Chapter 27: Potholes in the Road

THEO

Every conversation we had almost turned into an argument. I thought Nadia was holding back, and it was building up.

She was going to explode, and it would cause damage, so I was hoping today’s therapy session would go well.

“Nadia, Theo?”

We both jumped up to follow the doctor into the room.

“Take a seat and we’ll get started. I’m Dr. Williams, and thank you for joining us, Theo.”

“Anything for Nadia,” I responded.

“Today, we’ll be talking about your relationship. How did you meet each other?”

“Through work,” Nadia quickly answered.

I looked over at her and then back at the doctor. “We’re writers, and we had an assignment that required us to pretend to be married so we could review honeymoon destinations across the country.”

“Do you feel this forced you together?” Dr. Williams asked.

“I think it gave Nadia and me a chance to get to know each other,” I said.

“What do you think, Nadia?” Dr. Williams asked.

“I don’t think it forced us together. I think it forced me to let someone else into my life when I wasn’t completely ready,” Nadia replied.

“How does it feel to have Theo in your life now?” Dr. Williams asked.

“Amazing and terrifying. I love him and he’s great with Nathan, but there is so much that I don’t know, and it scares me,” Nadia said.

“I don’t know how long this will last or when he’s going to leave, and I can’t handle that. I would rather push him out than give him a chance to hurt me.”

“I try to destroy it, but then I don’t want to, and it creates a problem. I know I’m the problem. I don’t need you telling me this. I need help fixing this.”

Nadia turned to look at me. “I need help fixing this because I love you and I don’t want to be the reason you leave me. I don’t want to be that fucked-up girl that won’t let people love her,” she said.

I knelt down next to her seat and held her hands. “I love you, and I’m willing to fight for you. I won’t leave you because I’m frustrated. I love you and I’m in this for the long haul.”

“I think this was a good breakthrough for you, Nadia. I want you to spend the next few weeks pushing yourself to be more of a couple than two individuals living together. It won’t be easy, but I need you to at least try.”

“I’ll be officially meeting his family this week. I think that might help.”

“I think it will too. If you get overwhelmed, remember it’s okay to take a step back and take some time for yourself.”

The only person I worried about Nadia meeting was Sterling. He had become such an asshole when it came to dating.

Julie broke him, and now he didn’t trust anyone he dated.

***

Since Nadia had that breakdown, things had been better. She spent more time explaining her feelings instead of shutting me out.

I was glad she changed in time for this trip to see my family. I booked a hotel room with an adjoining room because I didn’t think it was fair for us to be piled into someone’s house.

We saved money and drove the few hours it would take to get to the town where most of my siblings lived. Winston would go with us over the next week, so Nadia would have the chance to meet everyone.

Three of us stood outside waiting for Etta to answer the door.

“I am so sorry,” Etta blurted out as she opened the door.

“What took you so long?”

“I fell asleep for like two minutes, and Caroline made a mess. You’ll see once you come in.”

Apparently, Carrie had gotten into the flour, and it was everywhere. Even poor little Noah was covered in flour.

I turned to Etta. “Let me introduce you to Nadia and her brother, Nathan, before I help you clean this up.”

“It’s nice to meet you guys.”

Etta pulled Nadia into a hug before doing the same to Nate. “I’m usually not this disorganized, but this pregnancy is kicking my butt and Caroline isn’t making things easier.”

“Where is Reece?” I asked.

“He had court today. He’ll be here this afternoon. Why don’t the three of you have a seat while I clean this up?”

“I’ll help you, and Theo and Nathan can take these kids outside to play.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want to put you to work.”

“I’m offering, so don’t worry about it.”

Etta looked at me. “I don’t mind. I thought Nathan and I could take the kids for a walk around the block.”

“You guys are lifesavers. I’ll clean Noah up and make sure Caroline cleans herself, and then you can leave.”

“Thanks for helping her.”

“It wasn’t a problem. They’d helped me without even meeting me. It was the least I could do. I owed a lot to them.”

“They didn’t keep tabs. Etta and Reece liked helping people. That was who they were.”

“I know, but I wouldn’t have had Nathan if it wasn’t for them.”

I pulled Nadia to me and kissed her.

“Can you guys chill on the PDA?” Nathan groaned.

I let out a laugh because I had forgotten Nathan was still in the room. “I like you, but I don’t want to see you kissing my sister.”

“Sorry. I’ll save it for when you’re not around.”

“Park!”

Caroline screamed, coming down the stairs.

“Is that what you want?” I asked.

“Yes.”

“I guess we’re going to the park, then.”