The Ties That Bind

chapter eight

o l i v i a

Clothes. Check.

Toiletries. Check.

Electronics. Check. And...

Prenatal vitamins. Check.

All set for my mini trip to my hometown. Parker and the team left for New Jersey early this morning left early this morning. Harrison will be driving me later this afternoon.

I could barely sleep last night. I've been too excited and anxious for dinner with my family. We haven't been on the best terms as of late, and I don't want to ruin whatever's left of our already rocky relationship. Throw Parker into the mix and things will surely be interesting.

When I spoke to my parents last night, they insisted that I stay the night at their house. I was planning to sleep at a hotel, but they called that a ridiculous decision. That's my parents for you. I don't exactly know what fueled my desire to go back home, maybe I'm hoping that I can repair my relationship with my parents and sisters before the baby comes.

I also want to introduce them to Parker, also known as the father of my child. I'm sure my parents will be thrilled about that. When I told them I was bringing someone, they weren't excited like most parents would be, but they weren't displeased either. I'll take it.

They'll be shocked to open the front door to leading center Parker Baylor standing on their porch. To prepare myself for their endless questions about our relationship, I practiced potential conversations in my head, last night.

"How long have you two been dating?" They'd ask.

Funny story! A few days, but you can't forget about our rendezvous night.

"Where'd you meet?"

In a bar...

"Parker, what's your salary?"

I know it might sound crazy to ask someone you just met that, but I wouldn't be surprised if a question like that came out of their mouths.

Even after their interrogation session, they will probably think I convinced or paid Parker to accompany me to dinner to impress them. We'll see what tomorrow has in store for us...

________________________

"Hello, Harrison," I greet him.

He opens the door of the towns car for me and grabs the Louis Vuitton duffel from me as I slide into the back seat. While Harrison drives, I watch as the bright lights of New York City fade into small dots. My parents always ask me how I can live in such a busy city. But that's one of the reasons I love it here—the bustling streets, the unique people I meet every day, the entire atmosphere.

I picture Parker and I enjoying a morning walk through Central Park—him pushing the stroller, while I loop my arm through his. I picture me and our son or daughter wearing jerseys with his name and number on it, cheering him on at every game. I picture us skating outdoors at Rockefeller Center. If only...

During the ride, my stomach grumbles. My thoughts immediately go to a nice slice of pepperoni pizza dipped in Nutella. Pregnancy cravings are most certainly real.

But before I start drooling about pizza, Harrison turns into the driveway of my house. He turns around and smiles at me. "You're home, Miss Olivia."

He assists me with my baggage, carrying it to the front door for me. "Thank you for your service, Harrison."

"Of course. I'm a call away if you need a ride home." With that, he heads back to the car.