Right With Me: A With Me In Seattle Universe Novel

by Stacey Lewis

  Maybe for him it’s been long. “For me, it felt like the week flew by because I was dreading today.”

  “Yeah, I can see that.” He’s holding my hand in both of his and rubbing my palm like he’s massaging it.

  It feels so good. “Mmm,” I let out a small groan. Mitchell’s fingers are magical. The thought makes me remember just how magical they were last weekend and I squeeze my thighs together to relieve some of the pressure.

  “Hey now,” he smiles devilishly down at me. “None of that when I can’t do anything about it.”

  “Sorry,” I say with a shrug, not really sorry at all.

  Mitchell smiles down at our hands as he shakes his head. “No, you’re not.”

  “You’re right.” I nudge his knee with mine, wanting him to look at me again. Having his eyes on me, the way he looks at me like I’m the only thing he sees, it makes me feel amazing, like I’m the most important thing to him. I crave the way he wants me. I want him the same way.

  Being around him is like being a teenager again. The butterflies in your stomach when you first meet a guy, the nervousness that comes with being around him, and having all his attention centered on you. It’s a heady feeling, one I don’t want to get rid of anytime soon.

  We haven’t been sitting here very long, maybe twenty minutes, when Seth calls my name. When I turn my attention back to him, he’s standing, brushing off his pristine pants. As much as I want to stay where I am, I walk back towards him to see what he wants since he’s just staring at me, waiting for something. I just don’t know what until I’m standing before him.

  Seth looks down at the expensive watch on his arm. “I need to get going, I have plans.”

  “You’re kidding me, right?” I can’t believe him. Well, that’s not true. I can, I just hoped for better when I should’ve known to expect the least amount.

  He ignores the anger coming out in my voice and runs his hands over his hair like he’s afraid even one single hair has dared defy him. “No, Hailey. I’m not kidding you. I’ll call you to set up a time to get Connor next time.”

  “Get him?” The hell? “What do you mean get him? I’m not letting you take him somewhere when he barely knows you. You’re going to need to spend actual time with him for a while before you can just pick him up and take him without me.”

  Seth groans like I’m being unreasonable, but I’m not. He’s being ridiculous. Our son is three and he hasn’t seen him in over a year. Our divorce was final fifteen months ago, and it had been a while before then, so it’s actually closer to two years.

  “We can talk about this later.”

  I don’t want to talk later, but since he walks away as he’s speaking and Connor has now decided he wants to play on the equipment twenty feet away, I don’t have the option to go after him. My son is more important.

  Mitchell doesn’t come with me, and it’s not until after I’ve put Connor in the swing and started pushing that I see him at Seth’s car. They’re talking, surprisingly it looks like it’s a civil conversation. I split my attention between the swing and what’s going on with the two of them, watching as Mitchell’s face becomes stormy and he leans forward menacingly.

  Whatever he says to Seth has him hurrying to get inside his car and leave. I bet he locked the door the second it shut to keep Mitchell out, something that makes me laugh a little. How did I never notice how Seth avoided confrontation with anyone he wasn’t sure he could best? I just can’t get over how quickly he backed down from whatever he was saying.

  Making his way over to us, I can tell Mitchell’s still pissed about whatever they were talking about. When he reaches me, he doesn’t say anything, just puts his arm around my waist and watching as I push Connor’s swing.

  I can’t take the suspense, so after a couple of minutes, I ask, “What was that all about?”

  “Nothing really,” he says with a nonchalant shrug. “Just wanted to make a few things clear.” Mitchell’s head shakes, but he’s smirking. “How the hell did you end up with an asshole like that?”

  Now I’m the one shrugging. “Young and dumb, I guess? At least I finally figured it out.”

  He laughs. “Yeah, I don’t know about that. I’m an asshole too.”

  “Maybe.” I consider him, tilting my head to one side so I can act like I’m trying to come to a decision. When I don’t dispute his statement, his hand at my waist digs in and I jump. I’m not super ticklish, but he found the spot that will have me writhing on the ground shrieking.

