ava, I swear. I told you I was doing okay. And, of course, I don’t mind. He’s a sweetheart. When’s the wedding?”

“The hottest couple.” Isla winked. “I should’ve brought you the magazine with the latest pictures of Ava and Jim’s date, Ivy.”

“Or send me the link if they’re online.”

“Hello, I’m here.” I snapped my fingers. “You don’t need the pictures. You have the real Ava.”

Both girls giggled. “Chill,” Ivy said. “We’re happy for you. Who would’ve told us our friend would become a freaking celebrity? Tasha must be getting greener from jealousy by the second.”

“Where’s she, anyway?” Isla said as Ivy led the way to the kitchen. 

We sat at the glass table. Ivy put the baby monitor on the kitchen counter and turned the electric kettle on. “I’m disconnected from everything but baby stuff—no time for stalking. And since I blocked her on social media, there’s no way to know, anyway. Tea?”

I nodded. “Tea’s great.”

“I only know she abandoned her blog.” Isla shrugged. “After that scandal with her uncle, I’m not surprised. Who would want to follow her? Plus, her parents are loaded. It’s not like she needs the money.”

Although I didn’t say anything to the girls or Jim, I did wonder about Tasha’s whereabouts. Each time paps photographed me on my way to work, or when Jim and I were out, I braced myself for hateful comments on social media. Jim’s fame last year was nothing compared to who he was now after the success of Beautifully. Surprisingly, his fans seemed to like me. Jim talked about me in every interview of his, and if mean comments appeared, they didn’t bother me as much as they used to. We were good, and that was the only thing that truly mattered.

Ivy filled the mugs with water and put a teabag in each. “Let’s not think about that bitch. She caused enough damage last year.”

Isla took a spoon and pressed the teabag to the bottom of her mug. I chuckled at the little quirk she’d had since middle school and nudged her with my shoulder. “Ivy’s right. We’re here to talk about baby Willow. How’s she? And how are you?” I looked at Ivy and then Isla.

“No bullshit.” Isla narrowed her green eyes.

Ivy left her mug on the table and smoothed her hair. “Honestly? It's hard. Don't get me wrong; I love being a mom, and it's totally worth it, but…”

“I love being a student,” Isla said. “But I also hate it when finals kick my butt. It's okay not to sugarcoat stuff, Ivy. We admire you for being so brave. I'm not sure I'd handle things as well as you do.”

“I'm not sure I'm handling them well other than keeping Willow alive,” Ivy muttered. “And it would've been nice not to do this alone. If Jackson were a decent guy, but he's not.”

Isla picked up a cookie from the platter. “Maybe you should've told Jay the truth. He could've been there for you as a friend.”

Ivy rolled her eyes. “Yeah, right. He didn't want to be friends, Isla. He wanted more, and now he's dating someone. I saw his pictures with the same girl. It's logical that he moved on."

Isla chewed quietly, probably restraining herself from saying something else. The truth was, no matter what we said, words wouldn't be enough. Ivy's situation wasn't something Isla and I knew how to deal with.

I took in the shadows under Ivy’s eyes and her paler-than-usual face. She didn't need to say anything — her exhaustion was evident. 

Ivy turned toward the baby monitor at the same time my phone buzzed. I read the text and shoved the cell back into my purse.

“It's Jim. He didn't know if Willow was asleep, so he didn't use the intercom.”

“I'll let him in.” Ivy stood. 

Isla and I stayed in the kitchen, waiting for the two of them. A few minutes later, Ivy reappeared in the room with a stuffed panda and a gift bag. Jim was holding boxes with pizza and groceries. 

Smiling brightly, he leaned down to kiss my lips and then greeted Isla. 

“I brought lunch,” he said to Ivy. “It's a bit early, but I know babies have their schedule.”

“They do. Willow is awake. I'll get her.”

Jim sat next to me and circled my shoulders with his arm. “You okay?”

“We were catching up,” I said. “How was the meeting?”

He pressed his lips to my temple. “Good. I'll tell you later.”

“There she is.” Isla jumped off the chair when Ivy and Willow appeared in the doorway. “Can I hold her?”

“Sure.” Ivy handed her the baby. “Just—”

“Be careful with the neck,” Isla said. “I know.”

She rubbed Willow’s belly, beaming at her. Jim and I helped Ivy set the table so we could eat, and once everyone had pizza on their plates, Jim nodded at Isla.

“Give Willow to me so you can eat.”

“I can manage.”

“So can I.”

Isla let out a dramatic sigh. “Five minutes.”

Jim smirked. “We'll see about that.”

Seeing him with Willow would make anyone want to get pregnant. Willow curled her tiny fist around his finger, and Jim smiled at her, smoothing his thumb over her cheek. 

Ivy wiggled her brows at me as if saying, you're next.

Jim was good with kids, and I knew he wanted to have them. But although I had zero doubts when it came to our relationship, career-wise, it wasn’t the right time for either of us. 

We stayed with Ivy and Willow for another hour and left when both girls started to get tired. Isla headed home to study for her exams, and Jim and I got into my car. I wanted to drive him to the studio. This way, we’d spend some extra time together.

“I'm sorry I can't go home with you, baby.” Jim nuzzled into my neck. “We need to record the single before the tour.”

“I understand. It's work. You put up with me writing articles late at night.”

I relaxed in Jim’s embrace, breathing in his scent as he ran his fingers through my hair. His touch still gave me goosebumps, and I doubted it’d ever change.

“So, everything’s ready for the tour?” I asked.

Jim tightened his hold on me. “Yeah. I've never felt so conflicted. I'm excited about the shows. They'll be unlike anything we've done so far, but being away from you…”

“Just a couple of months.” I cupped his cheek, swallowing the lump in my throat. “You're not going away yet. It'll be okay. We'll be okay. I'll miss you like crazy, but you have nothing to worry about.”

His mouth claimed mine. Each caress of his lips and tongue set my nerve endings ablaze, filling me with the need for him.

I pushed the thoughts about being without Jim to the back of my mind and kissed him harder. He’d be far from me soon.

But not yet.

Hope you liked the chapter and the little cameo of the other O'Brien.❤ And yes, we'll have some time jumps because when I planned Jim and Brian's books I wanted some events to align. All is smooth for now, but who knows, right?

Please, don't forget to vote and drop a comment. I'm always eager to know what you think.

More soon.