TJ holds his hands up in a surrendering motion. He turns his body blocking everyone from view.
Not to protect me. To protect himself. His reputation.
I was blind before. I hadn’t seen what was right in front of me. The way he was always overly affectionate in public and resigned in private. It was all about image.
“It’s hardly pretend, Al.” He gives a charming smile when he huffs out a laugh. Ever the actor. “Listen, I know I've had a lot going on. I’m sorry I missed my weekends. That’s why I have a plan to make it up to you. To Hudson.”
I roll my eyes and wait for the punchline.
“Iron Ridge Amusement Park.” TJ grins. It falters slightly when I only stare. He shifts his weight from foot to foot. “For his tenth birthday next month. You get a break from the kid, and he gets to have fun.”
“I don’t need a break from Hudson. I enjoy spending time with him; in fact I love it. I lovehim.” I roll my lips. Trying to make selfless decisions for my son wasn’t difficult. How could I stand in the way of Hudson’s chance for a real relationship with his dad?
Trusting him into TJs care was tough. He was at the very least unreliable.
But he was entitled to every other weekend and a month in the summer per the custody terms in our divorce.
Would Hudson resent me if I didn’t give him this chance to reconnect with his dad? To be a part of his sibling's life?
“I know you do. Why don’t you come too?” He trails a finger down my arm. “The whole weekend at the amusement park. We’ll stay at the hotel there.”
My head rears back. I take a step back.
“Is that what this is about? Because there are too many reasons why that would never happen.” My voice is dripping with disbelief.
“No, I’m sorry. I don’t… I can’t help it, ok?” He shoves his hands in his pockets. His eyes find a spot over my head that he stares at as he asks, “So, am I getting Hudson this weekend or not?”
“Okay. I think it could be fun for him.But—I’ll need to make sure that’s how he wants to spend his birthday first,” I nod. TJ exhales audibly, stopping short when I hold up my index finger. “As long as you don’t tell him about the baby without me. We should do that as a family, so it’s not a bomb dropped in his lap.”
TJs brows furrow. He opens his mouth to argue but thinks better of it. His lips press into a firm line, before nodding in agreement.
“I’ll be coming by to tell Hudson.” TJ tells me before turning and stalking down the hall.
“No need!” I call after him.
When my eyes leave his back, I notice Tony’s wife watching him with interest. She takes a step to the right, into TJs path and puts on a flirty smile.
It quickly falls as he side-steps her. The quick whisper in her ear and his fingertips trailing her waist as he passes her don’t escape my notice.
I turn and head down the side hall to leave. I'm nearly to the exit door when I feel a warm presence at my back.
“Come on, Darlin. Let’s get outta here.” He tucks me close under his arm, and I wind my arm around his waist.
We walked together like that to the hotel bar where we planned to meet up with Roman and Emalyn. She’s already there with a bottle of champagne and appetizers being placed on the table.
“Get over here, bitch!” She waves me over earning herself a few glances and odd looks from the surrounding people. “I got your favourite!”
A smile forms on my lips as she shakes the basket enticingly.
Tate’s hand squeezes my shoulder once before he drops his arm. Emalyn tracks the movement but doesn’t comment. Just shoots me a secret wink that has my cheeks aflame.
I flush deeper as Tate pulls my chair out for me, gaze never leaving mine and settles into the one beside me.
Emalyn's eyes flick between us, a knowing smirk on her lips.
“So, Alli, how did my little present fit?” Emalyn asks.
I choke on my water. My wide eyes shoot a glance over to Tate, who just looks amused.
