So now getting my mom new health insurance has been added to my list of things I need to purchase once I have the money. I spoke to one insurance agent, but with my mom’s medical history, I was quoted ten thousand for the year. It’s going to have to happen soon, though, because she can’t get off her meds, especially since right now they seem to be working.

“It’s not your fault,” I tell Dedra. “Of course you need to be there for the birth of your grandchild.” My phone beeps with an incoming call. It’s my sister. I unlock the door and throw my purse down on the counter. “I just got home. I’m packing a bag, and I will be over there soon. Go ahead and go. Congratulations, Grandma!”

“Thank you, sweetie.”

We say goodbye, and I throw my phone onto the counter, frustrated that I need to be in so many places at once and I can’t do it all. Just as the phone hits the granite, it starts to ring again, the sound sending me over the edge I didn’t know I was standing so close to. “Fuck! Stop ringing!” I yell out loud, begging my phone to silence. When it doesn’t stop, my hand swipes at the offending device and it flies through the air, hitting the wood floor. It goes quiet for a second but then starts up again.

I walk around and pick it up, seriously contemplating shoving it into the garbage disposal, when Olivia makes her presence known.

“What did that phone ever do to you?” she jokes, but I can hear it in her voice, she’s concerned.

“I can’t make it to the charity event tonight. I’m sorry.” The phone starts to ring again. This time it’s Bianca. I send it to voicemail and silence my ringer.

“Is this about the cost of the plate? Because—”

“No!” I snap. “I need to go see my mom. She needs to have someone there with her at all times and Dedra’s daughter is having a baby. And the other nurse isn’t answering her phone. They can’t find another nurse last minute, and even if they could, it would cost a damn fortune! She just lives so far! I can’t be everywhere at once! Once I sell her house and move her into an apartment with me it will make things a lot easier.” My mouth finally stops moving as I pause to take a deep breath. My mind plays back everything I just said, and I quickly realize—too late, of course—I just word-vomited all over Olivia.

She stares at me for a second, clearly shocked I just told her more about my life in those fifteen seconds than I have in the last year. “You put your parents’ house up for sale? You never mentioned that.” Olivia shifts Reed on her hip, but he squirms wanting down, so she sets him on the floor. He crawls over to his toys and starts to play.

“It’s no big deal.” I wave her off.

“Umm…yeah, it is. You grew up in that home.”

“It is what it is.” I nod toward my room. “I need to go pack a bag to take to my mom’s. I’m really sorry I can’t make it tonight.” I start to head to my room when Olivia calls my name.

“You know I’m here for you, right?”

“Of course,” I say, turning around and plastering a fake smile on my face.

“Just because I’m with Nick doesn’t mean you’re not still my best friend.” My thoughts go back to what Killian said about her putting me before Nick, and the words are out before I can take them back.

“Actually, Livi, that’s exactly what it means,” I say honestly. “And that’s how it should be. Things have changed. You had a baby, and you’re engaged to be married. I’m no longer your problem to deal with.”

“Why would you say that? You’ve never been a problem. You’re my best friend.”

“Why haven’t you moved in with Nick yet?”

“I told you we’re taking things slow.”

“No, you’re not. You’re only living here because I told you I wouldn’t live here without you if you moved, and you know I can’t afford to live in the city on what my internship pays me.” My voice elevates with frustration, and Olivia flinches.

“I don’t mind keeping the place for you.”

“I mind!” I yell a beat too loudly, then lower my voice so I don’t upset Reed. “I mind you paying for a place for me to live when you won’t even be here. It’s not your job to take care of me.”

“I love you.” She sniffles. “I don’t know what I’ve done wrong, but I can’t fix it if you don’t tell me.” Tears fall down her cheeks, and I hate myself for being the cause of her crying.

“You didn’t do anything wrong.” I step toward her as the front door opens and in walks Nick.

Tags: Nikki Ash Imperfect Love Romance
Source: readsnovelonline.net