  I try to get away, but the way he’s holding me prevents me from moving far. Now that he knows it’s a ticklish spot, he pulls me so I’m standing in front of him and he can get to it better. I start to giggle and try to squirm away, but he has his other arm wrapped around my chest. I’m stuck, and the harder I laugh the louder Connor’s giggles get. He can’t even see what Mitchell’s doing to me, but my laughter is contagious.

  Soon, we’re all laughing, and when Mitchell stops torturing me, I relax into his embrace. The grin on my face is so wide my cheeks kinda hurt. This is the type of family I wanted to have when I found out I was pregnant. I pray it continues because losing this now would tear my heart into unrecognizable pieces.

  Chapter 25

  Mitchell

  The next three weeks pass quickly, between work, the kids and their activities, and spending time with Hailey. Before I know it’s close, Evie’s recital weekend is upon us and I’m going to be forced into spending time with my ex. I want to watch Evie dance, but listening to Tabitha critique everything the kids do is not how I want to spend my Saturday. I’d much rather be with Hailey. Hailey, her son, and my kids would be even better.

  I’ve been waiting for Tabitha to say something about me dating, sure the kids would tell her the first time they saw her after Hailey and Connor came to our place for dinner. Surprisingly, there’s been nothing and she’s been civil the past couple times I’ve had to see her. I keep waiting for the real Tab to show up, but so far, it’s been nice.

  The auditorium is already filling up when I walk in, and I see a lot of the guys I’ve become friendly with since Evie and Sophie are friends. Plus, they all bring their cars to my shop now. It’s always a good idea to be friendly with your mechanic. We’re the ones who keep your vehicle running smoothly, which means less money coming out of your pocket for little things.

  There are a few seats free near them, so I go down and take one. Maybe the rest of the seats nearby will get filled and Tabitha will have to sit elsewhere. One can hope maybe.

  When they see me, Isaac and Caleb both reach out hands to clasp mine in greeting since they’re close, while the others raise hands or nod once to show they’ve seen me. The seats on either side of Isaac are open, so I take the one furthest away from their family, figuring the other is where Stacey is sitting. She’s probably back right now helping Sophie get into her costume.

  With the way Tabitha is, me going back to help Evie would make sense, but dance recitals are the one area where she turns into a perfectionist parent. She always wants Evie to look better than everyone else, probably because it makes her look good too.

  I’m listening to Isaac and his brothers discuss Will’s season this year, ribbing him about an interception he made in his last game when someone sits down beside me. Turning, I see Hailey’s bright smile.

  “Hi,” she says softly. “Is Evie excited for today?”

  I’m so surprised to see her I can’t respond immediately. Finally, I snap out of it to tell her, “Yeah, she called me last night and this morning to make sure I was still coming.” Shaking my head at the memory, I smile. “Like I’d ever miss one of her recitals.”

  Hailey lays her hand on top of mine where it rests on my thigh and squeezes. “She knows better than to think that. I’m sure the excitement and nerves were getting to her.” Her lips lift in a small smile. “All little girls want their dads to be there when they’re nervous. It helps, just knowing you’re here.”

  I return hers with
a smile of my own, then lean forward to greet the woman sitting beside her. “Hey, Riley. I didn’t expect to see you today.”

  The brunette shrugs one shoulder. “The girls told us about today’s recital a few weeks ago at brunch and we decided to come show our support. Plus, at least half these kids are my patients. It’s nice to see them in a setting when they aren’t mad because they’re seeing me the same day they have to get shots.” Her lips twist, but she laughs.

  A few minutes later, parents start coming out of the back to take their seats, so I know it’s almost time to start. The wives of some of the guys sitting here in our section stop to say hello to Hailey and Riley, and me too as they go past. Stacey leans down to hug both girls, then kisses me on the cheek as she squeezes by before Isaac pulls her down on his lap, smacking a loud kiss on her lips that makes her shriek and laugh.

