I nod my head.
“Well, there yeah go.” She slaps her hand off her knee like she just had the best idea in the world. “Let’s go make Daddy jealous, baby.”
38
Brad
“You okay there, buddy?” Kev punches me lightly in the shoulder, successfully bringing me back to the present. “You’ve been twitchy all night.”
Veronica laughs beside me, patting me softly on the chest. “He’s been feeling a little off all week. I think he might’ve caught a little bug or something.”
Kev gasps. “Oh, no kissing me then.” He crosses his fingers in front of his lips, warding me off like some type of vampire.
I give him a stiff laugh as I nod my head.
He’s not the one my lips are wanting to touch tonight.
The noise around me blurs as my eyes flicker around us. The noise of screaming kids on rides, the bright flickering lightbulbs above us, and bustle from people walking past us is so much to take in.
Especially when I’m just trying to seeoneperson.
Vee, Kev and I are standing beside the beer tent with Paislee. I volunteered to be the designated driver since having drinks right now isn’t the best idea for me.
Not when I’m trying to be vigilant and aware.
I just want to see his face.Just once.
One week and I feel like I’m going through withdrawals. I’m so damn angry at him, but seeing his face would be a godsend.
“It’s weird seeing you without your little sidekick. How’s the kid nowadays?” Kev smiles.
“Noah? Yeah, uh…he’s good.” I scratch the back of my neck.
Vee rolls her eyes, pushing Paislee back and forth in her stroller. “Yeah, no. Noah has royally fucked off. He’s on one of his rampages again. Disappearing like he always does.” She shrugs, like it’s not the worst thing that could ever fucking happen. I can see where he gets his indifference from.
Fine, I guess I’m the only one who gives a shit.
I clench my jaw and focus on breathing steadily.
‘What if he was hurt, Veronica?” I snap.
Dammit, I didn’t mean for it to come out like that.
Veronica huffs out an awkward laugh. “I mean, I wouldn’t want that but I highly doubt it.” She pinches her eyebrows together, looking me over. “Noah is a big boy, Brad. He can handle himself.”
Kev tilts his beer to his lips, eyebrows shooting up as he looks warily between the two of us.
I feel a rush of embarrassment flood my veins. Looking down at my feet, I awkwardly step side to side.
“No, I know.” I shake my head, folding my arms across my chest. “Of course he can. Sorry.”
“Looks like you’ve fully stepped into your step-daddy shoes.” Kev grabs my shoulder, giving it a squeeze. “You’ve got your hands full, don't you?” He jokes.
He doesn’t know half of it.
“Oh! There you go. See, I told you he was fine.” Veronica throws her hands up by her side, exhausted as she looks over my shoulder.
I quickly whip my head around to see what she’s mentioning.
