Perfect by Design

7: Aaliyah James

Spencer

"Ma, you need to call her. She'll listen to you. Telling Aaliyah the full story is a huge mistake. I know it."

"Maybe it isn't, honey. You need to trust that your wife knows what she's doing!"

"She's not thinking straight! She's just running on fear right now. Aaliyah won't understand. She already feels like she's less of Olivia's than Gray, Ki, and Luca."

"So this will help her see that Liv chose to be her mom."

Why is no one listening to me? I've been on the receiving end of this news before, and it's not news that you take well. Trust me; I've lived it.

"I don't know, mom. I agree with Spence on this one."

"Capri? What are you doing at home?"

"Dillon's fiancé was wedding dress shopping this weekend. I fly back to LA tomorrow. You should really talk to your family more, big bro."

Honestly, I've never even met Dillon's fiancé, so she's not wrong.

"We're not focused on you being a shit brother right now, though. For once, I think you have a point. We should mark this day on the calendar."

"Capri, enough." My mom scolds, but I hear the chuckle she tries to hide.

"All I'm saying is, and make no mistake, Liv is absolutely my favorite sibling, but she didn't choose Aaliyah. Not initially, at least. And when they tell her the full story, that's all she'll hear. It's all Spencer heard."

"That almost broke me, and I'm not a hormonal sixteen year old. It's too much for her to handle."

"I'm sorry, son, but I agree with Liv. It's her truth, and she deserves it. Liv also deserves to be the one to share it."

"On second thought, don't call Olivia. I don't need you egging her on. Thanks for absolutely nothing, ma. Love you."

"Love you too, son. Even if you are being a sarcastic asshole."

I disconnect from my mom and finish the rest of my drive home. Kiara, Olivia, and Aaliyah are at the studio. Hopefully, dancing is giving Olivia her sanity back, and she's realizing we don't need to blow up our lives like this.

The entire situation has me so distracted I almost forget that I need to pick up the boys from Jordan's. That's a whole separate issue. The Baker twins are trying to drive me insane.

Two little people attack my legs the moment I walk into the house. I scoop both kiddos up and make my way into the kitchen, where I find Kia standing by the stove. Whatever she's making smells amazing. It's definitely better than the smell of air that will greet us when we walk into our house.

"Hey, Spence!" She walks over and hugs me. "I assume Jordan isn't far behind you."

Kill me now. Where the hell is Jordan? We should've left practice at the same time.

"Coaches were in some heated discussion when I left, but I'm sure he'll be home soon." I throw out a quick lie.

She just stares at me for a moment. I can't read the expression that passes over her face.

Mason reaches for her, and she smiles briefly before taking him. In passing, I notice her bare ring finger. I have to get out of here.

"The kids are up in the playroom. I'll go get them."

"It's fine, Kia. I texted Grayson that I was here, so they should be down any minute."

I've never experienced such uncomfortable silence in my life. I'm itching to say literally anything, and that's when something stupid will come out of my mouth, so instead, I focus extra hard on being quiet.