“I’m serious. I hear things. I know I’m not supposed to, but sometimes when I’m at my grandparents’ house. I listen when my grandmom and Aunt Izzy talk. My mom …”
“Ty, it’s okay. I’m not trying to take your mom’s place. No one could. Your dad and I are just friends. I don’t?—”
“I love my mom,” he whispers like it’s some kind of guilty secret. My heart breaks for him. I’m going to have to take Hunter aside and tell him he’s hurting his child and needs to straighten his shit up.
“I know you do, and you should. Mothers are…” I trail off. I’m not sure I’m equipped for this conversation. I have no idea what mothers are. Mine was never there for me or my dad.
“But she’s not a good person,” he whispers.
“Honey,” I almost whimper, the word torn from my soul. I don’t think I just wrap him up in my arms.
He pulls back slightly and looks at me. “I know Dad’s acting crazy, but he really likes you, Beau. If you give him a chance, he’ll show you he’s great. I promise.”
Holy shit.“Ty, it doesn’t work that way with couples. Sometimes no matter how great the two people are separately, they just don’t work out together, you know?” I wince as I try to explain things to him. The last thing I want to do is hurt him.
“Dad will prove to you he’ll make you happy. He’s awesome,” Ty says back, showing so much confidence in his father that I’m afraid his chest may burst. “Just talk to him, okay?” he asks earnestly.
I feel like my heart is stuck in my chest. I don’t know what to say to get Ty to understand. He’s just a kid and he loves his father. He’s also not wrong. Hunter is a great guy—when he’s not being an asshole. I need to find a way to pull him aside from his weird-ass I’m-the-better-man competition with Apex and let him know about Ty. If anything, this will help him see he needs to stop whatever he’s trying to do with me. With that in mind,there’s only one thing I can say to this little boy who is trying really hard to be an adult. Sadly, he’s also a kid that I’m getting attached to.Damn it all to heck.
“I’ll talk to him, Ty. I promise.”
“Good,” he says, and the relief I see on his face hits me hard.Shit. Shit. Shit.
“Now, I need something from you,” I tell him with a smile.
“What’s that?”
“How are you at shooting pool?” I ask him and I see his face perk up.
“I’m not as good as my grandpa, but I beat my dad most of the time,” he brags, chest puffed out.
“Cal!” I call out, briefly wondering where Torch and Apex went and deciding I don’t give a damn. I’m glad for the break.
“Yo, what’s up, Beau?” Cal asks over our long table as I stand up beside Ty and keep my hand on his shoulder.
“You get Slider. Ty’s my partner. Meet you at the pool tables.”
“Oh, you guys are going down,” Slider crows.
“In your dreams, Slider,” Ty laughs. “Beau and I are going to mop the floor with you two.”
I laugh. It seems Ty gets his confidence from his father.
“Go claim our table Ty and get the balls ready to break,” I tell him.
“You got it, Beau,” Ty says, running in front of us, Slider beside him.
“You hanging in there, Beau?” Cal asks.
“Where are the idiots?” I ask, figuring he knows exactly who I’m asking about.
“You won’t like it,” Cal grumbles.
“Tell me anyway.”
“He and Apex stepped outside. I figure they’re fighting.”
“Shit,” I mutter.
