“Nah, they already did that, but we have to herd them to a different pasture where they’ll be for about a month or so. And I think Ryker’s getting some more head in next week. That’s what he was telling Dusty.”
I don’t remember the last time we had a conversation this long. He was sullen over the weekend again, not saying much of anything, butnow he’s animated, and obviously excited to get to work, and it fills me with so much hope, I’m almost bursting with it.
It’s amazing what one week can do for a person.
“I’m going to get some gas really quick,” I inform Aiden as I pull into a filling station.
“I’ll run in and get some snacks for later,” he says, hopping out of the car.
“Do you need cash?”
“Nah, I have some money.” He almost has a spring in his step as he walks inside.
When I’ve finished filling the gas tank, I pull into a parking space closer to the door to wait for my kid. It’s taking him longer than I would have thought, but maybe he’s agonizing over his snack choices. I can relate to that. Sometimes, it’s hard to decide what you want.
However, when it’s been more than ten minutes, I lock the car and walk inside, only to find my boy throwing a punch at another kid.
“Aiden!” With my heart in my throat, I run to him just as the boys turn in a circle, and the other kid’s elbow catches me in the chin, making me see stars and my teeth clack together.
Ouch.
“Holy fuck,” someone says as I fall on my ass.
“You son of a bitch,” I hear Aiden say, but I hold up my hand.
“Stop.” My voice is firm and leaves no room for arguments. “I mean it.”
“I’ve called the cops,” the person behind the counter says. “Should be here in a sec.”
Aiden helps me to my feet, and I scowl when I see that he already has a black eye.
“Baby,” I say, but he pulls out of my reach, and his brow furrows.
“Baby,” the kid taunts, and I glare at him.
“Enough,” I bark.
The cops have already pulled up outside. Where were they, down the street getting donuts for breakfast?
Quickly, I pull my phone out of my pocket and text Ryker, keeping one eye on the cops.
Me:Hey, running late. Got delayed at the gas station. Will be there ASAP.
He replies almost immediately.
Ryker:Just be safe. No rush.
I shove my phone in my pocket as the two officers walk inside, and they give my kid the stink eye.
All in all, it takes fifteen minutes for the officers to give the boys a firm talking-to and send us all on our way. The happy kid that I had in my car this morning is long gone, replaced by the broody, angry boy that I’ve become used to.
“Hey, it’s okay,” I tell him and wince when I see how swollen his eye is. “We’ll get some ice on that.”
“I’m fine.”
“What made you guys throw punches, anyway?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
