“Whatever,” she huffed, moving an inch closer to me. “I just find it really odd that Nash wanted a DNA test after he called you to tell you the news of the baby being born.” She paused, rolling her eyes. “Are you trying to tell me that was a coincidence?”
I shrugged my shoulders. “Mariah, this is the first I’ve even heard of you having the baby. I haven’t talked to Nash in weeks so don’t blame me. I have nothing to feel guilty about. You on the other hand….” I trailed off as she took a step closer, her fists curled tightly by her sides, as if she wanted to punch me right in the face.
“Are you really going to hit me, Mariah?” I cocked one brow at her.
She shook her dark hair at me. “Nope, you’re not even worth it. I just wanted to come over to say congratulations.”
“For what?”
“For ruining my family, for making Nash find out the truth. You couldn’t just leave it alone. Nash was going to be such a good dad, and now because of you, little Nash doesn’t have him in his life. I messed up. I wanted Nash back, so when I found out I was pregnant I told him he was the dad because I wanted him to be, even though the timing didn’t add up. Nash didn’t even question it because that’s the type of guy he is.” She pushed one finger into my shoulder, and I saw Callie step forward, thought I hadn’t even realized that she was still in the room. I knew she had my back if I needed her, but Mariah was crazy, and I really didn’t want things leading to a full on girl fight.
“So, congratulations, you got what you wanted. He’s all yours.”
“Mariah.” I shook my head. “You are truly delusional. This is no one’s fault but your own. And as far as me telling Nash the baby isn’t his, it’s just not true, but I really couldn’t care less if you believe me. Nash and I are friends. That’s it. I don’t want or need him for myself. So congratulations to you for screwing things up with one of the best guys around, and for ruining that little boy’s life. That’s on nobody but you.”
She snapped backward like I had actually slapped her, and I continued pushing her to the door, slamming it shut once she was over the threshold.
“Wow.” Callie locked the door and leaned back against it. “So Nash isn’t the dad. I really didn’t see that one coming. Did you?”
“Kind of.” I slipped on a pair of shoes that were by the door and grabbed my purse off the front table.
“Let me guess? Going to look for Nash?” Callie gave me a sad smile, handing me my phone that was sitting on the kitchen counter. I still hadn’t turned it on, and it made me wonder if I had a missed call from Nash. I wasn’t sure when he found out the news, but I’m sure it was tearing him apart.
“Yeah, he needs a friend right now.”
“’Kay, well make sure that’s all it is.” She patted me on the back and I spun around, my hand stilling on the handle.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean that you tend to get caught up in the moment when you’re around Nash. Don’t mess things up with Justin. You’re happy and I want you to stay that way.” She hugged me quickly before heading into the kitchen.
“We’re just friends,” I yelled after her but didn’t get a return answer. Nash needed me. I wasn’t there for him before when it came to the abuse from his dad. I would be there for him through this. He was hurting and needed someone there, even though I’m sure he was trying to push everyone away. I would have to do whatever it took so he didn’t go straight into a downward spiral. I knew what that was like and I didn’t wish that experience upon anyone.
“ARE YOU PLANNING on bringing Della by anytime soon?” My mom handed me a cup of coffee and I collapsed onto the couch, exhausted after my twelve-hour shift, but I at least had to stop by on my way home. I planned to see Della too but she still hadn’t turned her phone back on. At least I knew she was probably getting her paper done, and I would have her all to myself tomorrow night.
“I don’t know.” I ran a hand over my face, exhaustion hitting me full on, but I at least could muster up a smile when my mom sat down in my dad’s favorite recliner. This was the first time I had seen her anywhere but the kitchen since my dad died. It was definitely a good thing. “I was thinking maybe at Thanksgiving. Are you still planning to have dinner?”
She took a sip out of her coffee mug, setting it down on the end table. I could see her hands trembling, but she managed a smile. “Of course, honey. I know the holidays are going to be hard without your father, but it would be even harder without everyone around. It would make it even better if Della came, too. Talk to her about it.”
I nodded my head, smiling at the thought of Della being with me here again. This time was different, though. This time Della wasn’t going anywhere and neither was I.