  Everyone around us laughs, but I pray they haven’t gotten the attention of Tabitha. If she sees me, she’s going to come over, and with Hailey and I holding hands I know she’ll cause a scene.

  I haven’t seen her come out though, and it makes me worry she hasn’t gotten here yet. Was her car in the lot when I got here? I can’t remember. A soft hand lands on the one Hailey’s not touching, and I look over at Stacey. “Tabitha’s still back there with Evie. They were having trouble with the braid she was trying to put in her hair. It’s just like the one Sophie has, which is why Evie wanted it. She wouldn’t let me show her, or do it, and finally pulled up a video that got her started.”

  Stacey rolls her eyes, acting like it’s not that big a deal, but I groan inwardly. Tabitha’s always causing a problem. Why couldn’t she just let someone help her? It’s just a braid, not the cure for cancer.

  We sit chatting for a few more minutes before the rest of the parents come out, but by then the lights have lowered and it’s harder to see who’s sitting where. Luckily for me, Tabitha doesn’t come over here, so I relax as the owners of the studio come up on stage to greet everyone.

  Meredith steps forward first. “Good afternoon everyone. We’re so happy you’re here, and I know all the dancers backstage are thankful for your support. They’ve all worked hard, and I know they’re excited to show you what they’ve learned so far.”

  She’s still speaking when Hailey leans closer to me to whisper, “Why are they having a recital so early in the year? Aren’t recitals normally in the spring or early summer?”

  “This one is more, I guess, a practice recital. Competition season starts after the first of the year and having a smaller one early gets out some of the kids' nerves so they can focus better. Mostly, I think they just like being able to dress up and have everyone clap for them. The little kids especially.”

  Hailey nods as Meredith finishes her speech and introduces Jax, who blows her a kiss when she takes a step back to let him have the spotlight. “Thanks, Sweet Tart,” he says to her before turning his attention to all of us. “Welcome. We’re glad to have you all here today. I just want to tell you all to make sure you cheer loudly, but only after each performance is finished. Don’t randomly yell your child’s name when they come on stage because it distracts and flusters them. That’s when they make mistakes.”

  He looks toward the area where we’re all sitting and using his fingers, gestures from his eyes to our group. “I’m looking at you, Montgomerys.”

  The rest entire auditorium laughs, and I lean over to explain to Hailey, “Some members,” I point at Will and Meredith’s husband Mark, “like to single out their family members when they come out onto the stage, and last year, Sophie tripped when they yelled. I’m fairly sure they’re the reason Meredith and Jax do this early recital. To let them get out all their yelling before competition starts.”

  She giggles, and hearing what I’m saying, Isaac chuckles beside me too. Jax finishes up his speech, saying, “Enjoy! We’ll see you at the end.”

  They walk off the stage and a few moments later the first group of kids come out. These ones are about Connor’s age, and I hear Hailey’s quiet, “Awww,” when she sees them toddle out behind their teacher. “They’re so cute!”

  I turn my hand over and thread my fingers with hers, holding her hand like we’re teenagers on our first date but loving every moment of it. We watch the smallest kids do their dance, even though they’re basically just following whatever their teacher is doing. They have no clue if the moves they’re making are the right ones, which just makes them more charming.

  When they’re finished, the whole auditorium claps for them, and the little kids just wave at us all. They all have huge smiles on their faces, and the applause doesn’t stop until the last one leaves the stage. That means a lot of clapping because the last child goes in the opposite direction of everyone else and the teacher has to run after her. It makes everyone laugh, which is nice.

  There are two more groups before Evie and Sophie come on. They try hard not to look out into the audience to find their parents, but I can tell they’re struggling to stay strong. It’s kind of adorable.

  They start their routine and I’m a little in awe of Meredith and Jax. I don’t know how they come up with the choreography for these dances, but they manage to make each one unique. Not one of the groups today does the same routine or even one that’s similar. I don’t think I could manage that. But then, I didn’t choreograph dances for a megastar either the way they did. Not many people can do that. Their reputation is why Tabitha chose this school. I’m glad she did because Evie loves dance and this is the best school in Seattle, maybe the state.

  Once they finish their routine, the Montgomery crew all yells for Sophie, and they cheer along with me for Evie too. Hailey cheers for everyone, not wanting to single one out, I’m sure, since she teaches more than just Sophie and Evie. She and Riley both do this.

  The girls file off the stage and we watch the rest of the groups do their dances. Hailey’s entranced by them all if her soft gasps and sighs are anything to go by, but I’m impatient for it to be over now that Evie’s danced. I want to grab her and hug her, tell her what a good job she did and how proud I am of her.

  By the time the last dance finishes, I’m almost unable to sit still. The thigh our hands is resting on is bouncing up and down and I’m struggling to remain in my seat. The second Meredith and Jax finish thanking us for coming and saying how proud they are of all the dancers themselves, I’m out of my seat, dragging Hailey behind me.

  Normally, I would go backstage and see Evie, but since Hailey is with me, I stay up front, holding the flowers I brought for her in my free hand. I’m glad setting them on the floor at the edge of the floor where it met the next set of seats didn’t ruin them. I was afraid if I held them the whole time, I’d crush them while I waited to be able to give them to her.

  A person comes to stand beside me, but I pay them no attention, thinking it’s just another parent, but then she speaks, and I realize Tabitha’s been so far from my thoughts I forgot she was even here.

  “Did you just get here?” She asks it like it’s just a normal question, but I can feel the anger behind it.

  I make it a point not to look at her when I answer, not wanting to see the ire I’m sure is reflected in her expression. “No, I got here ten minutes or so before it started. I sat with the Montgomery’s.”

  “Oh,” she says snottily, put out because it’s one less reason to complain. “Who’s that?” I don’t know if she hasn’t looked close enough to recognize her, or if she’s forgotten what Hailey looks like, but I’m thankful either way. The last thing Evie needs is us to fight here in the company of all her classmates.

  Hailey stiffens beside me, and I know she’s waiting for the fireworks to start too. “My girlfriend,” I finally respond, praying my luck holds and it’s that she doesn’t realize who she is.

  Tabitha sniffs, and I know she’s lifting her nose higher in the air, thinking she’s much more important than she is. “Girlfriend? I didn’t realize you had any of those. I thought you were more the one-nigh
t stand type.” She’s trying to rile Hailey up, but she knows I haven’t slept with anyone since the day I met her, so it doesn’t work.

  Leaning around me, Tabitha holds out her hand to Hailey like she’s expecting her to take it and kiss the top. I roll my eyes at her ridiculousness but bite the inside of my cheek to keep from calling her on it. “Hello, girlfriend. I’m the wife.”

  Motherfucker.

  “Ex. Wife.” I bite out from between clenched teeth. Turning to glare at her, I wish I could smack the smug as fuck look off her face. She thinks she’s causing a problem, but if she realized who Hailey is, she’d know that’s impossible.

  Before she can try to stir the pot any further, Evie comes running out from behind the curtain. “Daddy!” she screeches, throwing herself in my arms and wrapping her arms tight around my neck.

  I stand, bringing her up with me. Evie wraps her legs around my waist as I spin her around. “I’m so proud of you, princess. You did such a great job.”

  “Thanks, Daddy,” she says, her words muffled because her face is buried in my neck.

  After twirling her around a few times, I put her down and turn her to face her mom. Tabitha hugs her too, murmuring something in her ear I can’t hear before she stands to her full height. “C’mon, Evie. We need to get going. I still have to pick Ben up at Charlie’s.”

  “But, Mommy…” Evie whines, face falling because she doesn’t want to leave just yet.

  We’re saved when Stacey steps over, her hand on Sophie’s shoulder. “Hey, Tab. Sophie wants to know if Evie can come home with us for a sleepover. They’re both so excited about today. I don’t think they’re ready for it to end yet.”

  At first, she looks like she’s going to say no. Evie and Sophie are both holding their hands up under their chins like they are praying and saying, “Please, please, please,” until finally Tabitha relents with a beleaguered sigh.